Software
The following softwares are required on your device. The good news is, it's all free!
Operating Systems
Please make it a point to always use the latest operating systems. Windows 11 (for all windows based machines) and MacOS Monterey (for Apple laptops), are currently the latest. It is also a great idea to ensure you have automatic updates turned on regardless of which operating system and laptop you choose. The latest update will ensure your device is as secure as it can possibly be.
Web Browsers
Windows laptops will generally come standard with Microsoft Edge while the Mac OS uses Safari as it's default browser. Whether you use Windows or Mac OS we recommend you download, install and use Google Chrome as your default web browser. This is particularly important as we will increasingly be utilising G Suite for Education (Google Docs, Sites, Slides and Sheets)
AntiVirus Software
Having an Antivirus installed on your laptop is very important for your systems security. While there are a number of paid solutions, such as Norton's Antivirus and Bit Defender the free solutions available are very reputable. In Windows 10 and 11, there is a built-in antivirus called Windows Defender (Security Essentials). There is no need to install another Antivirus. The MacOS operating system itself is very secure and it is not required to run Antivirus to connect to the College Wi-Fi. That said, Mac OS is still susceptible to malicious programs if system warnings are bypassed by the user.
If you would like to install a free Antivirus on either your Windows or Mac OS laptop, consider AVG Antivirus
The best advice to avoid getting viruses
Avoid free movie websites and file sharing websites. If an online service offers something for free, they're either intentionally attempting to deceive you.
Avoid opening email attachments and be critical of email content: There are very few legitimate services that still use email attachments. Banks and Australia Post never attach files. They also never use links in their email. When you are presented with a web link in an email hover your mouse over it and see if it goes where it should. Often scammers try to disguise links to look legitimate. Best practice is to avoid the link completely and make your own way to the web site.
Microsoft Office 365 (O365)
Microsoft Office 365 is a suite of productivity tools that includes software such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, and OneDrive, just to name a few. These tools will allow students to create content, and collaborate with fellow students and teachers. Students are able to download and install Microsoft Office 365 on their laptop for free.
Part of Microsoft's suite of applications is One Drive. This allows students to store their files in the cloud. One Drive is essentially an online file storage tool with collaborative features as well as excellent backup sync tool. OneDrive can be used on via Office Online but also has sync tools available that keep a local copy of your documents that automatically backup to the cloud. For more information view Files and Back up
Google Workspace
G Suite for Education is is a suite of productivity tools that includes software such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms and Sites just to name a few. Through their school based Google account, students and teachers have access to unlimited cloud storage via Google Drive
While there are many benefits to working with Google Workspace, the key benefit is that everyone in the St Charbel's community will have access to all their files anywhere, any time and on any device. Yet another advantage of using Google Workspace is that all your data is instantly 'sharable'. Students can collaborate on work at any given time and teachers can provide instant feedback on formative assessment. Teaching and learning resources can be shared without the need for printing, (drastically reducing our carbon footprint), and assignments can be submitted electronically.