Do I need to buy Microsoft Office?
No, while your child is enrolled at a State Government School, they will have access to the Microsoft suite of apps. When your child's enrolment concludes, you will need to decide if MS Office is a product that you would like to purchase/subscribe to.
Do I need to buy Antivirus?
No. Windows utilises Microsoft Defender by default. Additional antivirus software is unnecessary and can be costly. Some students can have issues with the school network, requiring an uninstall of software.
Do I need an extended warranty?
A 3-year warranty, along with accidental damage protection and insurance against theft, offers a stress-free way to own a BYOD laptop. However, we encourage parents to conduct their own financial analysis to determine what is best for their individual circumstances.
Can my child use a second hand or existing laptop from home?
Yes, your child can if it meets minimum requirements for their year level subjects. It is recommended that the devices are reset to factory settings before your child starts using it.
Is there a simple way to provide online safety for my child at home?
Yes. You can choose to only enter the wifi password when you want them to use the internet and you can watch them, once this time has finished, go to the wifi connection screen, right click and then click “Forget”. Your child won’t be able to access the internet until next time. Lock the laptop away when you don’t want your child to use the device.
Can I charge my laptop at school?
Your child is expected to arrive at school with a fully charged device. Charging facilities are available at the library if your child's device is running low. The use of chargers in classrooms can create a tripping hazard, so charging in class is discouraged.
When should I buy a laptop?
Early to mid-January, or as devices come on sale. Keep in mind that your warranties and inurance often start on the purchase date. Waiting to use a device may limit your warranty options with returns within the first 30 days of purchase often easier due to Australian consumer law. Anything after that date is often handled by the warranty porccess.