Every Catholic Memorial student is required to have a device that will facilitate his education both in the classroom and at home. The minimum hardware and software specifications required for these devices, along with a Home Technology Readiness Checklist and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found below.
The thoughtful inclusion of technology resources throughout the curriculum will not only enhance the educational experience for all of our students but also better prepare them for the collegiate and work environments they will encounter beyond Catholic Memorial.
Below are recommended minimum standards for families purchasing computers for their sons to meet Catholic Memorial’s technology requirements. Please note that a device that meets ANY of these requirements will be sufficient to run the full range of productivity and educational applications that a typical student will need during his time at CM. Selecting a device with higher requirements will provide better performance and may extend its useful lifespan.
Processor – We recommend Intel over AMD processors because we feel they provide better performance, reliability, and compatibility.
Manufacturer – We have no strong preferences regarding brands but suggest families choose one which they have researched for durability and reliability or are comfortable with based on their own experience. The HP and Lenovo brands shown above were selected merely as typical price point examples. Apple computers with comparable specifications are also excellent, though typically, slightly more expensive options.
Retailers – Laptops are commodities whose prices change almost daily. We strongly encourage families to shop around for the best pricing when they are ready to make a purchase. Frequently, specific models being phased out are still excellent computers but may be steeply discounted.
USB – While most students store and exchange files with faculty and other students via cloud storage, we encourage families to choose devices which have some USB ports which not only allow the use of a thumb drive, but also facilitate the connection of external devices like keyboards and mice.
Microsoft Office – Students do NOT need to purchase Microsoft Office. Their CM email account includes free access to the Office suite of products.
Antivirus Software – Every device connected to the internet should be protected by a reputable antivirus and internet protection product such as Norton 360. It is very important that these products be kept up to date and active at all times.
Chromebooks and MacBook Air – While Chromebooks and the MacBook Air are good entry-level computers for many students, they do not meet the full technical requirements for a “work device” here at CM. Students MAY use a Chromebook or a MacBook Air for the 2023-2024 school year but students may need to be adaptable to issues that arise.
Not so long ago it seems, a single laptop or desktop computer with an attached printer in each home was more than enough to meet the needs of an entire family. A little juggling of schedules was adequate to overcome any conflicts that might arise among family members. In recent years, though, technology has become more central in completing homework and facilitating parents working from home, while at the same time, our homes, and entertainment experiences have become far more internet dependent as well. Very recently, the remote working and learning requirements brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic have brought to the forefront the importance of being deliberate and thoughtful in planning our at-home technology environments. Ensuring that all family members have the appropriate spaces, technology, and capacity to complete their daily activities has been both essential and at times challenging.
To help address some of these challenges, here are a few simple guidelines for families to consider with respect to their home technology environments. While not an exhaustive list, the items listed below are some of the most important, and attention to them will provide the most benefit for all.