Laptop Computer Requirement and Information

All incoming medical students are required to have a laptop computer with an internet connection. Critical information from university faculty and administration is sent to students electronically and many educational tools are delivered via the internet. Tufts University School of Medicine uses computer-based testing and exams which are conducted using ExamSoft's Examplify program. Examplify can be used on virtually any modern computer (i.e. purchased within the last 3-4 years). At this time only Mac and Windows operating systems are supported. Examplify will not run on Chrome, Android or Linux operating systems. Examplify does not support touchscreen input on Mac or Windows laptops. View minimum requirements for Examplify.

If you are planning on purchasing a new computer, we encourage you to review the Hirsh Health Sciences Library's New Computer Recommendations page. The University has made arrangements with many vendors to offer discounts on computers, software, and accessories to students. Please visit the library's Vendor Discounts section for details. It is not necessary to purchase a new computer if you currently own a system that meets your needs.

It is helpful for you to have a copy of Microsoft Office on your computer. Microsoft Office is widely available at a discounted rate for students. Microsoft Office is also installed on all public computers at the Hirsh Health Sciences Library. The library loans laptop computers equipped with wireless ethernet cards to students for use within the library. The laptops are configured with Microsoft Office and Firefox. Users can use the laptops to access the internet.

Wireless access is available across the medical school campus. In order to use the full range of Tufts network services, you must register your device using your Tufts username and password. To register a device, enable wireless while in range of the Tufts wireless network, open your web browser, and follow the Tufts University Network Interface Sign-up (TUNIS) on-screen instructions. Your computer registration will last for one year.

A wide variety of computer-related services are available free of charge from the Library IT Service Desk. Computer support is provided by phone 617-636-2947, email hhsl-its@tufts.edu, and in person on the 5th floor of the Medical Education Building.