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Student Computers
Students are required to bring a fully working computer to class every week. It needs to have battery capacity to last the entire class hour, or else bring a power adapter and possibly an extension cord. The lessons are about computers, done while using the computer, so students will need a computer. SHEEP will not provide this for you.
What Computers Will Work?
Our class strongly prefers that you use Windows-based notebook PCs. You can use a Chromebook, but it's more difficult (see below). You can use a MacBook, but with huge caveats (see below). And no, tablets and phones won't work.
All laptops need at least 8 GB of RAM.
The more you have, the better a computer will work. Need help understanding the computer parts jargon? Check the computer shopping page.
Windows
Windows-based computers are the most common computers in the world, and knowing how to use them is critical to working most jobs. I highly recommend sending your student to school with one of these.
Windows 11 is the current version. If your laptop does not have this, it's probably too old. If it originally shipped with windows 7, 8 or Vista, it's definitely too old.
Please check your computer for Windows "S Mode" that won't allow us to install programs or do the things we need in our class.
Please check for Windows Updates and install all the updates your Windows-based PC can handle. We need you to do this at home so that Windows doesn't try to install them during class. Time in our class is precious - we get 1 hour per week, so we need to optimize it as much as possible.
Permissions Check
Please check to make sure that your student has the necessary permissions in Windows to install programs when we need to. Check the User Account Controls. If your student has a child account or limited account, please remove these restrictions.
Chromebooks
Chrome OS is wildly popular in schools because of its lower price. Chromebooks require less computing power, so the devices tend to be far less capable, which is a danger when we need to use them for programming.
Warning - Not All Chromebooks Will Work!
Many Chromebooks do not have the computing power necessary to install Linux. This is especially true for older Chromebooks and those running MediaTek or Qualcomm (smartphone) CPUs. Install Linux (in the ChromeOS settings) today to make sure you can.
The best way to know your Chromebook is powerful enough is to buy one with an Intel or AMD CPU. Intel should be 10th generation or newer, something like the i3, i5, or i7 lineup, and avoid Pentium and Celeron. AMD should be 5th generation or later Ryzen CPUs, avoid Athlon.
To simplify all of this math, you can shop for a "Chromebook Plus," which is a new designation from Google that means it has enough computing power for our class.
Using a Chromebook for This Class is Difficult
When you use a Chromebook, in order to run the industry standard software we use such as VS Code and Git, your student will have to install Linux and use the Terminal to install programs. I have the commands to type, but if this makes you or your student uncomfortable, then you should reconsider using a Windows device.
Install Linux Today
Please install Linux in your Chromebook before we start our first class-- immediately if possible. That way you will know if your Chromebook is capable of doing what we need. If Linux cannot be installed, you need a more powerful computer.
MacOS, MacBooks, Apple Products
Macs that can run the current latest version of OS X will work in our class, however this is a bad idea.
What? Why?
The short story is that I don't use a Mac. I see them as somewhat fringe, extravagant, niche computing devices still. There's also a much longer story I can tell about overpriced hardware and closed ecosystems, but it really comes down to the fact that I can't support or troubleshoot any problems on a Mac.
If you are insistent on using Apple devices, can you run Windows in a VM?
If you send your child to SHEEP with a Mac, you need to work with them for a couple hours to make sure they understand the OS and how to use all aspects of it! Every year, we see students on MacBooks lose their files, not understand how to use the Finder, not know how to install a program, not know how to close a program, and not understand the primary menu context. Don't let it be your student this year!
Practical Concerns: Weight, Space, Dropping, Thieves
Some common issues with bringing a laptop to school are the size and weight in a backpack, and fear of it getting damaged, stolen, or lost. While we cannot guarantee you will be free from problems, we can recommend some solutions to plan ahead:
Leave it in your car. Often parents may camp out in the parking lot or come-and-go as their children have classes in different periods. If it is convenient, leave your computer in the vehicle. I recommend storing it in the trunk or where it is not visible. This saves space in backpacks, and reduces the risk of it getting dropped, lost, or stolen throughout the day.
Buy a smaller, especially thinner, lightweight device that your student can carry more easily. While there is a higher price for sub-notebook computers, there is a lower price for a smaller screen. Look for a good compromise when you go shopping.
- Most laptops weight 4 to 6 pounds, but range from 2 to 8
- A 17" screen is extremely large and requires an oversized backpack or case; 15" is average, 12" is often too small
Add a decoration (stickers, paint, etc) to make sure your computer is easily distinguishable from others. This makes it harder for someone to walk off with it.