We want you to be prepared for your studies at UB Law. This semester, technology and software will be of special importance. Below is a list of technology requirements and software.
Students receiving financial aid may include the cost of technology, up to $1,500, in the cost of their education. Please speak with the Office of Financial Aid for details.
Laptops
Laptops are now a required item. Online and hybrid learning for the fall will be very difficult without the proper tools. Additionally, midterms and finals are delivered through Examplify offered by Examsoft. Therefore, your laptop must meet the minimum requirements to run Examplify.
Windows Laptops
- Operating System: 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10.
- Alternate versions of Windows 10, such as Windows RT and Windows 10 S, are NOT supported at this time.
- Only genuine versions of Windows Operating Systems are supported.
- The English (United States) Language Pack must be installed.
- ExamSoft does not support tablet devices other than Surface Pro, as detailed below.
- CPU Processor: 2.0 ghz Intel i3 processor or equivalent.
- RAM: 8GB or higher recommended; 4GB required.
- Hard Drive: 2GB or higher available space.
- For onsite support, and in order to backup the answer files to USB, a working USB port is required (Newer devices may require an adaptor).
- For technical troubleshooting, account passwords, including BitLocker keys, may be required.
- Internet connection for Download, Registration, Exam Download and Upload.
- Examplify cannot be run within virtualized environments or environments that require persistent network (local or otherwise) connections during secure exams. This includes, but is not limited to, VMWare, Parallels, Citrix workspace, Virtual Disks, Streamed images, etc.
- Screen resolution should be at least 1024x768 or higher.
- Surface laptops that come with non-detachable keyboards are permitted. Non-Pro Surface devices are not supported.
- Webcam (no virtual cameras or phones as cameras).
- Microphone (no headphones, no virtual mics).
- Internet: 2Mpbs upload speed.
Macs
- Supported Operating Systems: OS X 10.13 (High Sierra), OS X 10.14 (Mojave), macOS Catalina (10.15). Only genuine versions of Mac Operating Systems are supported.
- CPU: Intel processor.
- RAM: 8GB or higher recommended; 4GB required.
- Hard Drive: 2GB or higher available space.
- For onsite support, and in order to backup the answer files to USB, a working USB port is required (Newer devices may require an adaptor).
- For technical troubleshooting, account passwords, including device passwords, may be required.
- Server version of Mac OS X is not supported.
- This software cannot be used on virtual operating systems such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels, VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual environments.
- Internet connection for Download, Registration, Exam Download and Upload.
- Examplify cannot be run within virtualized environments or environments that require persistent network (local or otherwise) connections during secure exams. This includes, but is not limited to, VMWare, Parallels, Citrix workspace, Virtual Disks, Streamed images, etc.
- Webcam (no virtual cameras or phones as cameras).
- Microphone (no headphones, no virtual mics).
- Internet: 2Mpbs upload speed.
The Office of Technology Services suggests that students purchase computers with mid- to high-end specifications, in accordance with the requirements of the most demanding software they will be using in their curricula.
Below is a chart that can help map out what to look for in a computer, based on what is available in the market right now.
For Law students, only Windows PCs and Mac computers support all required Examsoft software for exam taking (including remote exams). Chromebooks, iPads, Android tablets and Linux machines are not suggested technology purchases for Law students.
Suggested specifications of a Windows PC or a Mac computer:
|
|
Mid (Target Suggestion) |
High-End |
Specialty High-End |
Low-end (Not Suggested) |
|
Processor |
Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or 7: The best balance of power and battery life. |
Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7 or 9: Powerful computing but might run hotter and have less battery life. |
Intel Core i9, AMD ThreadRipper: For the most demanding applications in Visual Media or Software Development. Runs hotter and has less battery life. |
Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3 or A Series: Basic software needs. Ok for Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email. Not recommended for video editing, graphic design, data analysis, or other high-end tasks. |
|
RAM |
8GB: Most modern applications will run optimally. |
16GB: Recommended for Graphic Design, Video, and Statistical Analysis. |
32GB or more: Can handle the most demanding software but may decrease battery life. |
4GB: Most applications will at least run. |
|
Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) |
256GB SSD: A good amount for most mixed uses. |
512GB SSD: Plenty for Graphic Design or Software Development. |
1TB SSD or more: For big data analysis, Large Video projects, or anything you can throw at it. |
128GB SSD or any Mechanical Hard Disk Drive (HDD): While this Solid State Drive is fast, it is too small for modern applications and media for the long term. The HDD is an older technology that is slow, sensitive, and can fail easily. HDD’s generally have much more storage capacity for a much smaller price. |
|
Expected Price Ranges |
$600-$1400 |
$1300-$2200 |
$2500+ |
$300-$500 |
Software Available for Download After You Are Registered For Classes
Office 365
You can download Office 365 through the MyUB Portal for free. From your computer, login to the portal, locate the Computer Services box, and click the MS Office 365 Pro Plus Software link. Office 365 includes
Office 365 ProPlus for PC
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Outlook, Skype for Business
Office 365 ProPlus for Mac (Office for Mac base applications)
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Skype for Business
Office for iPhone/iPad
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Skype for Business are available as separate downloads through the App Store.
Office Mobile for Android
Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile. OneNote and Skype for Business Mobile available as separate download.
MicroSoft Teams is also included for remote collaboration and as well as access to OneDrive for file storage.
More information about Office 365 can be found here.
Zoom
All students have access to Zoom using their NetID and password. Use the Single Sign-On (SSO) in Zoom. More information can be found here.
UB Law students also have access to:
- Westlaw
- LexisNexis
- Bloomberg