The following software are required on your device.
Antivirus
Having Antivirus installed on your laptop is very important, but which one? Not all Antivirus software is created equal.
There’s a very good website called AV-test.org ( https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/ ) that provides a frequently updated ranking of virtually all Antivirus software. It measures them not only in terms of how effective they are at virus detection, but whether it’s free or paid, the level of interface usability and the performance impact it will have on your computer.
Windows 10
There is a built in Antivirus in Windows 10 called Windows Defender (Security Essentials), which typically ranks very well on the AV-Test lists. Free versions of Antivirus can be downloaded from either AVG or Avast websites. Alternately and commercial Antivirus suite can be used.
Windows 7, 8 or 8.1
If you’re using previous versions of Windows, you must have Antivirus installed. Free versions of Antivirus can be downloaded from either AVG or Avast websites. Alternately and commercial Antivirus suite can be used. (be sure to first uninstall any previous Antivirus software that may have already been loaded and/or expired)
MacBooks
MacOS is still susceptible to malicious programs if system warnings are bypassed by the user. See below, advice to avoid getting viruses.
If you want to install Antivirus on your MacBook, AVG Free Antivirusis available for macOS and is highly recommended. Just remember to disable the ‘web protection’ function.
The best advice to avoid viruses
Avoid free movie, games and file sharing websites. So why do Antivirus companies offer free software? While it may be part altruism, it’s also required to keep their paid business Antivirus products functional.
Avoid opening email attachments and be critical of email content: There are very few legitimate services that still use email attachments. Banks and Australia Post never attach files. They also never use links in their email. When you are presented with a web link in an email hover your mouse over it and see if it goes where it should. Often scammers try to disguise links to look legitimate. Best practice is to avoid the link completely and make your own way to the web site.
Google Chrome
Whilst students can use any web browser they choose, it is a requirement that the latest version of Google Chrome be installed as it is compatible with most online services. Often when a web resource doesn’t work with either Safari or Internet Explorer, it will work with Chrome.
You can download Chrome directly from Google, here[
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office 365 is provided free for students to install on up to 5 devices. A guide for creating a Microsoft 365 Account and installing office can be downloaded from here.
Once downloaded you can use your College student credentials to register your copy.
Google Classroom
Students have been using Google Classroom across all subjects. Google classroom allows for an open forum and interactive communication between the subject teacher and his/her students.
You can access a comprehensive guide on how to use Google Classroom here.
Sora
Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to access digital titles from our school library. Students can simply log in using school email credentials and instantly access hundreds of eBooks and audio books on virtually any device.
Click here for further instructions on how to use Sora