MuppetQueen

I have prevented access to network connection settings through group policy. However, when students log on to laptops they can double click the system tray, open up the wireless connection settings and change priority order for connections etc. Is there a way to prevent users accessing this through group policy or similar? We are Windows XP, Server 2003 using bog standard AD with no RM/Ranger type management tools. Thanks

We have had bad luck in school choosing mice that end up being pants. Any recommendations for reasonably priced optical mice that work on dodgy school surfaces? Any manufacturers to avoid or go with??? Anything to look out for??? Thanks

I have been working in schools for just over a year now but am still uncertain as to loads of things. The main one being... ...e-Learning Credits. I know that the head keeps a track of what each department spends and that they can be used to buy educational software but how much money do you get each year and will they be around next year? Help please.

Love going to work on my reasonably priced lady bike. Nothing better than cycling in wearing a waterproof jumpsuit, shiny helmet and high vis vest!?!

2 x LAN Research 4 slot chassis. 1 with 2 x 8 port 10/100 switch module and 1 x 1Gb fibre module 1 with 1 x 8 port 10/100 switch module and 3 x 1Gb fibre module 2 x LAN Research LR100S-24V 24 port 10/100 ethernet switch 1 containing 100 base FX fibre module Not sure about ebaying it. I assume this would have to be under my account? Is this common practice?

I have 4 switches that were "left over" when we had a network redesign. I wish to sell them. Any ideas? Are there any education specific companies out there? I am in the North West. Would the LEA do anything? Help!?!

Thanks all. Seems to be a bit of a panic over nothing here. Looks as if we are sticking with existing (Excalibar). Think the refurb was getting to everyones head - lol. Thanks anyway for your input. If I need to change in the future I am more clued up.

Looking into getting new library software. Any recommendations? Due to the restricted library budget it will have to be very cheap. Cheers

I inherited a roaming profiles system from my predecessor and would love to go mandatory. However, am I right in thinking that when the students write macros in Microsoft Office they are stored in their profile? Would mandatory profiles mean that students couldn't save their macros? Also many students have loads of work saved to their desktop so it would be difficult to implement a new system now. Has anyone been in my situation where there is already a system in place? Have you managed to change it? Any tips?

As an ex-Physics teacher I assume (s)he wants to type in statistical or quantum equations??? If you are using Microsoft Word then Insert --> Symbol contains every letter with a bar above it. When I taught physics I used to create a shortcut combination for the letters I often used to make the process quicker. I also saw this on the web doing a quick google http://www.gwinn.us/how-to/x-bar.html

Thank you Dos Box. I am an ex teacher turned techie and never have been/never will be anything like Bisley!!!

Thanks again Geoff. I think you are probably right. It's just sometimes difficult to get staff to see the dangers. Will speak to SMT and implement. Cheers

Sorry, I didn't see the other threads - lol. Think I will be a Newbie for a while longer. I did know how to restrict through GPO but this is by machine only. Staff use USB drives to take work home etc. I would just like to restrict on a per user basis. Does anyone pay for any application that is not too expensive but does this job? I feel I may have to restrict to only the admin computers or those in the staff workroom. I don't trust any of the PCs/teachers in the classroom?!?

I have similar issues at my school. Staff often send the culprit to me for a reprimand or ask me what they should do. When I refer to senior management they either do nothing or remove the students internet rights until it gets too inconvenient for the teaching staff (normally no more than a week) at which point I am asked to give them the rights back. Result - I spend a silly amount of time giving/removing access and the students don't really see it as being serious. Sorry, that wasn't very helpful but at least you are not alone - lol

I hope I have posted this in the correct section... How do you restrict access to USB devices for students. Our students seem to come into school with 1000s of £££ of electronic equipment and they are pretty smart too!?! Do you have any software that you use? We are a Microsoft school (I know) with Server 2K3 and Windows XP.

Thank you, I was expecting that sort of response unfortunately. It's just in industry you are always being pushed to become qualified. I don't mind studying on my own time but it would be nice to have an exam paid for now and then. I work full time in the school as the only IT Support and am 29 years young! Feel like I'm on a dating site now!?!

I am in my second year as a Network Manager in a high school but as yet have not been on any training or had any exams paid for by the school to keep me up to date. In my previous job I had started MCSE and I have paid for my own exams to gain this qual. Is it normal for schools not to provide training opportunities or is there a funding avenue I am unaware of? I know that teachers have CPD but there doesn't seem to be anything in place in my school for support staff. Advice please.

Our school is considering using this company to provide support/hardware. Does anyone have any experience with them good or bad? Cheers

Almost all of the teachers in my school have a laptop under this sceme. It was given directly to them and they nearly all took them home and have happily been using them ever since. However, recently 2 things have been happening. 1. Staff have been brining in their laptops full of viruses/spyware etc. with no anti-products installed and lots of "inappropriate" material. 2. Staff have been asking if they can have their laptop connected to the network. What is everyone elses policy on staff laptops? Do you get them to sign a contract? Do you allow them network access? The problem is only going to get worse as we have just had wireless access installed. Please help. :?

Our supplier charges £10 per item (monitor or computer). Thing is I have no budget (well I'm sure I have but no one will tell me what it is). Thanks though, I shall look around for a cheaper deal.

25K working in NW. 25 days holiday working in a secondary school on my own (i.e. no other technicians). Job title Network Manager. I am definately worth that and more - lol.

Do you know when this law will be enforced? Initially I had read Aug 05 but recently heard on the radio that it had been put back to 2006. This is important for me as I have fairly recently started at a school and there is loads of vandalised equipment that needs to be thrown out. What are all the other non hoarders or space short people doing???