Physically labelling ICT Suite machines

[_Bat_]

My primary school solution was to create a Word document of text boxes containing the computer names, print off the sheets, laminate, and guillotine the boxes to make labels. I just fixed these on with two small blobs of blu-tack. In four years, we have had a few blobs of blu-tack removed and a few labels relocated, but the tack and labels are easy to replace. If I need to move a machine, the label is easy to change. I also keep the machines in physical numerical order (I use computer names such as IT-01 for the Suite and YR3-01 for classrooms). But I appreciate most of you are dealing with a much bigger environment and bigger pupils! And despite the nice clear label on the front, users still refer to "the computer next to the furthest door from the office"!

 

Haha, you appear to have exactly the same scenario as me and have done exactly the same thing as me. I just hope it goes as well for me as it has done for you.

 

I also think the cable ties sound like a good idea. If it doesn't work that may be another thing to look into - probably the first potential solution!

[eean]

On a similar theme: I stick lables on the edge of our laptops in the laptop suite with the pc number and an arrow and 'This way up this side out', in an effort that they get put away properly. However, as expected, the stickyback plastic lasts about 10 minutes. Any ideas for a perminent solution?

The best idea so far is to get clear hard plastic, stick the label to one side and screw it onto the case. (They are long out of warranty) But that is quite a bit of effort and I don't know where to get the plastic from! Any ideas??

[john]

Laptops get engraved with the number and an arrow, the cabinets get numbered. Hopefully by secondary age they can match numbers so 1-1

[Andrew_C]

But that is quite a bit of effort and I don't know where to get the plastic from! Any ideas??

CDT department? The best sort is layered so when you scratch off the top (coloured) surface, the black/white core is exposed. Our physics tech had an engraver and the stock for the fer that I've done in the past. Try local signwriters otherwise.

[RoyG]

Apply the KISS principle - permanent marker!

 

RoyG

[Nick_Parker]

Over here we use a combination of things mentioned above. We use a proper label maker and stick the labels on the back of the PC's so that staff may identify a machine, but we also use software solutions.

 

I knocked up a PHP / Windows Service that gives us a room plan of the PC suites, with each machine in the room numbered, and when highlighted gives us the name of the currently logged in user, therefore we can easily find which pc someone is talking about, even when they say stuff like "I'm sitting next to Jane".

 

(For added bonus, clicking said machine VNC's into it which freaks out the students to no end).

 

Friez, you wouldn't be interested in posting some screenshots of your software? it sounds interesting

[K.C.Leblanc]

Diagrams on the wall in ICT suites here. Works well.

[Domino]

I knocked up a PHP / Windows Service that gives us a room plan of the PC suites, with each machine in the room numbered, and when highlighted gives us the name of the currently logged in user, therefore we can easily find which pc someone is talking about, even when they say stuff like "I'm sitting next to Jane".

 

(For added bonus, clicking said machine VNC's into it which freaks out the students to no end).

 

...don't suppose you'd like to share...

[laserblazer]

Permanent marker pen. Each computer is labelled with its location, position and last octet of the IP address eg. Y6001-136. I find that even a marker pen fades with time and I have a little band of helpers who tidy up the suites etc. and they re-mark them when necessary.

[Sirbendy]

We use a little thermal tape labeller. Also use it to label up network points, cabs and cabling. Useful kit.

 

The kids do peel them sometimes though..the little gits peeled the Dell asset tags off a few and swapped them around last term..played hell with the audit until I realised.

 

Then we have room plans for all ICT suites in our office for support purposes.

[elsiegee40]

I keep the asset register in Excel and Mail-merge the appropriate information onto small sticky labels (65 to an A4 sheet). These are stuck to the PC & monitor (helped with UHU if necessary) and then covered with clear sticky back plastic.

 

In a small primary they seem reasonably fiddle proof. We also have "Shut down & switch Off" and "Think before you print" stickers attached in a similar manner to equipment. As machines are numbered in order round the rooms, if one label comes off those of the neighbours will give enough information for me to work out which machine is being reported.

[Jona]

+1 to RoyG.

 

If a label maker is out of your budget range then a good permanent marker and someone with neat hand-writing!

[Gatt]

...don't suppose you'd like to share...

 

Ditto - sounds like a nice little tool

[witch]

We use permanent marker - it doesn't last for ever and is a bit of a pain if you have to change the machine number (which seems to happen a lot in this school) but it is OK. Like you, small school, no money!