Primary school cache device

[adh]

As a full time classteacher I have recently taken over the management of a primary school network and we are having problems with the speed of web browsing. We have a 2Mb connection and no cache device so are keen to implement something asap. I have read the BECTA advice but also wondered what other people are using. I need something that can be easily managed and needs minimal configuration. We may be looking for a managed solution in the new financial year but need something for the interim. Any advice would be appreciated.

[speckytecky]

Espresso might be worth exploring if you have not already considered it?

[CyberNerd]

we use this:
Products School Guardian 2008 SmoothWall Ltd.

[dhicks]

Any advice would be appreciated.

For best value for money (i.e. a sensible price and with good features), definitely SmoothWall - check these forums, user Tom_Newton works for SmoothWall and the quality and tone of his postings should give you a good idea of the kind of company they are. If you have no money whatsoever, SmoothWall do an open source version or you can set up your own Squid-based proxy server / cache / filter.

--
David Hicks

[EduTech]

I also Recommend giving Tom_Newton a call or PM... he would be the best person to speak to and he would find the best solution for your school.

James.

[tom_newton]

... as if by magic...

A lot depends on wether you're after "just a cache" or a spot of filtering too. Drop me a line when you hve a spare half hour if you like and I'll try and point you in the right direction. If it's just cache, and an interim solution... i'd suggest we can find a few no/low cost answers.

[Jon_S]

Peterborough LA should have provided every school in your region with a CachePilot under their funding. If you don't have one, then contact the LA to find out where it is!

[Daleus]

Yes, you'll just love the crappilot!

[adh]

Is it that bad! I ask as we have just found it! The LEA did provide one but for some reason ours was disconnected and stacked on a shelf. Also just found out when I contacted the LEA that it has just gone out of warranty. Not sure what the next step will be, whether LEA will provide new or ourselves.

[Daleus]

It does the job, but maybe I feel so badly towards mine due to the fact the LEA logged into it from Middle Earth or wherever they are based and changed all the passwords, so now its a useless box and if I want to change anything on it I have to ring them and wait 3 weeks.