Chris_Cook

Yes, but it might not work reliably if you do it on the cheap. It can also be tricky to configure - one of those projects you regret starting. We did this with 3cx, a grandstream phone, and a grandstream gateway. Have you got any Cat5 network cabling going there? you can run phones over cat5. Another option would be to get a sip trunk via your internet connection. You can have your external number ported to this. This might not work if you have a PBX on the line, but you can avoid the hassle of an analog gateway.

We use Altiris Deployment Solution 6.9 which does most things on your list. It costs a bit, but its worth it. We use subnet directed broadcasts to work across our vlans.

We got handed an Apple eMate from around 97-98. We also found an Acorn A4 laptop from 92.

Have you tried the service manual: https://www.laserzone123.com/manuals/4250-4350-manual.pdf There is a bit in there on page 90 on repeating defects and loose toner. might help identify which part needs replacing. I've not found anything better than a 4250 either. I would repair or replace with a refurb unit, although we've not actually tried the refurb units here.

Yep. Ours does begin with a V.

Same here! I thought it was just us...

These are pretty old projectors now (over 8 years), and beyond the basics there isn't much that can be done on them. It sounds like you've done most of it already. 1. There are 2 filters (one at the front, one at the back). These both need to be clean. Whilst they are removed, hoover it out with a high powered hover like a henry. 2. Check the filter hours. I can't remember if the xe20 has this or not. 3. Check the lamp hours. If they go over a certain number (Either 2000 or 3000 - I can't remember which), then the projector will shut down to prevent the bulb from exploding. 4. Try a different bulb. Bulbs don't always last as long as they should. They can also fail in strange ways. We had an xe20 that only worked sat on a desk. as soon as you hung it from the ceiling, it turned itself off after a few minutes. 5. some projectors have a thermal cutout in them. From memory, this usually stops them from doing anything. The bulb wouldn't come on at all if this had tripped, so I don't think its relevant here. Also, I don't think the xe20 has one that can be reset, like other sanyo projectors. There is a service port on the back that you can get some diagnostic information, but its not really helpful in terms of fixing it. At this point you probably need to replace the projector anyway. You could always keep the bulb for another projector if you have more of them. If its none of the above, then its either overheating, or there is a fault on the electronics. Neither of those is really fixable.

Maybe have a look at the power saving options on the phone. Its possibly putting the wifi to sleep to save battery. The other possibility is its going through NAT. Is your wifi network part of your main network?

With reference to repeated posts about not needing to PAT test: If you define a PAT test as an earth bond test, then no, not every bit of equipment needs it. Double insulated equipment does not require an earth bond test, only kit with exposed metal work that could come into contact with live mains wires, or extension cables. As stated above, all organisations (in the UK at least) have a legal obligation to make sure that all equipment is safe for use. This includes electrical equipment. In order to do that, you would need to follow a procedure that looks a lot like the recommended PAT test method. If you don't do a PAT test, how else can you be sure that its safe? Portable appliance testing includes more than the earth bond test. This includes checking for damage, checking fuses are in place and of correct value, checking wires are of suitable current rating/diameter, checking strain relief glands, checking any screw terminals have been done up and checking the wires are all the correct way round. The last ones are only for stuff that can be taken apart. Equipment purchased from a reputable supplier can be assumed to be safe for the first year. Stuff bought of ebay, or from abroad where legislation is different, possibly less so. For testing the earth bond, you need to check the bonds ability to pass current. A continuity check really isn't enough. You aren't just saying the equipment is safe, you are on the look out for anything that isn't safe. You will find dangerous equipment in many large organisations. Given reasonable use, equipment that passes a PAT test should be safe for use for a year. If damaged, then it needs a retest. Just because it might get damaged the next day isn't a good enough reason not to test. If you were going to jump out of a plane, you would check your parachute before you jump. You wouldn't skip that bit just because you might rip a hole in it tomorrow. Electricity can kill just as easily. It can also start fires. As always I would recommend checking the HSE advice, as it makes sense. Much of what you read on the internet is rubbish.

