Replacement for Ranger

[EdugeekDJ]

I've used Ranger for Networks (primary version) for over ten years now and thought its was great for some things like viewing devices on the network, managing desktops and folder redirection but not so hot in others, say successfully applying policies or rolling out software packages. However, it seems to me that Ranger is a product at the end of its life cycle with no visible support or development around these days and I'm pretty certain its just a matter of time before the plug is pulled and RM announce its retirement. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives to Ranger? Something simple(?!) that will sit on a windows server for example, and take the work out of running a simple AD based network, help with roaming profiles and desktops etc? Or is it time I learned how to do it properly with Windows?

[Edu-IT]

There's CC4 Ten or CSE.

[MattDLEA]

Hi DJ,

I eased myself into Windows networking with Ranger... Coming from a web sever background.

I found Ranger really useful when I first started but after a year it became really limiting i.e not working nicely with certain Antivirus, random crashing etc. Since then I still have ranger on the system but have learned how to use GP and AD.

How big is your site?

one of my schools is having a network upgrade and we are just going with a windows network with no guff on the top

[Dos_Box]

Moving to correct forum.

[SHimmer45]

Ranger still is great for realtime monitoring, screenshoting and the logging.

we still use it for these purposes along with AD policies and the like. if a firm made a product with the realtime logging screenshotting and the other good bits ranger does for decent cost they would be onto a winner.

not sure if imperio does / did allow you to purchase specific modules to to this with a reduction in cost?

[EdugeekDJ]

Yeah, I'm a bit similar to you MattD, learnt to blend the good bits of Ranger with native windows roles like AD and group policy. I only support first and primary schools on a part time basis (I'm not LA) and most only have one server that runs everything, with usually 50-60 workstations and perhaps 200-300 user accounts. Probably not the best scenario but budgets rule and a extra server is a luxury most cannot afford. Will probably stick with the Ranger/Windows mix until forced to change - CSE and even CC4 seem to be aimed at larger networks and are probably not cost effective for networks this size?

[Steven_Cleaver]

Could try these BCX Management Tools from Burconix I know they have a few primaries using this. Sit pretty seamlessly on a Windows Network and just add extra set of tools to make things easier, Software Deployment, printer Deployment, Station Rebuild, User creation, scheduling etc. Edited July 6, 2015 by Steven_Cleaver

[plexer]

Take a look at DSM Netflow Netflow

 

Ben

[EdugeekDJ]

thanks for those suggestions, Burconix and DSM both look like good options and seem at the right level for first and primaries. Anyone used them before?

[Andrew830]

CC4 always fits the bill for me, significantly simplifying user setup (via SIMS import), workstation building, application deployment, automated scheduling of switch-ons/offs defrags etc etc. Even with a 90-pupil 45-computer Infant School, although most of my schools are 2-form entry 60-100 computer networks. half day per week per school is ample too, even though a lot of the equipment is old due to budgetary constraints. The worst bit? a delivery of 40 Dell systems with an additional all-in-one stand in three boxes compared with pull it out of the box RM One (now Zoostorm)

[NB9457]

I learnt alongside CC4, the initial concept is brilliant, but for the price it sometimes seems hard to justify.

 

As it stands, I'd go Vanilla everyday, I find it easy to manage, GPOs are easy to make, AD is easy to use, really isn't much to get your head round.

 

As for deployment and better AD/Asset management, I've been using PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory, for what it is, it's is very cheap, powerful and literally in all my schools, it's been click and go, no settings or anything, can't recommend it enough.

[strawberry]

Ranger still is great for realtime monitoring, screenshoting and the logging.

we still use it for these purposes along with AD policies and the like. if a firm made a product with the realtime logging screenshotting and the other good bits ranger does for decent cost they would be onto a winner.

not sure if imperio does / did allow you to purchase specific modules to to this with a reduction in cost?

Ab tutor does this for a fraction of the price. That would be my advice. Go vanilla and use AB tutor for monitoring.

[mikeyw]

+1 For Netflow, great support from them as well

[SHimmer45]

Ab tutor does this for a fraction of the price. That would be my advice. Go vanilla and use AB tutor for monitoring.

 

last time i looked we dont pay alot for ranger as we dont have the support contracts (not that they have done any really changes for a long time)

 

abtutor site looks like it borked.

[cpjitservices]

Go Vanilla, Cheaper and Easier to manage.

 

Use Spiceworks for Inventory

[GuyJD]

Go Vanilla, Cheaper and Easier to manage.

 

Use Spiceworks for Inventory

This is exactly what I do.

 

I've used Ranger, CC3 and CC4, a vanilla domain is where I feel the most in control, any management system just makes things more complicated and harder to get stuff done in my opinion.

[Steven_Cleaver]

Used CC, Ranger, CSE, Burconix and gone Vanilla always depends what you do and want to do in school as IT roles can be really diverse and can be involved in many areas to different extent to be honest the best I have used has been and is Burconix doesn't sort of take over and sort of make you learn a whole host of new software but just adds some simple to use tools that builds on and adds to Windows Vanilla functionality so speeding up and making easier Management of the Network, tools are extremely stable and always new functionality is being added to enhance the already excellent features currently working on linking to SIM's to add various extra functionality as well as other additional features.

[nikaso]

thanks for those suggestions, Burconix and DSM both look like good options and seem at the right level for first and primaries. Anyone used them before?

 

I can highly recommend Burconix, used them for about 3 years at my old school and looking into bringing them into my new school. They strike a nice balance between something like CC4 and vanilla. Excellent support from them as well.

[Michael]

I've used a lot of these systems too, and would always recommend a vanilla network. It offers the most tools/flexibility, however if you're not happy/confident migrating to a vanilla system yourself, there are many professionals out there that will. The long term cost will be considerably less, providing the network is managed/looked after by someone on a regular basis, you've nothing to worry about.

 

You'll also find the majority of Edugeekers are using a vanilla setup, so there's a wealth of knowledge to share/learn.