Please remember that your tablet remains the property of Santa Margarita Catholic High School and the Diocese of Orange until your graduation.

To maintain a secure and “clean” academic environment, our campus network is strictly managed. Every piece of software currently installed on your device has undergone thorough testing to ensure it meets our security standards and functions correctly within our closed network.

Software & Licensing

• Commercial Licenses: We have pre-installed all necessary commercial licenses and keys. This prevents any licensing interruptions or legal issues while you use the device for your schoolwork.

• Approved Software: If you need additional tools, please check the FileWave Kiosk. This is your hub for pre-approved, safe applications.

• Automatic Updates: Occasionally, specific departments may request additional software for a course. Once approved by IT, these applications may be deployed automatically to your device via our FileWave MDM (Mobile Device Management) system.

Note: Unauthorized software installations can compromise device security and network integrity. Please stick to the FileWave Kiosk for all your software needs.

If you find that your current software suite doesn’t meet specific academic needs, please follow the steps below to ensure your request is processed efficiently.

• Consult Your Instructor First: Before submitting a formal request, speak with your teacher. They often have specialized resources or alternative methods already vetted for your specific course.

• Submit a Request Form: If your instructor confirms that additional software is necessary, you or your teacher may [fill out the Software Request Form here].

• Be Detailed: When filling out the form, please be as descriptive as possible regarding your specific needs and the project you are working on. This information is vital in helping our team evaluate the software’s compatibility with our network.

Important Considerations

While we strive to provide the best tools for your success, please keep the following in mind:

• No Guarantee of Approval: Due to strict security, licensing, and network stability requirements, we cannot guarantee that every request will be approved.

• Plan for Alternatives: We highly recommend researching web-based alternatives (SaaS) or utilizing a non-SMCHS personal device for specialized software that may not be compatible with our secure environment.

Pro-Tip: Check the FileWave Kiosk first! Many common academic tools are already waiting there for you to download instantly.

To ensure a consistent and secure browsing experience, please note that Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are currently the only approved web browsers for use on school-issued devices.

Why we limit browser options:

We understand there are many browsers available, but we focus on these two specifically for several reasons:

• Security & Stability: We have chosen the two most recognized browsers built with high security standards in mind.

• Resource Management: Managing multiple browsers requires significant resources to track constant updates, patches, and potential vulnerabilities. By limiting the selection, we can guarantee a more stable and secure environment for everyone.

• Consistency: Standardizing our browsers ensures that school-related websites and applications function correctly for all students.

Looking Ahead: If our policy changes or additional browsers are approved in the future, we will update this post and notify the student body.

Resons for Loaner Laptops:

• My Laptop is in for repair:
  • Were sorry to hear that you are having issues with your laptop. It’s great to know that SMCHS offers loaners to help you out in such situations.
  • Using our loaners devices, you will need to access your documents online. You can log in to Office.com using your credentials and access the files online. It’s important to save any new data to OneDrive so that you can easily access it from any device.
  • Lastly, we will contact you when your laptop has been repaired and ready for pickup. You will need to return your loaner at that time.

• I forgot my laptop at home:
  • Being Prepared for School and having your device with you when arriving at school is the student’s responsibility. The Tech Center has a limited amount of Loaner Devices which are for students with a need for laptop repairs only.
  • The student will be asked to call their parents so they can have it delivered to campus.

If you need a stylus for your device, you have several options for obtaining one that fits your needs and budget.

• On-Campus Purchase: For your convenience, replacement styli are available for purchase directly at the SMCHS Tech Center.

• External Retailers: You are also welcome to purchase a stylus online from your preferred retailer.

• Expert Advice: If you are unsure which model is compatible with your specific tablet, please visit the Tech Center. Our team can provide more information and recommendations to ensure you get a tool that works perfectly with your hardware.

Need help? If you have any questions about stylus compatibility or other hardware accessories, the Tech Center team is here to assist you.