Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements - Medical School Information Technology (2024)

Overview

• Any computer used for official Medical School business (UTHealth property or otherwise) must meet the following requirements for hardware and software.
• MSIT reserves the right to refuse service to any computer which does not meet the minimum requirements, or is out of warranty, at the LAN Manager’s discretion.
• Exceptions to the minimum requirements may be made for certain research computers, at the discretion of the LAN Manager.
• Contact your Lan Manager to arrange for the purchase of any desktops, laptops, or tablets including iPads.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Windows Based Computers

• Intel i5 Processor
• 16 GB RAM
• 256 GB or greater hard drive storage
• Screen Size: 24” or more (desktops), or 13″ or more (laptops), with recommended resolution of 1920 x 1080
• Graphics Card: 512 MB minimum, 2 GB or more preferred
• 1 GB+ NIC and/or Intel 802.11ac (or newer) Wireless Network Card
• Security Cable (recommended for laptops)
• 4-year extended warranty with on-site service required for all computer hardware; exceptions require LAN Manager approval

Macintosh Based Computers

• Intel i5 or M1 Processor.
• 16 GB RAM.
• 256 GB or greater hard drive storage.
• Screen Size: 24” or more (desktops), or 13″ or more (laptops), with recommended resolution of 1920 x 1080.
• Graphics Card: 256 MB minimum, 2 GB or more preferred.
• 1 GB+ NIC and/or Intel 802.11ac (or newer) Wireless Network Card
• Security Cable (recommended for laptops)
• 4-year Apple Care extended warranty with on-site service required for all computer hardware; exceptions require LAN Manager approval.

Software Requirements

Windows Based Computers

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10. Windows 11 is being tested but is permitted with LAN manager approval. Older operating systems no longer permitted.
• Antivirus Software: Microsoft Defender ATP required.
• Encryption: Bitlocker required on all Windows based computers using full disk encryption (FDE) with TPM. support; exemptions granted only in limited instances for specified research device-based computers, where encryption would otherwise be prohibitive.

Macintosh Based Computers

• Operating System: Mac OS 12.2 (Monterey) or newer; Older operating systems no longer permitted.
• Antivirus Software: Microsoft Defender ATP required.
• Encryption: FileVault 2 required on all Apple computers; exemptions granted only in limited instances for specified research device-based computers, where encryption would otherwise be prohibitive.