These work well: ACTIVE30-WH - PULSE - SPEAKERS, 5" 30W ACTIVE WHITE | CPC There is also a passive version if you have a working amp but blown speakers. SPK40-WH - PULSE - SPEAKERS, 4" 25W ABS WHITE, PAIR | CPC There is no subwoofer with either of them, so they will sound different. Don't know how much of an issue that is for you. You will probably need right-angle phono connectors/adaptors for the signal cable for the active ones. There isn't much space behind them when wall mounted. We also use these wall mounted amps when an amp blows and we don't want to rewire the whole classroom: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vision-Techconnect-TC2-AMP2-Amplifier-Electronics/dp/B003CX3DG0

I don't have a lot positive to say about netgear switches. Especially when it comes to vlans. Some things I've found with the older netgear switches: 1. use IE and set it to compatibility mode (IE7 mode works well for me). Otherwise the interface may only half work. It doesn't play nicely with chrome. 2. Install java. 3. do a firmware update. There are lots of bugs in some of the switches. 4. Every different model uses a different interface. 5. as mentioned above, vlan 1 must be removed from a port in a specific order or else it will complain. I agree, netgear kit rarely 'fails', but it does have issues. The cheap HP/ex 3com kit is much more reliable, and not very expensive.

ports should only be untagged in 1 vlan at a time. You probably want to remove vlan 1 from all ports except 1, 23 and 24. Vlan 10 wants to be untagged on ports 2-22, tagged on ports 23 and 24, and probably not set at all on port 1 You also need to make sure that the PVID is set correctly on all ports. pvid 1 for ports 1, 23, and 24. and 10 for all other ports. (Edit: I can see you've done this now. missed it first time round) Also, have you sorted out the routing?

Munki might also be worth a look if you are only doing basic software installation. Not as simple as imaging, but does let you quickly fix/update/install individual apps if you get problems in the future. If you do lots of configuration on the system before you image, it might not be so helpful.

Depends on whether you are on LGFL 1 or 2. There is a contractor VPN on LGFL 1. They don't like to tell people about that though. For LGFL2 there are more options. Atomwide have a document about it, but you need to be a nominated contact to get hold of it. Your best bet is to talk to atomwide if you want a permanent solution. It will probably need to be set up by each school. You will probably have to communicate via a nominated contact, they don't talk to normal human beings. Most remote desktop systems are blocked by default on LGFL.

From memory, -12v was only used for rs232 serial ports and maybe some really old disk drive controllers. Don't think it gets used for anything these days. Best bet is to make sure it can't short on anything. I would recommend you replace the PSU unless you can do a decent repair on it.

One thing I hadn't appreciated until I started working with our head of IT was how little time there was to teach some of these concepts to kids. An hour (or whatever it is) a week to teach coding really isn't that long. It all depends what the goal is. If we want to get more students interested in programming, then it needs to be quick and fun. Not hours of debugging and typing out pointless rubbish just to do something simple. I love coding, but even I hate this tedious aspect of it. As for Scratch, I quite like the concept. We did something similar at uni called executable UML. This sort of software development lets you avoid a whole class of syntax errors and typos. Why wouldn't you want to do that as a programmer? I couldn't give a monkeys how hard someones job is or what they've had to go through to learn the skill, just the quality of the output. Anything we can do to improve the code quality in industry is a good thing. I'm fed up of dealing with buggy junk that shouldn't have every made it out the door. For those who want to go into it as a career, then they can follow it up at college, uni or as a hobby. For most people who are skilled at a task/sport, they first get the interest/desire, then spend an un-healthy amount of time getting really good at it. Its up to employers to set the standard, and start giving feedback on why candidates arn't up to scratch. If someone doesn't have the skill, then give them the feedback so they can improve.

I've done this, and it has been rewarding for me and my school. Some things I've learned over the years: Assume it will be much harder than you think it will be now. Much much harder - at least two/three/four times as difficult and probably a lot more. Adjust your expectations of what you think you can achieve, and make your first version as basic as possible. Never ask the question 'how hard can it be?' as that will doom your project. Take some time to look at what is already available. Both in terms of projects and products that do what your project will do, and also in terms of programming libraries. A couple of days spent doing this at the start is well worth it. Re-creating an existing project from scratch is always a mistake. Please put the effort into bug reporting and improvements where possible - especially if there is already an open source project similar to what you are doing. You will end up spending just as long as the original developer catching up to where they are now, before you can even start thinking about doing a better job than they have. By the time you have caught up, they will probably have fixed the thing that was bugging you, or the whole thing will have become irrelevant. Many projects start out this way and fail. If you stick to one of the main languages, you can find a lot of code already written for you. This will save you much time - even if you have to spend a whole day figuring out how it works. PHP and python have libraries for just about anything you might want to do. As does javascript (jquery is awesome). Think long term as well - what happens when you get bored, or leave your current workplace? Expect to get really bored of the project about half way through.

