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Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements

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.

Medical School Information Technology

Administrative Offices
6431 Fannin St | MSB G.520 | Houston, TX 77030 USA | Fax: (713) 500-0708
IT Help Desk: (713) 486-4848