Computing and Technology

Purchasing a Computer
Obtain a student discount on a computer by ordering from Techmart at the University of Minnesota - www.techmart.umn.edu

Internet Access & File Storage
Pharmacy students are encouraged to obtain broadband (ie. DSL or cable) interenet access for home, for the purpose of viewing lectures and accessing course content online.  Discounts for broadband internet access can be found from Techmart - www.techmart.umn.edu.
Students can access the internet and store up to 1 GB of data for free through the University.  For details, visit this page: www1.umn.edu/adcs/help/fees.html

PDA & Lexicomp info:
http://teaching.pharmacy.umn.edu/sw-tools/pda/default.htm

Student Computing Standards - Minimum Requirements
Updated 02/16/2006

Purpose of Computer Standards:  Throughout the 4-year curriculum of the College of Pharmacy, students need access to computers to complete course requirements. The College currently has computers available that allow students to complete course requirements.  However, due to 1) convenience, 2) personal computer needs unrelated to the College, and 3) 4th year off-campus clerkship rotations, students often choose to have or have access to non-College computers.  The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to students regarding the minimum requirements of computers for activities related to their studies at the College.  Do not interpret this document to say that all students must have their own computer meeting the minimum requirements, as the computers at the College meet these minimum requirements.  However, if a student was considering purchasing a computer, this document outlines hardware and software standards that would be highly recommended and are needed to complete activities related to their studies.

(Note: A computer is outdated the moment it is bought and taken out of the store.  For College applications, the ‘top of the line’ computer is not necessary.  The table below shows MINIMUM standards to meet when purchasing a computer.  One may choose to buy a computer far better than the minimum standards shown below depending on other non-College needs.)

Type: PC
Processor: Pentium 4 3.2 GHz (Pentium III 800)
Operating system: Window XP Professional
Hard drive size: >40Gigabytes (any size)
RAM: 512 MB (256 MB)
Additional drives: DVD + CDRW (CD)
Internet Connection: CableModem connection (56 K modem )
Printer: Any kind

Type: Mac*
Processor: Any G5 (G4 866 or higher)
Operating system: OSX 1.3 or higher (OSX)
Hard drive size: >40Gigabytes (any size)
RAM: 1GB (512 MB)
Additional drives: DVD + CDRW (CD)
Internet Connection: CableModem connection (56 K modem)
Printer: Any kind

*At the time of this printing, the University of Minnesota did provide phone support for Macs.

Type: Laptop
Processor: Pentium M 1.4GHZ + Centrino  (Pentium III + wireless Card)
Operating system: WindowXP Professional
Hard drive size: >40Gigabytes (any size)
RAM: 512MB (256 MB)
Additional drives: DVD + CDRW (CD)
Internet Connection: CableModem connection (56 K modem )
Printer: Any kind

Note: All new recommended PCs or Macs should already have a USB port.  Systems meeting minimum standards should also include a USB port.  Also other processor like Athlon, Duron should work but the author has not tested such systems.

Instructions for loading Lexi-Comp on to your Palm Device:
PalmOS

Before you being installing your Lexi-Comp software on your computer, you will want to make sure that you have installed the CD that came with your PDA. Then, if you have not done so already, please download and install Lexi-Connect from http://connect.lexi.com. This is our automated installation/updating utility. Next, follow the steps below to install the software on your PDA.

Verify HotSync Username:

1. On your PDA, tap on the HotSync icon but do not sync.
2. In the top-right corner of your screen your HotSync username will be displayed.
3. Make note of this username.

Install Lexi-Comp Software:

1. Connect your PDA to your computer and login to Lexi-Connect.
2. Place a check mark next to your database(s) and click DOWNLOAD NOW.
3. Select your HotSync username and click OK.
4. Once the download is successful, please perform TWO consecutive HotSyncs.
5. After the second sync is complete, your software should be installed, registered and ready to use.

Pocket PC

Before you being installing your Lexi-Comp software on your computer, you will want to make sure that you have installed the CD that came with your PDA. Then, if you have not done so already, please download and install Lexi-Connect from http://connect.lexi.com. This is our automated installation/updating utility. Next, follow the steps below to install the software on your PDA.

1. Connect your PDA to your computer and login to Lexi-Connect.
2. Place a check mark next to your database(s) and click DOWNLOAD NOW.
3. You will be prompted to install the readers on your PDA. If prompted to install to the default location, click NO and then select where to install on your PDA.
4. Once the download is successful your databases will automatically transfer to your PDA.
5. After the last database has transferred, your software should be installed, registered and ready to use.

If there is anything else we can be of assistance with, please feel free to contact us.

Technical Support

Lexi-Comp, Inc.
Experience The Difference
Access our 24 hour self-support portal at: www.lexi.com/support

Customer Support hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. During off-hours, call back support is operated by contacting 1-866-397-3433, option 3 and providing the requested information.