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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.
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 paint or stickers to make sure your computer is easily distinguishable from others. This makes it harder for someone to walk off with it.
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.
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 10 and 11 are the current versions. If your laptop does not have this, it's too old. If it originally shipped with windows 7, 8 or Vista, it's also 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 maximum - 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 do heavy lifting.
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.
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 in 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 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.
MacOS, MacBooks, Apple Products
Macs that can run the current latest version of OS X will work in our class, however I want to warn you that 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, have you considered installing Windows on your MacBook? Look into Apple's Boot Camp Assistant.
If you send your child to Coding & Programming with a Mac, please work with them first to make sure they understand the OS and how to use all aspects of it. Also please update the OS to the latest version!
What Software Will Be Needed?
Please make sure your child's computer has the latest operating system updates.
In Windows, use the start menu to search for Windows Update, or open the Settings and click on Update & Security.
On Chrome OS, connect to WiFi and open the settings. Scroll down to About Chrome OS, and check for updates there.
Please make sure they have a web browser that you like, such as Firefox or Chrome.
Throughout the year, we will install programs on this computer. You may get a glimpse of them in the syllabus. Please make sure your student has the necessary permissions on the laptop to install programs.
What Online Accounts Will Be Made?
As you know, online tools always require accounts. This is critical to using applications such as Google Docs. We will do our best to form good password practices when accounts are required.
The only required account is one on GitHub.com. This is a service provided by Microsoft, though I'm not sure a standard Microsoft account will work.