Computer Requirements for Incoming Medical Students

All entering medical students are required to have a laptop computer. 

All notes and handouts are electronic, and all written exams are given electronically using ExamSoft. Either a Mac or a Window-based laptop is REQUIRED to run ExamSoft.

The recommended configurations are based on University at Buffalo’s recommendations for all students as modified by the medical school's Office of Medical Computing.

Minimum Recommendations: Windows Laptop Computers

Check Your Current Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum 32GB
    • Recommended: 32GB   
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum 512GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: Ethernet port
  • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) (S mode is not recommended)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

Buy a New Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum: 32GB
    • Recommended: 32GB
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum: solid state 512GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port OR USB to Ethernet adapter (optional)
  • Wireless: 802.11ac
  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) (S mode is not recommended)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

(Standards last updated November 8, 2024)

Minimum Recommendations: Apple Laptop Computers

Check Your Current Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum 16GB
    • Recommended 16GB   
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum 512GB
    • Recommended 512GB
  • Network Port: Ethernet Port
  • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
  • OS: Minimum Mac OS 15 (Sequoia)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

Buy a New Computer

  • Memory:
    • Minimum: 16GB (RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase)
    • Recommended: 16GB
  • Hard Drive:
    • Minimum: solid state 512GB
    • Recommended: 512GB
  • Network Port: Purchase an appropriate adapter (optional)
  • Wireless: 802.11ac
  • OS: Minimum Mac OS 15 (Sequoia)
  • Webcam: Essential
  • Headphones/earphones: Recommended

(Standards last updated November 8, 2024)

Tablets

Some current members of the first year (Class of 2023) use iPads for displaying and taking notes during class. A very few other students use Android-based tablets in class, but tablets cannot be used with ExamSoft.

Tablets can only be used in addition to a standard laptop device. You might consider the Microsoft Surface (or a PC-tablet combo device) if you want to have a laptop that will also function as a touch screen tablet.

The Surface Pro 1, 2, 3, and 4 are compatible with ExamSoft. A keyboard and an Ethernet adapter will also be needed.

Software

All required software, including Microsoft Office, is available at no charge to UB students through UB Information Technology. Some, like Examsoft, you will receive directions from school once you are here to download. Required web browsers for use with ExamSoft are Firefox or Chrome.