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Software Requirements

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Access to the department's ICT network is provided only if the mobile device meets the department's security requirements which, at a minimum, requires that anti-virus software has been installed, is running and is kept updated on the device. 

Software installation is the responsibility of the student/parent/caregiver. Valid licences are required for all software present on the device. 

It is recommended that every device has the following software installed.

​Operating Sy​​stem

​Windows 10
Windows 11​

Recommended​

95% of our students use a Windows device. 
All teachers/IT Support staff use Windows devices. 
UPDATE: Please be aware Windows 11 devices have minor differences in appearance from Windows 10.​
​iPad OS
Not recommended

While many students use iPads at primary school, the difference in layout & functions can be confusing or limited. iPad software features are limited in functionality compared to software accessed via a laptop or tablet.    

Only advised if the student has the technical skill & can troubleshoot themselves.​

​Mac OS
Not recommended* 

Mac laptops are good devices for some creative subjects, but can encounter additional network issues at school.* 

Only advised for older students with the technical skill and experience.​

android
Not supported
chrome OS
Not supported
*Apple Mac Computers are NOT the best purchasing choice for our BYOD program as sometimes there are compatibility issues with our network and our technicians do not have the background knowledge to support them. The majority of our teachers also only use Windows based machines and therefore, their problem solving capability with a Mac device is limited. However, if you have recently purchased a MacBook and the student is a competent Mac user – we'll do our best to connect the device to our Microsoft Network.

Minimum softwa​re​​ requirements

Details
Virus Protection

Must be an up-to-date full version. Windows Defender is sufficient.

Not supported: trial versions of any anti-virus, AVG, Avast, Kapersky, Bitdefender and Windows Firewall

Office Suite

Students can download and install Microsoft Office 365 free of charge. This includes licenses for up to 5 devices. This can be downloaded from portal.office.com/ and signing in with their school email and password.​

PDF Viewer
For example, Adobe Acrobat Reader 
Internet browserRecommended: Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome​


Storage of Files

Microsoft OneDrive is an online data storage location dedicated and secured for Education Queensland schools.

OneDrive allows students to save their files securely in the Microsoft Cloud infrastructure. Students can access their data using any device, giving unprecedented flexibility to complete learning tasks as they move between school and home.

Students need to use their school username and password for access. ​

eSafety for Pa​​rents

Learning online allows many great new experiences and opportunities for students to discover and explore, but unrestricted and unsupervised access to the internet can be harmful to your child.
 
Browns Plains SHS supports targeted, purposeful, and restricted use of devices for learning at school and at home. While the school does not install any monitoring or filtering software on student’s personal devices, at school our secure WiFi network provides a strong layer of protection from inappropriate content.
 
Where we see the vast majority of unsafe internet activity is on mobile phones (or devices using a mobile hotspot) and while at home. 

As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to provide safe environments for our students. This can seem impossible when accounts can be locked with passwords or screens turned from view, but simple tools can not only keep students safe, but bring you together as a family as well.

Information & resources for Parents

Navigating device addiction, cyberbullying, adult content, or having hard-to-have personal conversations with your child can be a tricky situation to navigate, especially if you don’t feel like a digital expert yourself.

That’s where the eSafety Commissioner (www.esafety.gov.au/parents​) can help. You can also follow the eSafety Facebook page. There’s lots of information on how to tackle sensitive issues respectfully, supporting your child to feel empowered online and sharing their issues with you when things go wrong. It’s your guidebook to a safe and supportive online environment for the whole family.

Set up good habits an​​d parental controls

Establishing some common-sense controls for your home and child’s devices can result in healthy habits:
  • Create agreed rules on how technology should be used at home and then stick to it.
  • Customise WiFi or Internet Service Provider (ISP) settings to filter/monitor activity on your network
  • Set screen-time limits, or designate ‘devices allowed’ timeframes to encourage devices to be used effectively.
  • Use personal devices in shared rooms only, or set ‘open door’ policies if devices are allowed in bedrooms.
  • Check new mobile apps and games are appropriate before allowing your child to sign-up and start using them.
  • Use and learn technology together with your child, building trust and open communication.

​Microsoft Family Safety ap​p

Microsoft Family Safety is an app that works across all your child’s devices, including Windows computers, iPads, iPhones and Android devices. 

It’s a great app that helps parents:
  • Set screen time limits
  • Set app or game limits (even on Xbox)
  • Filter content
  • See activity & health reports
  • Locate family members
As a school, we highly recommend using parental controls such as the Microsoft Family Safety app on your child’s devices – it’s a simple way to protect them from unsafe situations online.
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Last reviewed 25 November 2021
Last updated 25 November 2021