RogerL

Hello Version 1.27 was released. Contains Active Directory group checking. A kind request. To fit around family commitments and work I basically get up at 5am to work on this project. I'm pleased with the results but would really like to know if anyone else is finding value in the product. I'm at a point where I'm considering moving onto other ideas. But will happily continue to develop this project if it is of value. My basic request is for anyone who is using the system to please let me know. I can then also send update news directly then as well. Many thanks. In my spare time I've been developing a software launcher system. This was to scratch my own itch. The basic idea was to supplement our use of a locked down and centralized Desktop and Start-Menu setup. The software launcher is there to provide 'shortcuts' to all the software that isn't made available through our Desktop or Start-Menu. This allows the Desktop and Start-Menu to be minimalist and therefore easy to navigate. It also helps to mitigate standard Windows shortcuts pointing to software that isn't available. When an end-user runs the software launcher client, the client is checking the for the existence of the target EXE or whatever it is. Assuming the ADMIN has used Windows Server permissions to control access to certain programs, the client will therefore only show to the end-user software to which they actually have access. To two people running the client on the same network would see different lists of software, dependent upon their permissions and the computer they're using. For the sake of giving up a few cafe visits, that money has been invested in a domain and some hosting, so that I can share this system with others. The goal of that altruism is to discover whether or not the system would be of use to others. If it is useful then I will commit more time and energy into making it even better. The system is available at http://www.overdale-it.com which has a contact form to use for further information and feedback.

Hello Version 1.25 was released this morning and contains some minor bug fixes. Version 1.26 was released this morning and contains some minor bug fixes. Version 1.27 was released. Contains Active Directory group checking. A kind request. To fit around family commitments and work I basically get up at 5am to work on this project. I'm pleased with the results but would really like to know if anyone else is finding value in the product. I'm at a point where I'm considering moving onto other ideas. But will happily continue to develop this project if it is of value. My basic request is for anyone who is using the system to please let me know. I can then also send update news directly then as well. Many thanks. In my spare time I've been developing a software launcher system. This was to scratch my own itch. The basic idea was to supplement our use of a locked down and centralized Desktop and Start-Menu setup. The software launcher is there to provide 'shortcuts' to all the software that isn't made available through our Desktop or Start-Menu. This allows the Desktop and Start-Menu to be minimalist and therefore easy to navigate. It also helps to mitigate standard Windows shortcuts pointing to software that isn't available. When an end-user runs the software launcher client, the client is checking the for the existence of the target EXE or whatever it is. Assuming the ADMIN has used Windows Server permissions to control access to certain programs, the client will therefore only show to the end-user software to which they actually have access. To two people running the client on the same network would see different lists of software, dependent upon their permissions and the computer they're using. For the sake of giving up a few cafe visits, that money has been invested in a domain and some hosting, so that I can share this system with others. The goal of that altruism is to discover whether or not the system would be of use to others. If it is useful then I will commit more time and energy into making it even better. The system is available at http://www.overdale-it.com which has a contact form to use for further information and feedback. Thanks

Just wanting to see whether anyone else is using Hitachi Electronic Whiteboard they call them Starboards. We are and have a few with an issue whereby the mouse point appears to become possessed. It exhibits out of the ordinary behaviour, sticking in one corner, continuous mouse clicks and the like. This behaviour disappears when the electronic whiteboard is unplugged. We have Hitachi on the case who have offered to visit us in order to see for themselves. But sods law states the intermittent problem will not happen whilst they are onsite. So wondering if you have seen this behaviour yourself and if anyone has a fix.

We are about to put 10 computer into a Student Workroom area. They are on high desks that the students will have to stand at, no sitting down. The intention is that they will use these computers to quickly check emails, that sort of thing. The problem to solve is how to stop them 'loitering' on the computers. I am looking for a solution that will automatically logoff the student after 10 minutes (or 15 or 20) and then not let them onto any of the 10 computers for another hour say. Any solutions? I would hate to re-invent the wheel.

We're about to place 9 computers into a Student Workroom. The idea is a simlple one. Once a student has logged onto the domain (Windows XP / Windows Server - Network) they will be able to use the computer for a fixed amount of time. For example 10, 15 or 20 minutes, whatever the decision is. Once the time is up they will be 'politely' kicked off the machine. We're not expecting data-loss through this policy because the compters are primarily for quick email checking. Any suggestions? I'd hate to re-invent the wheel.

Hello, Sorry if this isn't the correct place for this. Work in IT in a school. To re-improve my basic computing knowledge I've given myself a project to build a "simple" media PC to sit under the television. Its a standard TV at the moment but I'm thinking I'd get an flatscreen one in the near future. I'd like a computer that looks nice because it will be in the lounge under the TV, which also means it needs to be quiet. My primary use for the PC will be to store digital photos and be able to look at them from the comfort of an arm chair. In addition I might as well put the software for my MP3 player on it. It can have internet access - why not. It doesn't have to be a PVR or be able to play DVDs - I have other suitable equipment for that and don't watch much TV anyway. My budget is only about £200 quid at the moment. I just need a list of suitable components. Some of which I might get on auction sites, some kit that work might be chucking out - so free. I'm struggling to identify a suitable case. I think once I've got that the other components will be easy to decide upon and locate. Any suggestions welcomed---