All students are required to have a laptop. This requirement is an Institute policy, please refer to the laptop requirement tab below for more details. Along with our laptop policy, all laptops must be protected with encryption software detailed below. You can request assistance by entering a help desk ticket or reviewing our FAQ page.
Policy
New students entering the MGH Institute of Health Professions are required to bring a laptop computer to campus and for online learning. The minimum laptop requirements you will need can be found within the laptop specifications tab.
This policy facilitates the continued efforts on the part of the Institute to:
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) does not have loaner laptops available on campus. If you have questions, please contact the MGH Institute Help Desk.
Policy
The MGH Institute of Health Professions requires that all portable devices, connecting to the Institute's secure network, be encrypted and password protected:
Portable Devices:
Review the laptop requirements to view what encryption would be most appropriate for your portable device.
If you need assistance with accessing HealthStream contact the Institute Help Desk.
All such devices can access PHI /PI that resides or is stored in clinical information systems, email messages and other types of files. Technically, some of these devices retain a copy of the accessed information or can store a file, as can be done on a laptop or USB drive.
Encryption of laptops and USB drives is mandated by law within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All organizations that provide mobile access to confidential information must encrypt laptops and USB drives. This applies to any organization in any industry.
In addition to state law, a student’s educational record is protected under FERPA, a federal law protecting student confidentiality. The student’s educational record consists of assignments, grades, email messages and other information designated by FERPA. Under state law and to be in compliance with FERPA, all devices that are used by faculty, staff, administrators and students for educational or clinical purposes, whether owned by the Institute or by the individual, must be encrypted or password protected.
When a laptop or USB drive is encrypted the contents are translated into an unreadable format. When you create and eventually enter your password on an encrypted laptop or USB drive you are able to read the contents of the device. Password protection on its own does not translated and encrypt the contents of a device.
Yes, If one of your personally owned devices is lost or stolen, the information on this device cannot be accessed if it is encrypted. If you pay bills or shop online, or store usernames and passwords on these devices, this information can assist a thief to access these accounts and potentially steal your identity. In order for a thief to use a stolen laptop which is encrypted, they must remove and throw away the disk drive and install a new drive and install new software.
Encryption is a best practice to protect your personal information!
Laptop Battery Life
Students are expected to arrive on campus with their laptop battery fully charged to enable their full participation in course learning activities.
Google Chromebook
Google Chromebooks do not meet MGH Institute laptop requirements because they do have the capability to install software that is needed for your courses.
Laptop Specifications
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PC |
MAC |
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Minimum Requirements:
Note: if your laptop is not equipped with an internal webcam and microphone, please make sure you have an external solution available If available with your laptop we highly recommend you have a second battery. |
Minimum Requirements:
Note: if your laptop is not equipped with an internal webcam and microphone, please make sure you have an external solution available If available with your laptop we highly recommend you have a second battery. |
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Windows Requirements: Windows 10 Pro or Higher |
OS X Requirements: Mac OS Sierra (10.13) |
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Why do I need Windows 10 Pro? Windows 10 or 11 home, is not compatible with our current encryption policies. Laptops running Windows 10,11 Pro can be encrypted using Microsoft's BitLocker and will need to activated. |
All Mac OS X versions of 10.13 and higher have built in encryption that will need to be activated. |
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Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro: Visit http://www.microsoftstore.com/storefor more information. |
Information: Visit www.apple.com for more information, related to your Mac products. |
* Please note that while lesser configurations may work in the existing MGH Institute computing environment, they may not work in the future or be fully compatible with MGH Institute applications.
Note: Those not meeting these minimum requirements may be unable to use available software and may not qualify for full support from the OIT Help Desk.
OIT will NOT service the systems that students have or purchase. However, OIT WILL help with diagnostic troubleshooting.
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