Laptop Care and Best Practices

Starting with the 2022/2023 school year Edgewood is moving to a one-to-one model for all students.

As each student will be provided a laptop the use of personal devices is discouraged and will not be supported in any way.  Additionally, the use of personal devices in classrooms will not be allowed. Personal devices ARE NOT allowed to connect to the school wifi at any time.

The school will be checking out a computer and power supply to each student during the first week of school.  This laptop will be checked back in at the end of the school year in the same condition it was issued with any damage recorded and charged as necessary.

Edgewood 1:1 Things to Know

  • All laptops and chargers will be labeled with your name - do not remove this label

  • Do not add any stickers etc to your school laptop

  • You will be issued a charger - make sure you keep track of it (it is now labeled with your name). You must return the school-issued charger or you will be charged $40 (note - we can only accept original school-issued chargers; replacements from other sources will not be accepted as they void our warranty).

  • Make a charging plan - either bring your charger back-and-forth and/or make sure you have a plan of when you will charge your laptop (for example, in the media center during Power Hour)  

  • CHARGE YOUR COMPUTER NIGHTLY so you are prepared for class each day

Edgewood Laptop Accessories

It is highly recommended that you purchase a high-quality bag or backpack designed to protect a laptop.  It is also recommended that students purchase a wireless mouse if they do not like using the laptop track pad.

How to Store Your Laptop Properly When Not in Use

  • Put the laptop away in a case. A padded case will absorb any impacts during storage while also preventing dust from accumulating.

  • Don't use the laptop as an ordinary surface. While a closed laptop is flat, it shouldn't be used for writing or drawing. The weight of books or household items stacked on top can also damage its screen.

How to Properly Carry a Laptop

  • A laptop should be transported from room to room in a protective case. Use two hands or the handle of a zippered carrying case to pick up and move a laptop.

  • Never carry a laptop by the screen — this is how many finger smudges, cracks and broken hinges appear.

Common Damages to Laptops to Avoid

  • Dropping the laptop

  • Closing the laptop with a book or writing utensil inside

  • Opening the screen roughly or further back than intended

  • Peeling away rubber trim and losing keys

  • Snapping USB hardware (memory sticks, wireless mice plugs, etc.)

  • Jamming cords and connectors into the wrong ports

  • Tripping over hanging power cords (which can also sometimes pull the laptop off the table with it)

  • Keep liquids away from your Laptop. Liquids damage the electronic components quickly and easily.

The Screen

  • Your Laptop's LCD Display is a very expensive component, and physical damage to it is not covered by warranty. If you drop your laptop or slam the lid shut, it may crack. Make sure you donʼt have anything between the screen and keyboard as you close the case.

  • If you open the screen beyond its hinge limitation it will break and be very costly to repair. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO OPEN TO A FLAT POSITION!

  • Donʼt place items on top of your laptop as the weight can cause damage to the screen.

  • Always keep magnetic devices away from your laptop.

  • Keep it clean

  • Donʼt use your laptop while you eat. Make sure your hands are clean when using your laptop.

  • To clean, shut down your laptop, disconnect the power adapter and network cable, and remove the battery. If possible.

  • Use a damp, soft, lint‐free cloth to clean the computerʼs exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer.

  • Donʼt use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.