Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

• Processor (CPU) – Dual/Quad Core 2GHz (Intel Core i5) or faster.

• Memory (RAM) – 4GB or higher (rule of thumb – the more memory, the better).

• Hard Drive – enough to store the OS, applications, and an adequate number of files.

  • 1. Recommend – SSD style hard drive (faster, better withstands impacts and commutes in backpacks, and longer battery life).

    2. Size - 64GB will work, but we suggest 128GB minimum, 256GB or higher recommended (Rule of thumb – the more storage, the better) FYI – HF Student accounts have sizable cloud storage available.

• Video Resolution – 1366 x 768 minimum.

• Graphics/Video Card (the faster, the better).

• Wireless 802.11g/n/ or 802.11g/n/ac is better.

• Holy Family’s LMS, SIS, and Google Workspace systems allow for both Windows and Apple operating systems:

  • 1. Windows 10 Home or Pro, we have not tested Windows 11 Home or Pro (Do not purchase Windows 10/11 S mode as they are too restrictive)

    2. MacOS 10.13: High Sierra- 2017 or higher

    3. Chromebooks, may work, though they still cannot do some of the more rigorous academic work or interactions.

• Devices should also have built-in cameras and microphones, or the ability to attach a microphone and camera purchased separately.

Holy Family uses the following software systems (Blackbaud SIS, Schoology LMS, and Google Workspace for Education). Both Windows and macOS operating systems (Windows 10 / High Sierra, and above) will handle this easily.

Please note: Chrome OS (used on Chromebooks), Android OS, and ‘Windows 10 in S mode’ on small inexpensive tablets/notebooks may have issues and are not recommended (see below).

Windows 10 in S mode (not recommended)

Windows 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 10 that's streamlined for security and performance while providing a familiar Windows experience to increase security, it only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing. We recommend Windows 10 /11 Pro.

Chromebooks (not recommended)

Chromebooks and most tablets are not recommended. Though these may allow for some online learning and research, we know from experience that Notebooks and Laptops with applications and major browsers, provide the proper functions to successfully work with Holy Family systems.

• Brands such as Lenovo, HP, Microsoft, and Dell are reliable machines for Windows, and Apple Laptops (MacBook Air and Pro models) all meet the requirements. Note that Apple Mac computers; their operating systems; and programs; handle some applications and or plugins differently than Microsoft Windows devices. If used as recommended, Mac laptops work fine.

• Google Workspace and some available Microsoft 365 applications (online and desktop) are available to students for free and should be used, rather than using Apple applications like Pages, Keynote, and Numbers which often requires conversions or adjustments to be shared with teachers.

• Though all of our systems should work with all major web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Safari), we recommend Google Chrome. Browsers do require maintenance and upkeep by the student.

Your student should have adequate access to this device to perform all the necessary schoolwork requested of them. This means they should bring the device to school daily and bring it home each night. It is recommended that while at home, they need not have to share the device with others, (especially if we might be educating remotely).

What device is the best fit for my student?

• What devices meet the requirements?

• Things to consider while buying(see below)

FYI – This is just a quick search/comparison for some ideas, based on our requirements.

Devices that meet the requirements:

Holy Family is not here to say which specific device, operating system, platform, brand, or price point you should choose, but we have researched several options you might consider. Because brands and models have variables that are always changing (i.e. models being phased out/replaced, new models being introduced, or just product availability and pricing), we have identified various units based on both performance and pricing (as well as options within these levels).

Resellers: Costco.com (membership) CDW.com, Bestbuy.com, Apple.com, etc.

Some Ideas:

BYOD_ideas_sum2021.pdf

Things to consider while buying

Much of your decision may be based on several, somewhat subjective answers to some basic questions and as you can probably guess, there is no one answer to which device is best. For many parents this is a dilemma.

First, if you are thinking about using this device through college years, you might want to rethink it. Life expectancy of these devices including laptops, is less than one might think. One should assume that under constant use (at work or school) laptops will need to be replaced in 3-4 years. Obviously, some of the good ones (hardware-wise) will last longer. They may keep running, but the hardware is only a portion of the full equation. Software changes are non-stop, and many are on a fast track, and though you might keep up on those updates, the processing speed, memory capacity and the storage capacity need to grow with those updates. That is when the age of the hardware will usually impact performance and usage.

The purchase should probably be thought of as a 3-4 yr. investment to get your student through high school, and then later address their college needs (maybe as a graduation gift). In reality, no one knows what needs, trends, and products will be like in 4 years.

Once you have figured out the time frame and general financing, you start to factor in the usage. Is this to be their only device? If so, then aim as high as you feel possible. If the student has access to other computers (at school or at home without having to share while learning remotely). The big factor in choosing might be, can the student sit at the device and work remotely, pound out papers, and produce the necessary projects. If she/he can do that at home without having to share it during most of this time, then you could consider going with a lightweight notebook or 2-in-1 for mobility and cost. The bottom line is the best device would be a laptop matching our BYOD Requirements.

Brands

Holy Family’s software (Google Workspace for EDU, Schoology, 365 (all cloud-based systems) allows for both Windows and Apple operating systems.

Apple Mac computers; their operating systems; and programs; handle some applications and or plugins differently than Microsoft Windows devices. Though most differences are minor inconveniences, some have proved to be minor hurdles for students.

Mac browsers and browser plugins often have compatibility issues with Flash or other display programs. This requires more upkeep for the student.

Chromebooks and Windows "S" Mode devices are not recommended

Chromebooks, most tablets, and Windows S Mode devices are not recommended. Though these may allow for some online learning and research, we know from experience that unless you can download and install compatible applications and browsers, the devices will fail to provide the proper functions to successfully work with Holy Family systems.

Basic Suggestions

We recommend that students and families actively maintain their devices by monitoring any necessary updates to hardware drivers, operating systems, and all programs and applications. Most updates and changes to these provide security updates as well as bug fixes or feature enhancements.

We strongly suggest the use of anti-virus and malware programs to protect the device. Though computers often come with pre-installed versions, many people let the version lapse. There are several free versions of powerful programs like Sophos Home, AVG AntiVirus FREE, Avast Free, Malwarebytes Free, etc.

We have also experienced that browser problems can be annoying and troublesome. Often temporarily switching to another browser, will fix the issue. Therefore, most Holy Family computers have up to five different browsers. Opera, Firefox, Edge in addition to Chrome or Safari on either your Mac or PC might help in these situations.

Where to Find Help

Students may find help, suggestions, and more regarding their use of technology at Holy Family on the school website (Technology under the Academics), and as a Holy Family student, your account gives you access to our Student Support site. This site provides you: information, articles, and videos about our technology; access to a student support trouble ticket, links to free anti-virus software; and how to reset your passwords