General Computer Recommendations | Software | Hardware Recommendations | Third-Party Software | Purchasing Opportunities

GENERAL COMPUTER RECOMMENDATIONS [back to top]
Prospective and enrolled students often ask, "What kind of computer do I need?"  PCs and Apple™ Macs are used by Fielding community members.  Some members are wondering if the computer they currently own is sufficient and others are considering a new purchase and wonder what computer specifications would be appropriate for use while a student at Fielding Graduate University.  In the tables below you will find specifications that will help you evaluate your current system or plan for a new purchase. 

Clinical and Media Psychology PhD students will be required to have a laptop with wireless capability for use at the New Student Orientation in Santa Barbara.

SOFTWARE [back to top]
You will need:

• operating system (OS)
  • Windows: ME, 2000 or XP
  • MacIntosh OS 9 or OS X
• a word-processor,
• a Web browser: not all browsers function or display all features of Web technology in the same way. The configurations listed below are compatible with our forum software but the greatest number of features are available with Internet Explorer 5.5, 6.0, and 6.1. Other browsers may be useable but may have formatting and layout issues.
  • Any NON-MacIntosh desktop, laptop, or wireless PDA running one of the following browsers:
    · Netscape Navigator Version 6.2 and 7.x
    · Microsoft Internet Explorer Versions 5.5 and 6.1
    · Firefox
  • MacIntosh computers running one of the following:
    · Netscape Navigator Version 4.7 on OS 9
    · Netscape Navigator Version 6.2 and 7.0 on OS X
    · Firefox on OS X
    · Internet Explorer Version 5.2 on OS X
• an e-mail account and software to access it (Note: A) please check vendor privacy policies, particularly those that provide free email accounts, to be sure your privacy expectations will be honored, B) be aware of your email storage limitations, spam-flagging procedures, and attachment handling procedures so that you do not inadvertently miss out on important Fielding communications),
• virus protection software (e.g. McAfee),
• firewall software for additional security, especially important if your computer is connected to the Internet via DSL or Cable (Note: firewalls often require more advanced expertise to setup and operate than anti-virus software; also see THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE),
• additional software may be desired or needed as you progress through your program, such as for quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, and for managing the bibliographic information you will collect through your research, and
• if you intend to do Fielding work from your place of employment, you may need to work with your workplace network administrator or IT department to facilitate access across firewalls (regarding library database access).