Technical Requirements for New Students

(Updated April 2007)

A reliable connection to the Internet

A high-speed Internet connection is strongly recommended. Most electronic readings (PDF's) and PowerPoint presentation files are too large and cumbersome to download using a 56Kbps dial-up modem.

A laptop for personal use

Laptops are a requirement and are expected to be brought to class. Wireless and wired connectivity is provided in class and throughout the MG&E Innovation Center building.

Minimum Specifications

  • Memory: 1gig RAM recommended, 512MG RAM minimum.
     
  • Hard drive: 20 gigabyte hard drive minimum. Significantly larger hard drive options are recommended and are an affordable upgrade.
     
  • CD/DVD drive: You might consider a CD-RW/DVD-R drive. They are an affordable option that will let you read CD-ROM and DVD disks, as well as burn your own CD's and DVD's.
     
  • Wireless card: Most new laptops have built-in wireless capabilities. If not, you should purchase a wireless card for your laptop that goes in the side (PCMCIA) slot.

Purchasing a New Laptop?

Consider these recommended specifications for a new laptop.

Wireless Cards

laptops in class, Class of 2004

If your laptop does not have built in wireless capabilities, you need a wireless card for your laptop that goes in the side (PCMCIA) slot. Just about any brand wireless card will work with our wireless network, so long as it is 802.11B or 802.11G compliant (an industry standard wireless protocols).

Here are some suggestions for purchasing a wireless card.

Software Requirements

Students will need a handful of required software:

  • Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are absolutely required. Microsoft Excel is not required, but may be useful. Microsoft Office 2007 is available at significant discounts for registered students.
     
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (free plug-in) to read PDF documents.

Registered students can purchase licensed software at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT. View the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog discounts, as described by the DoIT TechStore.

If you have any questions about the technology used with the M.S. in Biotechnology program, please contact Bryan Husk, the IT Manager for the M.S. program.