UCSD - The Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies

Computer Services

2006 Student Computing Requirements
Technology is an integral part of the curriculum at IR/PS. The School has supported a student computer lab since its founding. We have recently transitioned to an environment where the school provides an infrastructure to enable students to fulfill their assignments using their own computer, preferably a notebook or laptop style computer. More work space has been opened up for students to use their notebooks in the lab and the IR/PS Library and still be connected to the Internet. The new electronic classroom enables class members to connect their computer to a high-speed network right from their seat. Now, all classrooms, seminar rooms, and study areas allow students to access the campus network and the Internet through wireless connections.

All students are required to have access to their own computer for use at IR/PS. We strongly recommend you purchase a new notebook computer to satisfy this requirement.

Below are guidelines to help you make your purchase.

Additional Computer Resources

Student Computing Requirements

Software Downloads

Recommended Configuration
Beginning in 2004, IR/PS has partnered with Sony e-Solutions Company to configure several notebook computer models to our specifications especially for UCSD graduate school students and at a special discounted price. If you choose to purchase one of these "UCSD Grad School" special models, it will be built to IR/PS specifications and delivered directly to the school for final set-up. You can pick up your new computer during orientation in September (or August, for Prep participants). This model is guaranteed to meet UCSD's new stringent network requirements as well as have the basic software you will need at IR/PS. Should you choose to bring another model to IR/PS, you will be responsible for making sure it meets the minimum requirements outlined below before it is allowed to connect to the UCSD network.

While we are committed to an open, cross platform computer environment, our experience has shown that bringing an less-than-capable computer to IR/PS severly hinders a student's ability to perform at his or her best in the extremely competitive environment. Older models, hand-me-downs, the laptop you used as an undergrad: you may have a soft spot in your heart for them. But we highly recommend that you purchase a new notebook for use at IR/PS and that it be the model we recommend here. Not only will you start out with a new computer, but you will have the full support of our IT team while you are here. (We can only support non-recommended computers on a time-available basis.)

The following chart shows the specifications of the UCSD Grad School model and the minimum specifications of any alternate you may wish to bring instead of purchasing this model. If your alternate computer does not meet these minimum requirements, you will be required to purchase one of the UCSD Grad School models.

2006 Laptop PC Specifications

Hardware Specification	Sony UCSD Grad Special	Minimum Windows	Minimum Macintosh
Processor	Pentium M or Core Duo (Depending on model)	Pentium M or Core Duo	PowerPC G4 or Core Duo
Screen	13.3-in WXGA LCD with XBrite (Larger models available.)	13-in active matrix LCD	13-in active matrix LCD
External Video	SVGA 800x600	SVGA 800x600	SVGA 800x600
Memory (RAM)	512 Megabytes 1 Gigabyte preferred	512 Megabytes 1 Gigabyte preferred	512 Megabytes 1 Gigabyte preferred
Storage (Hard Drive)	40 Gigabytes and larger	40 Gigabytes	40 Gigabytes
Optical Drive	DVD�RW	DVD-ROM/CD-R	DVD-ROM/CD-R
Modem	V.90 standard 56 KBps	V.90 standard 56 KBps	V.90 standard 56 KBps
Networking	10/100 Megabit Ethernet	10/100 Megabit Ethernet	10/100 Megabit Ethernet
Wireless	802.11b/g	802.11b/g	802.11b/g
Security features	Fingerprint scanner	N/A	N/A
Videoconferencing	Built-in camera	N/A	Optional
Warranty	Two-year service coverage Plus accidental damage	Coverage through June 2008	Coverage through June 2008

Software Specification	Sony UCSD Grad Special	Minimum Windows	Minimum Macintosh
Operating System	MS Windows XP Pro, SP 2	MS Windows XP Pro, SP 2 (not Home Edition)	MacOS X 10.4
Productivity	MS Office 2003	MS Office 2003 Must include PowerPoint (See Note 1)	MS Office 2004 (See Note 1)
Virus Scan	Sophos Anti-Virus	Any current software (See Note 4)	Any current software (See Note 4)
Note 1: MS Office includes Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Purchase MS Office Education version at UCSD Bookstore. Be sure Powerpoint is included with your purchase. Not sufficient for use at IR/PS: WordPerfect, MS Works, AppleWorks, Apple Pages Note 2: IR/PS will supply the following free or specially licensed software: Sophos Anti-Virus, Mozilla Navigator or Firefox, Acrobat Reader, Stuffit Expander, FirstClass email client, lab printer drivers. Note 3: Some classes will require purchasing specialty software. Note 4: To meet new UCSD Network Connection Minimum Standards, the operating system, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software must have current updates installed. A firewall program must be installed and activated.

Contacts
Questions about this page and IR/PS's Student Computing Requirements should be directed to Gary Hoffman (ghoffman@ucsd.edu), Computing Services Manager, (858) 534-1989, or Stu Motter (smotter@ucsd.edu), Computer Lab Manager, (858) 534-7733.