New Student Information

Getting Started

 

Prepare for school

There are a few things to do so you're technologically prepared for school.

  • Get the right laptop
  • Retrieve and understand where to use your computing accounts
  • Configure your laptop so it's secure and ready for coursework
     

Get the right laptop for school

We recommend that you wait until early summer for the latest laptop models. Technology changes quickly and you may end up purchasing an older model if you buy it now.
 

Get your accounts and laptop ready for completing coursework

You will need to understand your computing accounts and to configure your computer with security settings and educational software in preparation for school. To do that, go through the Technology Orientation in Bruin Learn. As a new student, your program office will be providing the enrollment link to you. 

The Technology Orientation can be taken multiple times in case you get a new computer for school, and it is accessible until you graduate.
 

Hardware Requirements

 

These are the recommended hardware requirements for your laptop.

MINIMUM
PROCESSOR Intel 8th Generation or higher Core-i > 2GHz*
HARD DRIVE 250+ GB with 80+ GB free space
MEMORY (RAM) 8+ GB**
VIDEO CARD Integrated Graphics
WEBCAM WITH MICROPHONE 720p or higher
WARRANTY 3 Years Parts and Labor with Accidental Protection
WIRELESS 802.11 a/b/g/n
REGION U.S. only

*9th Generation Intel Core processors are more robust than earlier generation processors, and i7 processors are more robust than i5 processors which are more robust than i3 processors.  This is strictly a price-to-performance decision.

** If you plan on using virtualization software to host an OS (such as a Mac hosting Windows), you are advised to purchase a minimum of 16 GB of RAM.
 

Other Devices

Mac computers are acceptable to use as primary computers for study at Anderson, although some educational software for elective courses is only available for Windows environments.

If there is a need for educational software that is only available for Windows, students are responsible for this configuration. STS does not install operating systems on PC or Apple computers. The UCLA Computer Store's Tech Zone (Ackerman Union, B-Level) offers advice and guidance on configuring Windows on Mac. They also provide a paid service to configure Windows on your Mac computer.

Mac users have the option of installing a Windows operating system on their computer either using Boot Camp (native to Mac OS) or via a virtual machine (a third party solution, such as Parallels or VMware Fusion).  If you plan to use a virtual machine, please be advised to have a minimum of 8 GB of RAM.

For more information on Boot Camp visit Apple - Boot Camp.
For more information on Parallels visit Parallels Desktop for Mac.
For more information on Fusion visit VMware Fusion.
 

Mac Computers
Tablets

Tablets (Apple iPads, Android tablets, Windows RT tablets, etc.) do not meet the minimum hardware requirements for UCLA Anderson School of Management. While these devices are useful secondary devices, they cannot replace your primary laptop, and do not meet the laptop requirement

Tablets are suitable for consuming content (checking e-mail, surfing the Internet, watching a video) but they are not compatible with educational software necessary to produce the coursework in your program.
 

Work Computers

If you do not have full administrator rights to the laptop, it will not be acceptable for use at UCLA Anderson. Many resources require installing applications or changing system configurations that will require administrative privileges.

Software Requirements

 

All software requirements must be met prior to the beginning of the school year to ensure your readiness for classes.

UCLA has retired the utilization of Sophos Antivirus last 10/28/2021. If you have Sophos installed in your computer, you will need to uninstall and replace it with any free available antivirus software including:

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM
OPERATING SYSTEM

Windows 11 Pro or Education 64-bit

macOS 12 Monterey 

Windows 10

macOS 10.15 Catalina

PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE* Microsoft Office 2019 or 365 Pro Plus 32-bit Microsoft Office 2016 or Home & Student 32-bit


*It is vital you have a 32-bit version of Office and not a 64-bit version. Even if your Windows operating system is 64-bit, it will support a 32-bit version of Office. Required educational software will not install or run properly with a 64-bit version of Office. For macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 10.15 Catalina, only 64-bit Office is available and it is acceptable for use on those OS.

Additionally STS can only provide support for United States, English language versions of operating systems and Office productivity suites.

Microsoft 365

 

UCLA Anderson, in partnership with Microsoft, is participating in the Student Advantage program. Anderson students may download and install Microsoft 365 apps for free on any combination of up to 5 personally-owned computing devices - such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet.
 

Download and Install Microsoft 365 apps.

Note: Your Anderson email account must be ready to download and install Microsoft 365 apps.

  1. Go to Microsoft 365.
  2. Log in using your UCLA Logon credentials.
  3. On the top-right side of the page, click Install apps > Microsoft 365 apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep my license for Microsoft 365?Complimentary access to Microsoft 365 for students enrolled in a degree-granting program remains in force for the duration of the program, and expires shortly after graduation. When the license expires, students retain read-only access to their Microsoft Office files. Keep in mind that you also have the option of enrolling in Microsoft 365 following graduation on a fee basis if you so desire.
What is included with the Microsoft 365 subscription license? Microsoft 365 for PC, Microsoft 365 for Mac, Office Mobile for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), Office Mobile for Android devices.
Is this a full version of Office, and can it be used offline? Yes. The Microsoft 365 download has the same features and functions as other versions of Office, it can be used offline.

Contact Us

 

For any IT related questions, feel free to contact us.

To browse and search our knowledge base articles, and to submit a ticket, visit our IT Service Portal: it.anderson.ucla.edu

Email: sts@anderson.ucla.edu

Phone (voicemail only): (310) 825-2045

Book an appointment with us! Walk-up location: Entrepreneurs Hall C-301b
 

STS Support Policy

STS will provide the following service to all currently enrolled UCLA Anderson full time MBA students whose laptop meets the minimum hardware and software requirements:

  • Assistance with software installation, configuration and troubleshooting of Anderson supported applications and tools:
    • Wireless and wired connection, network drives and printers, and email.
    • Microsoft Windows 8.1, 10, 11, Office 2016 (32-bit only), and Anderson provided educational software.
  • Assistance with AndersoNET account issues (e.g. official name changes, year or program changes, password reset, access problems, etc.).
  • Assistance in diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software problems with your laptop on a best effort basis.
  • Virus and spyware removal and prevention.
  • Web, voicemail, email and in-person support service points.

STS will NOT provide the following service:

  • Data backup and retrieval (we can recommend data retrieval companies).
  • Hardware repair and depot (shipping and receiving) service.
  • Connectivity with home or work wired and wireless networks.
  • Support for third party peripherals (e.g. digital cameras, MP3 players, etc.).
  • Anderson Student Association (ASA) Portal issues (contact your section representative for assistance).
  • Support for Anderson alumni.