Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

• Basic Info:

  • Families should not purchase Chromebooks or Windows devices in S Mode. While these devices will work for most applications, some courses will require software installed onto machines which is not possible with these types of devices.

  • Some students may benefit from a 2-in-1 type device that allows them to flip the laptop into a tablet to write on. Either option (standard laptop or 2-in-1) is appropriate depending on student preference.

  • All requirements below are the minimum. Depending on intended use, it may make sense to upgrade (e.g. Memory or Storage).
    
    

• Hardware Requirements:

  • Camera, microphone, and keyboard

  • 13" screen or larger

  • WiFi 6

  • Memory: 8 GB on Apple MacBooks; 16 GB on Windows Laptops

  • Storage: 256 GB on Apple MacBooks; 512 GB on Windows Laptops

  • Battery life sufficient to make it through a school day
    
    

• Operating System Requirements:

  • Windows 11 or MacOS 15 (Sequoia)
    
    

• Other Requirements:

  • Each device must have Google Chrome plus at least one other browser (Safari, Edge, etc.) for our cloud-based systems (see the home page for more information). Holy Family students use Chrome as their primary browser, as we manage bookmarks for students and it also keeps personal and school accounts separate easily via Chrome profiles. Additionally, Chrome is the preferred browser for Schoology, which sometimes means other browsers will run into issues while working in Schoology. At the same time, students may experience glitches on certain websites in any one browser. Typically loading the website in a secondary browser will solve the problem, which is why all devices should have at least two browsers.

As long as a device meets the requirements outlined above and it works for your family, then it's a great choice. If you need a few places to start, here are some examples of devices that would meet Holy Family's requirements:

• Apple MacBook Air

  • Note: Holy Family Staff and Faculty use the 13" M2 MacBook Air and MacBooks are the most common device selected by families. This does not mean you must select an Apple product for your student(s). However, some families may find it useful to know which devices are most often utilized in the classroom.

• Lenovo Gen 4 Laptop

• Lenovo 2-in-1 Yoga 7i

• Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop

• Dell 2-in-1 Inspiron Laptop

Basic Suggestions

• Updates: We recommend that students and families actively maintain their devices by checking for and installing all updates to hardware drivers, operating systems, and all programs and applications. Most updates address important security features as well as bug fixes. This includes updates to your browsers.

• AntiVirus: Both Apple and Windows devices come with their own security and antivirus features natively built into the operating system, which will detect and quarantine the majority of threats. However, families may also want to consider a Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) solution. Sellers may have recommendations for you depending on the specific device you purchase. 

• Phishing attempts, malware and ransomware are the most common sources of device security problems. Regardless of device and antivirus solution, students should avoid installing free software from unknown websites (e.g. games) and never click on links in emails from unknown senders.

Where to Find Help

• Students are able to stop by the Tech Office at Holy Family during study halls, One Lunch, and before & after school. Generally speaking, someone from the HF Technology staff is posted in the office during all times of the school day. 

• Please note, however, that our ability to fix hardware issues is limited. So, it is recommended that families consider purchasing warranty/service agreements (e.g. Apple Care) that will significantly reduce the financial burden if repairs are needed.