Your DSA‑funded laptop is provided to support your studies, but day‑to‑day care and maintenance of the device is your responsibility. This guidance is based on official gov.uk DSA rules and supplier standards. This is alluded to, though not necessarily explained very well in your Communication form SLC/DS (DSA2 letter).

What You Are Responsible For

1. Keeping the Laptop Updated

You are responsible for installing:

• Windows/macOS updates

• Security patches

• Driver updates

• Updates for any software

Keeping your system updated helps prevent faults and security issues.

2. Antivirus & Security

You must:

• Keep antivirus software up to date

• Run scans when prompted

• Avoid unsafe or pirated software

• Use strong passwords and secure sign‑in

If antivirus was included in your DSA package, it may be installed for you — but you must maintain it, and are responsible for scheduling or running scans.

3. Backing Up Your Work

You are responsible for regularly backing up your files using:

• OneDrive

• Google Drive

• iCloud

• An external hard drive
  

• Other cloud backup solutions
  

DSA does not cover data recovery if files are lost due to lack of backups.

4. General Care of the Laptop/peripheral

You must:

• Keep the laptop/peripheral safe from drops, spills, and damage

• Avoid overheating (e.g., using it on a bed or soft surface)

• Keep the charger(s) and accessories in good condition
  

• Use only recommended, known good name branded or genuine consumables, Inks, Toners, Tips, Nibs, Paper etc (A lot of problems, especially with printers can be avoided by using higher quality paper/ink, usually covered under a paper and ink allowance).
  

• Store the laptop/peripherals securely when travelling
  

• Restart the laptop/peripheral regularly (twice weekly is a good baseline)
  

Insurance/ASC may cover accidental damage, but not negligence.

5. Software Maintenance

You are responsible for:

• Updating non‑DSA software

• Managing storage space

• Avoiding harmful or unapproved software

• Keeping login details secure

For DSA‑funded software (e.g., Read&Write, MindView, XMind Pro), Study Tech/the supplier activates it, but you must keep it updated.

6. Reporting Problems Promptly

If something goes wrong, you must:

• Contact Study Tech/your DSA equipment supplier as soon as possible

• Provide details of the issue

• Allow remote support or return/repair when required

Delays may affect warranty or insurance claims.

What You Are Not Responsible For

These remain Study Tech's/the supplier’s responsibility:

• Hardware faults not caused by damage

• Warranty repairs (though in certain instances, within the manufacturer warranty period for instance we may advise going through the manufacturer directly)

• Insurance or ASC claims

• Reinstalling DSA software after a repair (where possible)

• Providing replacement equipment if required (outside of a warranty, insurance or ASC claim where applicable)