Technology
Overview
The Technology staff works with faculty and students, using the best tools to effectively support the school mission and classroom curriculum.
Acceptable Use of Technology at LWHS
Monitoring
LWHS actively monitors all computer and network activity, internet use, and file server space at multiple levels ranging from network traffic, files left on computers and user desktop activity.
Technology use must support the school's educational objectives. Inappropriate use of LWHS' technology resources violates the Acceptable Use Policy.
Transmission of any material in violation of LWHS rules, California laws or regulations, or United States laws or regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, transmitting copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
Use of LWHS computers for commercial activities or product advertisement is not allowed. This includes buying or selling items as an individual.
LWHS technology is for academic use only. The following activities are prohibited:
- Modifying the appearance, settings, or interface of technology resources
- Using file sharing (peer-to-peer) applications
- Instant Messaging or using any chat applications (unless a faculty member grants prior permission for academic purposes)
- Computer games or gaming of any kind
- Downloading or otherwise installing software applications on LWHS computers without prior consent from a faculty or staff member
Please also keep in mind:
- Each teacher has the discretion to regulate the use of a student's personal device in the classroom and around any school project.
- Running any sort of server applications on non-school equipment is prohibited
Remember that LWHS is an educational institution and all activity on the Internet is traceable back to the network location.
Etiquette
The physical space surrounding LWHS computers must be treated with respect. Under no circumstances should food or drink be brought into any computer facility.
When using technology resources to communicate both inside and outside the LWHS community, students are expected to follow LWHS community standards at all times, particularly with regard to language and behavior. All rules found in the Student Handbook apply to technology etiquette, as do the social media guidelines.
Penalties for Improper Use
Penalties for violating classroom rules, LWHS rules, or applicable state and federal laws include:
- Loss of network and computer use privileges
- Other disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, those found in the Student Handbook
- Criminal prosecution
LWHS reserves the right to remove you and your personal device from the network for improper activity.
Liability
If through misuse or neglect a student damages LWHS technology, that student and his/her family is financially liable.
Students are responsible for the maintenance and security of their own equipment. The school is not liable for the damage or theft of private property, including any damages resulting from computer viruses. Laptops must have operable, current anti-virus software installed. All rules stated in the Technology Acceptable Use Policy apply to privately owned equipment.
The ultimate responsibility for appropriate use of technology rests in the hands of the user. LWHS is not liable for unacceptable use. The school uses basic internet content-filtering in an attempt to minimize risks from websites that have no conceivable reason to be accessed at school.
Although LWHS has taken reasonable precautions to restrict access to offensive and questionable material, absolute control of all online activities is impossible.
Updates & Changes
Help Desk Support
The Help Desk is available from 8:30am–4pm, Mon–Fri (except school holidays) to help with Technology Support issues. Click the link, email helpdesk@lwhs.org, or call 415-333-4021 x365.
Bring Your Own Device
All students are required to bring their own laptop—in working condition and fully charged—to school every day.
Device Requirements
Students will be provided campus-specific and course-specific software to install on their laptops; due to the minimum requirements for the software, the following laptops and/or devices are not acceptable as primary computing devices for in-class use on campus:
- Linux-based laptops/devices;
- ChromeOS-based laptops/devices (Chromebooks);
- Tablet-based devices (iPad or Android);
- Smartphone devices (iPhone or Android); or
- Windows laptops with limited or unlicensed operating systems (Windows "S Mode", Not-For-Resale versions of Windows, etc.)
Acceptable devices include:
- Apple macOS-based laptops; or
- Microsoft Windows-based laptops from any vendor
Hardware for Mac
- Please check out our LWHS Apple for Education website for education discounts on Apple products.
- Apple system suggestions: macBook Air 13", macBook Pro 13"
- Intel Core i5* or Apple Silicon
- 8GB RAM
- Wifi capable
- 256 GB hard drive (or SSD) capacity
- Operating System: macOS Ventura (13.x)
NOTE: please plan to upgrade your macOS Operating System to the recommended version prior to the first day of the School Year to avoid issues with installing required software.
* Older macOS-based systems which use the Intel processor are supported as long as the recommended Operating System version can be installed on the system; we anticipate that Apple and macOS software publishers will continue to support Intel-based Mac systems for at least the anticipated lifespan of the system.
Hardware for PC
- Please check out our Dell Partner Program website for education discounts.
- Windows suggestions: Dell Inspiron 15 3000, Acer Aspire, HP Pavilion Notebook PC, Samsung Galaxy Book2
- Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
- 8GB RAM
- Wifi capable
- 256GB hard drive (or SSD) capacity
- Operating systems: Windows 10 Home or greater, full installation versions only (no "S Mode" installations)
FAQs
- How do I password protect my computer?
- How do I make my computer require a password once it goes to sleep?
- What if I forget my laptop?
- What if it gets broken or stolen—whose responsibility is it?
- Do you filter content on StudentNet (i.e. the LWHS wireless connection to the internet)?
How do I password protect my computer?
How do I make my computer require a password once it goes to sleep?
Require Password when waking Mac from Sleep or Screen Saver
- Please check out our LWHS Apple for Education website for education discounts on Apple products.
- Apple system suggestions: MacBook Air 13", MacBook Pro 13"
- Intel Core i5* or Apple M1
- 8GB RAM
- Wifi capable
- 256 GB hard drive (or SSD) capacity
- Operating System: MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or greater
NOTE: please plan to upgrade your macOS Operating System to the recommended version prior to the first day of the School Year to avoid issues with installing required software.
