School Provided Software
At the start of the year, we students will be set an appointment to bring their laptop into IT Services to install a copy of Microsoft Office and avast!. Please note that these programs are available to your child free of charge. However, BIFS reserves the right to remove them in the event that our agreement ends or your child is no longer attending BIFS.
There are many different browsers that are available. BIFS is a Google Apps for Education School and has found that Google Chrome provides the best user experience. Students are encouraged to sign into Chrome. This enables users to save their Chrome preferences and download apps that will enhance their Chrome experience. We also encourage users to download Google Drive. This allows students to have easy access to all their Google Drive Files. Finally, Google has released an App Launcher which simplifies the process of going to specific Apps.
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Media
iMovie is Apple's movie editing software which should come free with any new Mac. This program is robust enough to provide all the editing capabilities that students will need. Editing of Audio files is easily done with Audacity. Audacity is an open free open source audio recording and editing program. Some of the more advanced features may require downloading of plug-ins. All Apple computers come equipped with a iPhoto, a photo managing software. iPhoto does have some basic photo editing features, however, Gimp provides additional features that students may find useful.
File Conversion
One of the challenges of working with multiple different platforms and programs is that each typically has their own specific file type. While some files are easily converted by changing the extension at the end of the file name, others require further assistance. Handbrake is another free program which can convert audio and movie files into different file types.
Document Creation
A lot of the document creation that students do is typically done in Google Docs. While Google Docs is great, there may be times when more advanced features are needed. The school does provide copies of the Microsoft Suite free of charge to students, however, Apple have their own version of this package which comes free on all Macs and includes Numbers, Pages, and Keynote.
Password Protection.
Keeping your account information private is an important part of being safe online. With all the various accounts that we have nowadays, this can seem very daunting. This is where Keepass comes in. Keepass stores all of your account information in an encrypted database with access only available when the master password is entered.
Account Syncing
All Apple computers come equipped with Calendar and Mail. These application can sync with your child's GAFE. In order to do this please some additional set up is required. Mail Account Sync
Calendar Account Sync
Calendar Account Sync
Time Management
The Internet is a wonderful tool for learning but it can also be a huge distraction. The urge to check e-mail or watch YouTube videos may result in work not actually getting done. Using a tool like SelfControl allows users to block specific online activities for a specified amount of time.