How to build computers for reliability

[siuko]

I have started researching asset replacement of computers at school.

 

Whilst speaking to some of the teachers about their computers and if they are fast enough they have come back with generally for the software they use the computers are fast enough (office software etc running on i3 with 4gb ram). Most of the teachers mentioned the main issue was reliability. (monitor cables falling out, mice randomly not working, pc won't start up)

 

Now I do understand that the main cause of reliability issues on the computers we have is students messing around with them and that teachers should be controlling the students better to stop this (and it is being discussed how this can be achieved).

 

But for me telling students to stop messing with the computers and getting the teachers to stop the behavior won't actually stop it happening so I want to focus on the side that I can actually control.

 

So my question - does anyone have any thoughts / ideas on how to best build computers for reliability and make them as tamper proof as possible.

 

I've had ideas about disabling the power buttons (but then students will switch them off from the back or pull the power leads)

 

I've thought about going thin client (in the hope that the thin clients can take more punishment then normal computers.

 

How have other people manage this?

 

Or does it just boil down to asset replacing things often?

[ICTDirect_Dave]

What you want is one of these

 

https://loxit.com/shop/apple-pc-server-security/mini-tower-security/combi-lox-tower-pc-flat-screen-security-in-one/

 

They can be custom built to cover/expose any part of the PC you wish.

[Oaktech]

Or you can invest in a metric:censored:ton of cable ties and if it moves, put a cable tie round it.

 

Disable power buttons, get an electrician to provide fused spurs for every computer not plug tops, tie cable to PCs so they can't be unplugged.

 

It won't stop wanton vandalism, but it'll stop the bored fingers from fiddling with stuff.

[ricki]

Don't build the computers specially put them behind a locked door under the desk that stops people touching them and stops them being kicked don't forget they need enough ventilation

[TechMonkey]

Or remove the computers from any room where the teachers don't take responsibility for them. A teacher should be responsible for the pupils and resources in the room they are teaching in. If they can not do that then either the resources are removed or the teacher is. Barring a Special school there should be no reason to build a custom no fiddle PC, we should be teaching the pupils, and by the looks of it staff, personal responsibility.

[ricki]

The other good trick is ask for CCTV to be put in rooms due to damage and cost

[siuko]

Thank you for the responses.

 

I will look at the cages but they often seem to be rather expensive

 

Anyone got any thoughts on whether thin clients are more robust if they are switched on and off a lot?

[ricki]

You don't need cages put wood doors under desk

[mukz]

We have mdf wood put as shelving underneath worktops, the front is covered with perspex glass, made by the D&T department. On the worktop is just monitor and keyboard and mouse.

Trunking is all directly underneath worktop at top, ventilation to the computer is from the back of the shelving.