Academic Technology

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.

	GOOD	BETTER	BEST
Processor	Intel Core i5	Intel Core i7	Intel Core i7
Memory	8GB	16GB	16+GB
Storage	256 GB SSD	256 GB SSD	512+ GB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Professional
Webcam	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB	Yes	Yes	Yes
HDMI	No	No	Yes

• 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 that 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.

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.