* Older macOS-based systems which use the Intel processor are supported as long as the recommended Operating System version can be installed on the system; we anticipate that Apple and macOS software publishers will continue to support Intel-based Mac systems for at least the anticipated lifespan of the system.
What if I forget my laptop?
What if it gets broken or stolen—whose responsibility is it?
Your laptop is solely your own responsibility.
You may, at your own discretion, elect to use any of the following options to reduce the financial impact of damaged, lost or stolen computer hardware:
- Extended Warranty options may be available for new device purchases
(please check with the equipment vendor); - Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance policies may provide coverage
(please speak with your insurance agent); - Electronic Device Insurance is available from several providers*, including:
*: LWHS does not recommend, warrant or endorse any Electronic Device Insurance provider; you may choose any option which meets your needs.
Do you filter content on StudentNet (i.e. the LWHS wireless connection to the internet)?
Why BYOD?
BYOD is about offering choice to members of the LWHS community. BYOD respects the personal preferences of students, offering them increased mobility and better integration of their home and school lives. It also enables them the flexibility to work in a way that optimizes their productivity.
Skill Expectations for Incoming Frosh
Basic knowledge using a productivity suite
Word processing, slideshow presentation, and spreadsheets—such as Google Drive, Apple Pages/Numbers/Keynote or Microsoft Office.
Google Drive can be obtained by opening a Gmail account online.
Note: Many group projects are done using Google Drive because documents can be shared online. Familiarity with Google Drive software is helpful.
Computer literacy/skills
Responsible Use of Technology
All students are expected to read and follow the Acceptable Use of Technology Policies found on the Technology Overview page.
LWHS School Email Accounts
All students receive and are expected to use an LWHS School Email account during their enrollment at the school.
LWHS School Email accounts provide 20GB of storage capacity (versus 15GB for "free" Gmail accounts) and access to Google services including @lwhs.org email, Drive storage, Docs/Sheets/Slides, Calendar and Photos.
Being able to leverage the LWHS school domain will, in the future, allow the school to leverage free or reduced-cost Student licensing where available for applications such as Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud and other tools and services which require a school email address to use.
This change will also reduce or eliminate the need to change emails across multiple systems within the school, as the student will retain the same address throughout their education at LWHS.
Please contact the Technology Department for additional information about LWHS School Email accounts.
Skill Expectations for Incoming Frosh
Basic knowledge using a productivity suite
Word processing, slideshow presentation, and spreadsheets—such as Google Drive, Apple Pages/Numbers/Keynote or Microsoft Office.
Google Drive can be obtained by opening a Gmail account online.
Note: Many group projects are done using Google Drive because documents can be shared online. Familiarity with Google Drive software is helpful.
Computer literacy/skills
Responsible Use of Technology
All students are expected to read and follow the Acceptable Use of Technology Policies found on the Technology Overview page.
About & FAQs
Technology is a critical component of the Lick-Wilmerding High School experience.
FAQs
- How do I password protect my computer?
- How do I make my computer require a password once it goes to sleep?
- What if I forget my laptop?
- What if it gets broken or stolen—whose responsibility is it?
- Do you filter content on StudentNet (i.e. the LWHS wireless connection to the internet)?
How do I password protect my computer?
How do I make my computer require a password once it goes to sleep?
Require Password when waking Mac from Sleep or Screen Saver
- Please check out our LWHS Apple for Education website for education discounts on Apple products.
- Apple system suggestions: MacBook Air 13", MacBook Pro 13"
- Intel Core i5* or Apple M1
- 8GB RAM
- Wifi capable
- 256 GB hard drive (or SSD) capacity
- Operating System: MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or greater
NOTE: please plan to upgrade your macOS Operating System to the recommended version prior to the first day of the School Year to avoid issues with installing required software.
* Older macOS-based systems which use the Intel processor are supported as long as the recommended Operating System version can be installed on the system; we anticipate that Apple and macOS software publishers will continue to support Intel-based Mac systems for at least the anticipated lifespan of the system.
What if I forget my laptop?
What if it gets broken or stolen—whose responsibility is it?
Your laptop is solely your own responsibility.
You may, at your own discretion, elect to use any of the following options to reduce the financial impact of damaged, lost or stolen computer hardware:
- Extended Warranty options may be available for new device purchases
(please check with the equipment vendor); - Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance policies may provide coverage
(please speak with your insurance agent); - Electronic Device Insurance is available from several providers*, including:
*: LWHS does not recommend, warrant or endorse any Electronic Device Insurance provider; you may choose any option which meets your needs.
Do you filter content on StudentNet (i.e. the LWHS wireless connection to the internet)?
Help Desk Support
The Help Desk is available from 8:30am–4pm, Mon–Fri (except school holidays) to help with Technology Support issues. Click the link, email helpdesk@lwhs.org, or call 415-333-4021 x365.
Skill Expectations for Incoming Frosh
Basic knowledge using a productivity suite
Word processing, slideshow presentation, and spreadsheets—such as Google Drive, Apple Pages/Numbers/Keynote or Microsoft Office.
Google Drive can be obtained by opening a Gmail account online.
Note: Many group projects are done using Google Drive because documents can be shared online. Familiarity with Google Drive software is helpful.
Computer literacy/skills
Responsible Use of Technology
All students are expected to read and follow the Acceptable Use of Technology Policies found on the Technology Overview page.