ICT Technician 36 hours per week Grade D £17,985 - £20,406 depending on experience Coombe Girls' School is a Leading Edge Language Specialist School. There are approximately 700 computers across the network including desktops, wireless laptops and servers. Applicants should have a skill level at least equivalent to CompTIA A+ and be familiar with Windows 7, MS Server 2003/2008, and Mac OSX. Experience of supporting Microsoft SQL databases and SharePoint platforms would also be desirable, in particular SIMS.net and SIMS Learning Gateway. The appointed person will report to the Network Manager and will be part of a team with two other technicians. Further information and an application form are available to download from the school website on Welcome | Coombe Girls' School. Please email your completed application forms to : [email protected] Closing Date: 19th May 2014 No Agencies No CVs The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check ‘This academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment’ Coombe Girls’ School, Clarence Avenue, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3TU

We replaced a load of g5 imacs a couple of years back in our music dept. Best thing we ever did. Our support calls went right down - we only ever get called out for printer issues now. You do need to look at the latency and audio issues as other have said, but a decent sound card or interface will sort this out. We were recommended mixcraft as an alternative to garage band. Reaper is a reasonable alternative to logic. We still use imacs in the recording studio, but they are more recent and not due for replacement. I've done live multi-track recording from our Behringer x32 mixer onto a new PC. No quality or latency issues - and thats up to 32 channels over usb2. You do also need to look at training issues, but if they are already using PCs, I can't see any benefits in a school. Ultimately, it should come down to the whole school priorities. If everyone else is expected to make lots of budget cuts then it would be wrong to get imacs. If there is lots of money available, then maybe - in some ways - they would be the preferred option if that's what the teachers are familiar with. But I would rather spend the extra on decent mics, speakers, pre-amps and instruments, and also on data storage. That would have a bigger impact on the quality of sound you get in the end.

Since we replaced our music macs with pcs, our support calls over to that dept have dropped to almost none. We only ever have to go and look at the printers now. None of us can remember the last time we had to fix a problem with the PCs. towards the end, we had all sorts of problems with the macs. We must have been over there every day to fix something. We had a few problems with sound latency in sibelius to start with, but we fixed that by adding a pci sound card. since then, nothing. They just work. Unlike the other macs we still have...

I got a mac mini because its small and quiet and doesn't take much faffing around. I couldn't see a pc equivalent in that respect. Most of the rest of the apple range seems overpriced to me. The older mac pros were decent, but I would only pay about half the price they were asking for. I don't like the all-in-one concept - screens should outlast computers by quite a few years. And a laptop without a replaceable battery is just stupid. I don't think a lot of the build quality. Yes they might be solid, but they are mostly un-serviceable. The cost of getting parts replaced on a mac is ridiculous compared to most PCs. If the stuff was actually good, then I wouldn't have a problem with it.

I've upgraded my aspire one with both an ssd and ram. It makes it a much more usable machine - even if it is only a few seconds faster. I've also put windows 8 on it. It works well apart from the metro apps. This wouldn't be a problem apart from the app store not working. The 8.1 update is only available on the app store - at least as far as I can tell. I would probably stick with windows 7 on netbooks because of this. If it keeps it out of the bin for a couple of years its probably worth it.

We got some viglen integra's recently. Not quite all in one - the computer is in the stand. But, all the components are standard and you can re-use the screen when you come to replace the PC.

We still have a fair few of those, but we are replacing them. the gx620s work quite well with more ram and an ssd, but arn't really worth the cost or effort. You'd be better off buying a cheaper new PC if you can. The treacle thing probably sums it up well. Last term we were asked to put photoshop on some gx620s. It did run, but there wasn't much of the lesson left by the time it had started...

Ok, thats usefull to know. My last experience of trying to deploy virtual box to client facing PCs didn't go well, but it looks like its moved on since then. No offence though, but I think assuming any solution has 'zero security concerns' is probably a mistake. It always pays to have an open mind. Also, things seem to have a way of breaking around here that defies all logic and effort to produce a reliable system. All things being equal I would prefer a system with fewer components to go wrong.