Ranger alternative

[sLiDeR]

Looking to replace this software on our network.

 

Currently:

Lan Ranger

Ranger Adminitrator

Print Manager

Ranger Remote Control

 

I need all these functionality and more.

 

Problems we experience are:

1. Slow logon times for users, especially over wireless

2. Endless Desktop management probs

3. Inability to stop certain apps running, even with title checks

4. Print configuration manager doesn't provide enough functionality & is un user friendly

 

Advice would be appreciated.

[kmount]

Depending on your budget, technical knowledge, & staff resources I'd either suggest a vanilla solution with bolt on applications to give functionality, or something like RM's CC3 offering which is similar to Ranger on many levels.

[FN-GM]

How about a Windows vanilla network with one of the following:

 

Netsupport School / Ranger Remote Control

Lanview

[cookie_monster]

We will soon use a Windows vanilla network with Ranger Remote Control and i've found we can do almost anything Ranger does, the only Ranger tool i can't replace is the LanRanger tool that allows you to see what machines are on in real time.

[Kitkatninja]

We used to use Ranger Print Manager, however we also found that to not be as efficient. We've now moved to papercut. We also have our problems with Ranger, however replacing the whole suite (LAN Ranger & RRC) isn't high priorty at the moment. Moving to RM is out of the question as that slows down machines even more (one of the reasons why we left in the first place )

 

-Ken

[strawberry]

We will soon use a Windows vanilla network with Ranger Remote Control and i've found we can do almost anything Ranger does, the only Ranger tool i can't replace is the LanRanger tool that allows you to see what machines are on in real time.

 

bozteck vnc client

 

http://www.vncscan.com

[cookie_monster]

@ strawberry - Yes i have had a peep at that, currently we use Dameware for remote control but it dowsn't have any kind of console or remote deployment.

 

Can you deploy this with an msi file?

[Grommit]

Ranger is owned by RM... also Ranger would have nothing to do with loading slowly as it would be the profiles loading that makes it slow..

 

In Vanilla GPO's you do not have the title Check feature....

 

With wireless we had issues that the device driver would not load untill Ranger said it was OK.. but Ranger could not load because the device wasn't loaded :-)

 

There is a New Ranger Print Manager out now..

[strawberry]

sorry, i meant for the screen monitor side of it. it's best only for admin, its not really a teacher type product, for that i'd use ranger remote control. If you did want to use it its an exe file, but to see screens you only need admin to that pc, you dont need to deploy to it.

 

in terms of remote control of screens it deploys vnc straight to the machine and you can then uninstall with a click of a button.

[MkII]

We used ABTutor control for remote monitoring. Very cheap and very reliable. Easily pushed out via GPO. Can see at a glance whole school/ who's logged in, plus the ability to block/ allow apps, block the web or allow/ dissallow sites. Simple enough for teachers to use too.

[markcuk]

have you timed logon without ranger?

 

also could be your av slowing down the logon speed also check what size your shortcut directory is you might have some big files in there by accident. when i started here each machine was downloading nearly 2gb on logon.

[TheScarfedOne]

The new print manager is pretty good. Like above, the only bit i would like is a LanRanger equiv. Used to use NetSchool, now got SynchronEyes. However, based on reviews, and how much Smart want for an upgrade (and the lack of any response to complains ) will prob move to AB.

 

Lanview (may it rest in peace) was super.

[achedgy]

I can recommend Impero, not so well known but a nice bit of software. The monitoring is in realtime so a teacher can keep an eye on what the users are up to and block/record.

They do a trial so you can have a play

[BlueDragon]

Netop may do most of what you are looking for.

[rh91uk]

Can reccomend ABTutor and a Vanilla network. That's what we use here, after previously moving away from Ranger like yourselves are doing.