torvalds

I agree that the students shouldn't be moving the computers, it's a classroom management issue! The best machines we have had in the past were the 'Viglen Contenders' - the cases they used were extremely robust (re-engineered chieftec), with a metal blanking plate behind the platic one, and no 'blowable' power pack. Unfortuantely, Viglen stopped using them a couple of years ago, and now use the company (Chenbro) that supplies cases to Stone and RM. Maybe NS Optimum should start using this manufacturer !?!

We have both those types of cases in our school, both, I believe, are not suited for the school environment. We have had problems in the past with the 'large type', in that the rubber feet come off instantly if they are moved by the kids, and also the problem with the weak front plastic blank plate. I also have a problem with their build quality, in that they don't use cable ties for 'excess' internal cables - they just tie them into knots!!

Another problem that we have with NS Optimum, is that they choose to use cases which have power packs that include the 'voltage selector switch'. They state that they are a 'Total ICT Solutions Provider For Schools And Colleges', so surely supplying power packs without this 'damaging' feature is a no-brainer!!! From past experience, both Viglen and RM can manage to do this!

The Network Manager

I've started work at a large secondary school, coming from IT support in the private sector, and am shocked to see the rubbish quality equipment NS optimum supplies. I've suggested other well known companies available, who, from past experience, supply excellent quality, to the network manager, but she still insists that we use NS Optimum (maybe she has shares in the company?!). Problems experienced so far.... Staff Laptops (ASUS rebrands) less than a year old are falling to bits - chassis cracks, motherboard failures, drive failures, to name a few. Desktop Computers - no metal 'blank plate' behind plastic one, so kids are sticking their hands in disconnecting cables, stealing RAM. Appaling Network Installations - CAT5 cable!, rubbish non-screwed-to-wall trunking, not labeling data points, going home half way through a job. Warrenty on their products - No ETA when items will be returned, products returned with same fault, etc... So as you can see, few problems so far!!!! Rant over!

Has anyone heard of, or use SchoolSuite (http://www.schoolsuite.co.uk)? Looking at the online videos, it looks very impressive, but doesn't offer trial downloads or state licence prices. Cheers