Laptop Computer
All IU School of Medicine medical students are required to have a personal laptop for classroom purposes. While tablets may be used for general and personal tasks, they do not meet the minimum requirements for all systems used at IU School of Medicine. A Windows or Mac laptop that meets the requirements below is necessary for medical education course work.
Several computer programs and web-based applications are required for medical education. To use these applications, students must ensure that personal laptops for education meet the minimum requirements. For existing laptops, ensure that the computer meets the minimum requirements in the list below. If purchasing a new laptop, it is strongly recommended that the computer meets the optimal requirements. These requirements are based on applications used in IU School of Medicine courses statewide. Campuses or departments might make use of other computer programs or web-based applications. Be sure to check with campus contacts and academic instructors for any other requirements.
Minimum computer requirements
Windows
- Laptop
- Webcam
- Microphone and speakers
- Operating System: 64-bit versions of Windows 11
- Supported versions of Windows 11: Windows 11 23H2, Windows 11 24H2, and Windows 11 25H2.
- Alternate versions of Windows 11, such as Windows RT and 11 S, are NOT supported by ExamSoft
- No tablet computers allowed (e.g., Galaxy Tab)
- Memory: 8GB (optimal, 16GB)
- Hard drive: 128 SSD or 500GB
- Processor: i5 (any generation) with 2.0 GHz+
- Screen: 13″
- Wi-Fi capable: 802.11g/n
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- Latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edg
Mac
- Laptop
- Webcam
- Microphone and speakers
- Operating System: macOS 15 Sequoia 15.7
- No tablet computers allowed (e.g., iPad)
- Memory: 8GB (optimal 16GB)
- Hard drive: 128 SSD or 500 GB
- Processor: i5 (any generation) with 2.0 GHz+
- Screen: 13”
- Wi-Fi capable: 802.11g/n
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- Latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari
Hardware Deals by Vendor
IU School of Medicine students have access to discounted hardware.
An IU Network ID is required on some sites in order to view discounted prices. Students should not unnecessarily order software from vendor sites when purchasing hardware, as many products are available as free downloads to IU students, faculty, and staff via IUware, and on disc at campus bookstores.
IU School of Medicine Student Access to Software
IU School of Medicine students are eligible for free downloads of many software packages, including those offered by Adobe and Microsoft, as well as antivirus products at IUWare. Medical students do not need to purchase any Microsoft packages (such as a trial version or student edition).