northerner_chris

Thanks for all the comments sounds pretty much like Adobe's the way to go, could do with finding some decent training for the staff!

Yeah did consider the elements versions but don't think they're covered/included in the site licence package I was looking at - instead its the full blown versions. The suite I was looking at includes dreamweaver, fireworks and flash which we already use just about 9 years out of date!

Looking at purchasing the Adobe Design and Web premium suite to use in our school however talking to some members of staff they are concerned it is too complicated for students. Anyone been using Adobe suite for students 11-16yr old? Would you say it is too complicated for them or have they found it to be about right? I know a lot depends on the teacher and how well they can use the likes of Photoshop etc. I have been looking at the Corel suites which are really expensive and the Serif suites which are more economical. Adobe site licence seems to be somewhere between Corel and Serif and it is industry standard software so that's why I am leaning more towards Adobe now. Any other suites out there that are worth looking at? Thanks, Chris

From what I can gather the idea of the C6Digital solution from QC Supplies is that you keep your existing printers, install this software on the server, it monitors all the printers on your network and lets you know when you need to order more. Of course you have to buy the supplies from QC but they do do compatible toners to keep costs down. I've never heard of this sort of solution but it sounds good, all of the other print solutions I've come across ask you to buy new specific printers which will go on a contract and can only buy original toners at whatever price they say. Does anyone know of any other companies offering the same kind of solution that QC are? As far as I know if I sign up to the solution I'm not tied to them, even if they put the prices up on toners I believe we can just uninstall the software and go elsewhere for toners. The Sillicon Alleys Inkwell idea sounds good, what are they like on price for toners? Do you have to sign up for so many years or can you end the deal as and when? Also do they supply compatibles or just originals? Thanks, Chris

Seems like Papercut is more popular than PCounter. I've just installed the PCounter 60day trial and it seems ok, had a few issues with Epson printers but I like the fact it will monitor printers that are locally attached to individual workstations, struggling to see if Papercut lets you do that? Ultimately I'd like to introduce biometrics pull printing in some areas of the school, I've seen that PCounter will work with biometric biostore devices, any ideas if papercut will do the same? Would like to find a way of adding the thumb scanner to existing printers rather than having to buy specific copiers/printers with them embedded don't know if that's possible? Many thanks, Chris

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of using a company called QC Supplies and in particular their C6Digital print solutions? C6Digital is some free software (as long as you keep buying toners from them) which seems to be based on printfleet.com monitors printers and alerts you when toner is getting low so you can re-order supplies etc. Similar to Papercut or PCounter. Any information is much appreciated, Thanks, Chris

Direct link: Parkside Sports College - ICT Technician vacancy

Current vacancy for an ICT Technician at Parkside Sports College in Willington, Durham. The successful candidate will help provide and develop an efficient and effective ICT Technical Support Service to the school, staff and students, under the direction of the Network Manager. Scale 4, Starting salary £17,161 (1 year temporary contract in the first instance) 37 hours per week – Full Time Closing date: Wednesday 25th May 2011. Visit the school website for more details.