Laptop Requirement
All incoming TCSVM students are required to have a laptop computer which runs Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS, can access the vet school's wireless network, and meets the minimum specifications listed below. These computers will be used for research, computer-based exams, and in-class participation.
Financial Aid
Students who will be seeking financial aid should be aware that the cost of a laptop computer, up to certain limits, can be added to the student's budget for purposes of computing financial aid under the guidelines of the U.S. Office of Education. If you have questions about the financial aid application process, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 508-839-8733 for detailed information, before purchasing your laptop.
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Special Laptop Pricing
Tufts University has negotiated discounted prices for laptops with certain vendors. Please view the recommended hardware and software list before you make your purchase.
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Minimum and Recommended Hardware/Software
If you already own a laptop, or you choose not to buy a laptop from one of our preferred vendors, you should consider these minimum and recommended specifications. These specifications are designed so that you will be able to use your computer effectively in your education at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Hardware
| Component |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Hard Drive |
40 GB (5400 RPM) |
100 GB or higher (7200 RPM) |
| Optical Drive |
DVD-ROM |
CD/DVD Burner |
| Memory |
512 MB |
2 GB or higher |
| Processor Speed (Dual Core) |
1.6 GHZ |
2.0 GHZ or higher |
| Video Card |
128 MB video memory |
256 MB or higher video memory |
Software
NOTE: DVM Students
The first year histology courses relies on the use of virtual slides. The virtual slide program was designed for use by PC computers. Apple computers can access these virtual slides, but with more limited functionality. PC computers can search the database for slides and access additional archived slides that are available as course supplements (not part of the actual labs). Mac computers do not have this search capability and do not have access to the slide archives. FYI, approximately half of our students have Apple computers.
NOTE: MCM Students
MCM students will be installing and using Stata 11 small. The MCM program will be purchasing and helping MCM students install this statistical software. If you already have this software, please let the MCM program know.
| Type of Software |
PC |
Mac |
| Operating System |
Windows XP (SP3), Vista (SP1) or Windows 7 |
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or later |
| Word Processing Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) |
Office 2003 or later |
Office 2004 or later |
| Anti-Virus Protection |
Command Anti-Malware OR another anti-virus program |
n/a |
Utilities/Plugins
The following applications are required to be installed on your laptop. All of the following are FREE.
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