Hardware and Software are essential parts of a Computer System. In short, Hardware and Software make a System compatible with the user. Hardware is the physical and tangible part, Software is the programs and operating systems that need to be installed.
Internet Connection (all users - PC and Mac)
Broadband (High-Speed) Internet connection: minimum 3 Mbps, recommended 5 Mbps
Notes:
- This assumes that no other network activity is taking place that would be using up bandwidth; for example: streaming music or video, transferring files, etc.
- Actual throughput is often much lower than the advertised connection speed.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. These are the primary electronic devices used to build the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the Processor, Memory Devices, Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, Mouse, and Central Processing Unit.
PC Users
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), 2 core minimum, recommend 4 cores
Memory: Minimum 8 GB RAM with light other usage. Minimum 16 GB RAM if you use MS Teams, and also use MS Office applications or many browser tabs/applications
Screen Resolution: Minimum 1366x768, Recommended 1920x1080
System Resolution: 100% - defaults to 150% on some machines using windows
Mac Users
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), Apple M1 or better, 2 core minimum, recommend 4 cores
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Screen resolution: Minimum 1366x768, recommended 1920x1080
Notes
- Test hardware before acquisition to ensure proper functioning with Valant.
- MS Teams eats up a heavy amount of RAM, even when not in active use and running in the background.
Software
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and documentation that enable a user to interact with a computer system. Examples of software are MS Office, Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, McAfee or Avast Antivirus.
PC Users
Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
Notes
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional is not HIPAA compliant, therefore it is not a supported operating system.
- Microsoft Vista is not HIPAA compliant, therefore it is not a supported operating system.
- Windows RT (mobile or tablet) is not a supported operating system for the core EHR.
- Chromebook is not a supported device.
- Mobile Notes is platform free and not restricted by browser requirements.
Supported Internet Browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox (not supported for Telehealth)
- Microsoft Edge
Additional Software:
- Valant Word Add-in (for PC only)
- Microsoft Word 2007 or higher (Microsoft Word Starter 2007 does not support macros, therefore it is not supported)
- Adobe Reader v9.x or higher
Mac Users
Operating System: Mac OS 10.11 (Big Sur) or higher
Supported Internet Browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox (not supported for Telehealth)
- Microsoft Edge
Additional Software:
- Microsoft Word for Mac 2008 or higher (Microsoft Word Starter 2008 does not support macros, therefore it is not supported)
- Adobe Reader v9.x or higher