Technology Requirements & Recommendations
The information on this page will help to prepare you for your orientation program and for the start of your first semester at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Device Specifications for Students
Each student is expected to have a compatible device (laptop or tablet) on which to take examinations, using the Examplify platform. The following system requirements are therefore based on Examplify’s minimum system requirements. Please note that the vendor may update these requirements from time to time, in which case MSUCOM will notify current students.
Additionally, courses will use online content and resources that may be require )or be best accessed) on a laptop or tablet, as opposed to a smartphone.
A webcam and/or microphone may be required for some sessions, these may be integrated or peripheral. Please refer to the student handbook for more details on use of webcams and student privacy.
All software used in preclerkship is supported by Windows, MacOS, and iOS. The following devices are not recommended, due to compatibility issues with critical applications:
- iPad: Not supported by MSUCOM.
- Chromebook
- Windows versions prior to 10, and alternate versions including Windows RT or S-Mode
- Windows tablets or laptops with an ARM processor
Minimum system specifications
Please be sure your device meets these minimum requirements
Windows Laptop
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit 22H2, or Windows 11 64-bit 21H2 or 22H2
- RAM: 8 GB
- Processor: Intel i5 (8th gen or newer)
- Graphics Card: Intel HD 4600
- Disk space: >12 GB free disk space
- Built-in Webcam and Microphone is optimal; a peripheral webcam and/or microphone is acceptable
Mac Laptop
- Operating system: MacOS 10.15 (“Catalina”) or higher
- RAM: 8 GB
- Processor: Intel i5 (8th gen or newer; 12th gen not currently supported)
- Graphics Card: Intel HD 4600
- Disk space: >12 GB free disk space
- Built-in webcam and microphone is optimal; a peripheral webcam and/or microphone is acceptable
Recommended specifications
If you are considering the purchase of a new computer, these are the recommended specifications.
Windows Laptop
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit 22H2, or Windows 11 64-bit 21H2 or 22H2
- RAM: 16 GB or more
- Processor: Intel i7 or greater; 12th gen not currently supported
- Graphics card: Intel Iris 540 or better
- Disk space: >12 GB free disk space
Mac Laptop
- Operating system: MacOS 10.15 (“Catalina”) or higher
- Processor: Intel i7 or greater, or M-series processor (If your Mac has an M-series processor, please install Rosetta 2 to ensure compatibility with all software)
- Graphics card: Intel Iris 540 or better
- Disk space: >12 GB free disk space
iPads
Many students find that an iPad is useful as a complementary device for tasks other than examinations. The minimum system specifications for iPads are below:
- Model: iPad 7+, iPad Air 3+, iPad Mini 5+, iPad Pro 2+
- Operating system: iPadOS 13 or greater
Internet requirements
In addition to the hardware recommendations listed below, many MSUCOM services require an internet connection. An internet speed of at least 5 Mbps is recommended. MSU Internet service is provided at each MSUCOM preclerkship campus.