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Student Computer Requirements

Students entering the School of Dentistry in the Dental and Dental Hygiene programs are required to have a computer to rely on e-mail, the Internet, digital media, and other instructional technologies to complement and enhance the educational program.

Specifications

The computer may be a desktop or laptop, so long as it meets the minimum configuration standards for the University. If you already own a computer, you do not have to purchase a new one so long as the configuration standards are met. Please go to VCU's Student Computer Initiative website for specifications.

Purchasing a Computer

The School of Dentistry has negotiated a special arrangement for laptop purchases with Dell Computer Corporation for our students. The package includes discount pricing not available to private customers and an extended four-year warranty for new laptops. We have set the pricing for student laptops to be well within student financial aid computer allowances. As an added incentive, the Information Systems office at the School of Dentistry will service Dell laptops that you purchase through this program with Dell to minimize disruption in availability of laptop computers to Dentistry students. We do not service any student computers purchased outside this program. Click here for details about the Dell laptop purchase program.

If you do not want to participate in the Dell Laptop Purchase Program, you may utilize any commercial vendor. Visit the web address VCU's Student Computer Initiative Site to learn more about purchase or lease information. The basic machine may require certain upgrades, such as a modem or network card, to meet our specifications. Please note that the VCU Dell Laptop Purchase Program differs from the VCU School of Dentistry Laptop Purchase Program.

Required Software

Microsoft Office Professional is required. This software can be purchased at a significant discount from VCU.

VCU students, faculty, and staff can order software at a significant educational discount from JourneyEd.

VCU offers some free downloadable software to students, faculty and staff with a valid eID (to learn more about eIDs visit this page). To see a list with links to the software, visit the software downloads page.

You will also need a virus protection program. Sophos Anti-virus software is available for download at no cost to VCU students, faculty and staff for use on university and home computers at VCU's Technology Services website.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, RealPlayer, and Adobe Acrobat Reader are also required. RealPlayer is available here.

Financial Aid for Computers

Questions about financial aid may be answered by going to VCU's Financial Aid website.

Wireless Network and Off-Campus Access

There is free wireless internet access available throughout the School of Dentistry, VCU Residence Halls, and most areas throughout the VCU campus. Most new computers are equipped with a wireless network card. Visit the Wireless Networking at VCU web site for more information.

If you plan to access the VCU network from off-campus, such as in your home or apartment, you will need two things: a network card or modem, and an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that services your area.