DrBeaker

Was either on here or somewhere else I read that someone tried a script that backed up the data, then disconnected the network card. Interesting approach.

Acceptable losses to be fair.

This brings into the discussion of offline systems, air-gapped systems etc. Especially more prevalent with the recent ransomware news with the UK universities, Garmin etc.

I agree. But we've all still got legacy-type systems or even brand new ones from suppliers that don't support 2FA of any kind. Why this couldn't be linked into a mixture of Azure AD and synced-on prem, group memberships and then 2FA somehow I can't see why? I'm surprised Windows hasn't really gotten much more support/development with the 2FA. The ubikey stuff has so much promise and potential. Don't Google use this themselves or their own version now?

This problem of data obsolescence is becoming more and more of an issue. What happens if the cloud provider goes bust? I've had the situation where we got rid of the zip drive, but later found a bunch of zip disks so we had nothing to read the data on. USB drive sticks only have a 10 year retention I I remember correctly. What about bit rot?

Surely like any systems that's down to the user's professional responsibilities to change their password/manage their logins etc. Being IT and the nuclear launch code length-type of passwords we have to remember for things, doesn't really fly with me users claiming it's too hard to remember password's or changing them.

Surely like any systems that's down to the user's professional responsibilities to change their password/manage their logins etc. Being IT and the nuclear launch code length-type of passwords we have to remember for things, doesn't really fly with me users claiming it's too hard to remember password's or changing them.

Surely with the wireless adapters there's more things to go wrong compared to a dedicated physical cable? How reliable do they seen to be? I've read mixed reviews.

One thing many might have overlooked is the human quality of work factor - would definitely be proper offices, with air con, access to IT staff only with card access, no-one else. One meeting room for IT and projects room/staging room for deliveries, builds etc. This is overlooked. Some places have had a dedicated floor for IT personnel only and no-one else could get in. I agree with that. I've been some places there's a "management" floor. Make of that what you will.

Well it's been recognised as a valid point here for all support staff https://www.tes.com/news/coronavirus-forgotten-school-support-staff-deserve-pay-rise-too

That has made me chuckle after a very long week and VERY long school year.

Ha! Got told same about Inventry BY Inventry! IT shouldn't have access. Guess who gets asked about it as the first port of call though? Why do the keys come out of your budget? Shouldn't that be a general lot of money for things like that? It's not IT specific stuff but communal/general services.

Don't know where I've read it I'm afraid, but wasn't the concern that the antibacterial stuff basically isn't good enough to kill off the virus which is why it has to have high alcohol content etc?

I was toying with the idea of having a USB extension cable on the desk for these? What do you think?

Still amazing how in 2020 how many "leading" programmes still lack basic functionality like AD group membership and AD user integration systems.

I know we installed a CPOMs connector on the SIMs server some point last year.

Could also add an add-on card perhaps?

Yeah not sure on this one but I brought a Dell server off eBay and the hard drives are something like 1TB max size or something like that. So yeah that's another point to look at maybe.

True, I've always used PPE for dusting out computers Gloves - Face Mask - Earplugs - Eye protection - Clothes protector - This is other people's skin amongst other things, I don't want to breathe that crap in. The mains air duster makes a racket when using it. The rest is for skin protection etc.

Crap programmers who think schools are cash cows People who don't or have never worked in schools. Management who think this is a new nice shiny thing, but give sod all thought to implementation or how effective the system actually is.

I think you'd still have a lot of IT experience and IT wisdom to add to posts, so don't stay away permanently! Best of luck with your endeavours!

On a nice day, pack a lunch, thermos and a book. Go to the park/nice place sit and read the book. Sometimes it's the simple things.

I used to worry about that..... I don't anymore. It works at the point of handover, that's all I'm concerned about. They let the kids break it it's a classroom management issue, any issues with that they can take it up with their line manager and we'll pull the logs of who used the room and left the faults unreported and leave them to argue about it. Been having the same debate for years. As for cameras in IT suites.... We've caught kids red-handed breaking stuff and nothing was done. We could have spent that money on more worthwhile things.

Ha. When does anything the government do regarding schools ever make sense?

I'm no hero by any means. I do think the word is a bit overused these days. I've certainly felt stressed and anxious during this Covid crisis moreso. But a bit of recognition of what IT support teams across the globe in all areas achieved during the Covid crisis by whoever (government, management, etc) would be nice. Everyone else got noticed and recognition, so all we're asking for is the same. The article from OP pretty much reinforces how we feel. Imagine a ship with 2x engines running it. IT support as engine #1 and Teaching as engine #2. They both have to work together to get the most power for the ship. Engine #2 gets lots of maintenance and TLC to make sure it runs in tip top condition. Any issues with it are dealt with straight away. Engine #1 however is underpowered and underated for what it's being asked to do. It needs spare parts due to system failures, but doesn't get them. Doesn't get any maintenance or TLC until it literally fails and stops. But if engine #1 stops, engine #2 doesn't have the power to pick up the slack from engine #1 and eventually the ship stops. Problem wise.... How would you solve the problem with engine #1?