Technology FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Can students have access to Facebook, MySpace, IM or other Chat software?

The short answer is "no". We are not allowing access to social networking sites or Chat software on Windham School District computers at this time.

Q. Can students connect to their home printer?

Yes. A student can add a printer from home if it is connected via a USB cable. If for some reason the print driver for that printer is not installed we can install it for the student, provided they supply the install CD or driver necessary.

Q. What if a student is having trouble gaining Internet access at home?

While we can not support home networks or Internet connections, there are a couple of things a student can do:
 - They can connect directly to their home network via an ethernet cable
 - They should contact their home Internet provider's customer service department

Q. Can students use a shoulder strap on their laptop bag?

No. Shoulder straps should NOT be used. Any faculty member who sees a student with a shoulder strap should ask them to remove it.

Q. Can students decorate their laptop bag in order to tell them apart?

Yes. Students will keep the same laptop bag for the entire time they are at WHS.

Q. Should students bring their power cord to school if their battery is not lasting a full day?

No. At no time should student bring their power cord to school. If they lose it they will be liable to pay a deductible to replace it. Any faculty member who sees a student with a power cord should ask them to leave it at home for now on. Please remind students that if their battery does run out they can swap it for a fully charged battery in the media center.

Q. Should students put their laptop bag in their book bag?

No. Laptops should always be stored in their carrying bag when in transit and the bag should never be stored within any other bag.

Q. What if a student has a problem connecting an iPod or other personal device to their laptop?

Unfortunately we cannot support personal devices at this time unless they are required for academic use and the request comes through a faculty member.

Q. Can students use printers at home?

Printers must be attached to the student's laptop via a USB cable. The computer should automatically detect the printer and it will appear as the default printer while connected. Network and wireless printers are not supported as they require administrative privileges to install. Additional installer disks/programs that come with the printer cannot be run as these installers are considered applications, and they do not appear in the list of approved applications that students are allowed to run on their laptops.