‘Bring Your Own Device’ - Device Specifications
Hardware Specification
Having a device that meets these requirements ensure seamless connectivity and optimal functionality with our department wireless network (detnsw) and educational software used by our teachers.
There is no specific recommendation for Windows or Mac based devices, both operating systems work equally within our school network, however Chromebooks and Microsoft Copilot+ PCs are not recommended as they cannot support running apps such as Adobe Premiere or Photoshop if students Year 9 and 10 choose to undertake Information and Software Technology (IST), Visual Arts (VA) and/or Photography and Digital Media (PDM) .
To access the school wireless network and participate fully in classroom activities, student devices are required to the following technical specifications.
Form Factor: Laptop, hybrid (touch screen notebook) or tablet device
Note: Tablets or hybrids are highly recommended to have a physical keyboard attachment with separate keys for A-Z and 0 – 9, which physically move when depressed.
Physical Dimensions
- Minimum Size: 11.5"
- Maximum Size: 14"
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows 10 or 11
- Apple MacOSX 10.1.3 or newer
Battery Life
Advertised battery life of the devices should be at least 6 hours.
Wireless Compatability
802.11 n/ac wireless capabilities (5 GHz)
Note: This may be advertised as: “WiFi 6 or WiFi 5, Dual Band Wireless”, “802.11ac” or “Gigabit Wireless”.
2.4 GHz WiFi will not work with CHS Wireless Network.
Additional Requirements
Students in year 9 and 10 undertaking elective Information and Software Technology (IST), Visual Arts (VA) and/or Photography and Digital Media (PDM) are required to have a device with a Windows 10 or Mac OSX 10.13 (or newer) operating system to allow installation of required software.
Storage Recommedations
- Minimum Storage: 128 GB
- Recommended Storage: 256 GB or more
- Disk configuration : Solid State Drive (SSD)
Memory (RAM) Recommendations
Minimum RAM (Laptops): 4 GB (or 8 GB for Yr 9/10 IST/VA/PDM students)
Additional Recommendations
- Maximum weight: 2 KG
- Accidental loss and breakage insurance
Software Specification
General Education Software
Microsoft Office
Students can download Microsoft Office 365 (at no cost) for Windows and Mac OSX from www.office.com.
Instructions on how to do this are available here.
Google Suite
All students have a Google Apps account linked to their student portal account, which includes basic office software including Google Docs and Sheets.
Minecraft Education Edition
In Year 7, students participating in our Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) program gain exclusive access to Minecraft: Education Edition - a specialized version of this popular game designed specifically for educational use.
https://education.minecraft.net/
Elective Software - (IST, Visual Arts & PDM)
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is provided (at no cost) to Year 11 and 12's as part of their student account, more information about Adobe Creative Cloud is available here
Instructions on how to sign into Adobe Creative Cloud are available here.
Security Software
We recommend using reputable and current antivirus software to protect your device. Options include Microsoft Defender (available free), as well as popular paid alternatives like Bitdefender, Norton, and McAfee (not required but highly recommended).