Software & Apps for your Laptop

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Digital Drop-In July 25, 2023  |  4:30 – 6:30 PM

If you need help installing any of these apps, please stop by PCHS Commons for Digital Drop-in.  Complete Information will be emailed in early July.

Microsoft 365 – Required on all student devices

Thanks to PCHS licensing with Microsoft, all students are entitled to install the full version of Microsoft 365 on their devices.  It is NOT necessary to purchase Microsoft 365 on your own.

New students will receive login credentials in early June prior to the virtual bookstore opening; they should install Microsoft Office prior to their BYOD workshop in late July/early August.

IMPORTANT: Before doing anything else, uninstall Office: Many times, new Windows devices come with a trial version of Microsoft Office already installed.  It is important that you uninstall it & reboot before proceeding.  Directions for uninstalling a program in Windows 10.

  1. Read these directions from Microsoft before continuing.
    You will be using a Work or School account, not a Microsoft account.
  2. Login at https://www.office.com with your student PCHS email address and password.
    (This was included in the email sent to parents in early June.  If you have misplaced it, please email us.)
  3. Click on Install Office in the upper right.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete installation.

Switch out of Windows S Mode

If your laptop has Windows S operating system, you will be unable to install any apps unless they are from the Microsoft store.  Therefore, it is necessary to switch out of S mode.    Get the directions from Microsoft.

Learn how to check which Operating System you have.

Additional Required Apps

Below is a list of required software applications to be installed on student devices.  For your convenience, we have included links to the download page.  Email Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti with questions.

IMPORTANT!  The items indicated with ** should be addressed by ALL students, even those who are not setting up their laptop for the first time.  These are important updates and/or new installations necessary for this coming school year.

AppDescriptionDownload available at:
*** Windows Updates
THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Be sure that your pc is updated with the latest patches and drivers
Applies to ALL student laptops		Directions for Windows 10

Directions for updating macOS
*** Update Microsoft Office software
Always update to get the latest features!
Applies to ALL student laptops		Directions
Adobe Reader (or other pdf reader)PDF readerGet Reader
Be sure to UNcheck the options for installing McAfee or other software
Antivirus - WindowsMicrosoft provides free anti-virus software called Windows Security; already installed on new devicesMore info
AudacityAudio recorder and editorSourceForge
ChromeGoogle's browser; required for certain sites and appsGoogle
Java Needed for Phet simulations in Science ClassesDownload page
MalwareBytesFree malware scannerDowload page
Microsoft Teams
Desktop app used for ALL classes for assignments & activity Download Page
QR Code ReaderCodexDownload from Microsoft Store
TiNspire cacluator softwareRequired for ALL math students:
Software license number is included in the package with your newTiNspire calculator. Be sure to keep that documentation! 		Download page
VLC PlayerMultimedia player, format converter and moreVLC download page
Python

Programming Language
(Only for certain Science and CSA courses. Wait for teacher instructions. )		Python Download page

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