Laptop Recommendations and Specials

A current model laptop computer is strongly recommended, preferably running Windows 7 (which is available free for UW students from the MSDNAA website here), Microsoft Office 2010 (Available for $89 for students here) and Internet Explorer.

Please note there is very limited support for Mac computers at the School of Pharmacy. Our experience has been that scientific software  and UW resources are more stable and often only available in a Microsoft Windows environment.

All computers accessing the internet through the University of Waterloo must have up to date anit virus programs running. Sympantec EndPoint Protection is free for students here:

http://ist.uwaterloo.ca/download/package_info/nav.html

and Microsoft Security Essentials is also free here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Also, for some projects a Digital Video Camera or a Digital Still Camera capable of taking short videos will come in handy. Please note that this is optional.

Note: It is a requirement of the Electrical Safety Code of Ontario that all clone computers be approved by one of the recognized organizations (CSA, Ontario Hydro or equivalent certifications/approvals).

About Pharmacy I.T.

The School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo employs the most advanced Audio Visual equipment currently in use at the University. Our Audio Visual systems are comprised of Christie Projectors, makers of such well known equipment as the IMAX series of projectors, two of which are deployed in our main lecture hall, and a 3D capable Christie HD8K. Christie is a local manufacturer famous for providing the A/V solution for the opening and closing ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics.

All teaching equipment is controlled via Crestron Touch Panels, manufactured by the global leader of control and automation solutions. We also have video conferencing equipment manufactured by Polycom - The worldwide leader in unified communication and collaboration, video conferencing, voice conferencing, data and Web communications solutions. This allows us to broadcast and receive lectures to and from anywhere in the world in full High Definition.

In our main lecture hall, each student desk is equipped with a built in camera and microphone so the remote site can see the student and hear their questions clearly. We can videotape these broadcasts on our Phillips HD DVRs using our Sony HD Motorised Cameras and make them available on our Pharmtube website for viewing and downloading.

We also have SMART Document Cameras and Smart Board functionality in all major lecture halls which offers lecturers a convenient way to display and explore images of objects or deliver dynamic lessons, write notes in digital ink, and save their work – all with the simple touch of a finger anytime without losing the momentum of their lesson.

To aid in practical learning, our two teaching laboratories are equipped with state of the art projectors and flat screen TVs along with over 50 computer terminals running the latest software that is used in Canadian Pharmacies and Pharmaceutics Labs.

For Student support, we have both wired and wireless access for all students and several workstations in the library for those who don’t have access to a computer. We also have study rooms equipped with built in computers, projectors and sound systems. For their entertainment we have a flat screen TV in the student lounge running Rogers Cable via IP.

The I.T. department is on site at the school of Pharmacy allowing us to respond very quickly to computer issues and requests. This is a full service in house I.T. department offering everything from break/fix to consulting, project planning, highly secure encrypted automated backups, website services, A/V services, IP Telephone services, mobile device service, disaster recover, virus scanning and prevention, building and room Security Access Management, Operating system upgrades, software consulting, purchasing and installation and much more.

The University of Waterloo has an on-campus computer retail store: Campus Techshop