BistTech

Guys - you're incredible - thanks for all the ideas - I'm concerned about the server capacity as it's old and running SIMS, so perhaps we should invest in a new server - although I was hoping to keep costs down. Perhaps I should have said that I'm in Africa, with limited tech support, so I'm looking for the most simple solution which is easy for new Network Manager to oversee, once I manage to recruit! Our 'net connection can be a bit dodgy, so I'm reluctant to base the network on Google even while the Head has pushed for everything to go G-suite... We do use Drive extensively and collaborate, but when the 'net connection goes, the school is in chaos! Would anyone mind offering your recommended minimum spec for a new AD server to accommodate the following, including a mirrored drive? One IT lab with 30 new PCs, 60 laptops, 5 desktops, all on Windows 10. Storage per student required: [TABLE=width: 350] [TR] [TD]Year Group [/TD] [TD]Storage [/TD] [TD]2018/2019 Student Qty [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]EYFS1 [/TD] [TD]100MB [/TD] [TD]14 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]EYFS2 [/TD] [TD]100MB [/TD] [TD]26 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y1 [/TD] [TD]300MB [/TD] [TD]34 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y2 [/TD] [TD]500MB [/TD] [TD]27 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y3 [/TD] [TD]500MB [/TD] [TD]37 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y4 [/TD] [TD]500MB [/TD] [TD]28 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y5 [/TD] [TD]500MB [/TD] [TD]28 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y6 [/TD] [TD]500MB [/TD] [TD]23 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y7 [/TD] [TD]1GB [/TD] [TD]24 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y8 [/TD] [TD]2GB [/TD] [TD]16 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y9 [/TD] [TD]3GB [/TD] [TD]16 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y10 [/TD] [TD]5GB [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y11 [/TD] [TD]5GB [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y12 [/TD] [TD]5GB [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Y13 [/TD] [TD]5GB [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] [/TD] [TD] [/TD] [TD]349 [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Thanks again

Fantastic ideas - thank you. We are currently entirely Windows based on the server and clients. I have inherited a shambles tbh... The previous Network Manager had cobbled together various kit over 5 or so years as the school grew but it was a mess. Even our Finance Manager didnt have a password on her machine... Crazy stuff... I have rebuilt the network keeping Windows Server 2012 and Windows 10 on laptops and rare desktops. Google authentication was used via PfSense... But it was causing many problems. Perhaps I could reinstate it, but reconfigured. As I am also The Comp Sci teacher, I need a time saving solution for management of all clients... I've spent all summer doing the network - and trying to solve the most absurd SIMS and Solus3 issues that Capita still havent solved after 7 hours on the phone and remoting-in to our server... I need to get the new lessons planned... So any time saving ideas would be fantastic. Thanks again.

Hey All Any ideas how to secure the network and manage different user groups without setting up an AD server?! I'm struggling to secure the funds from the boss...who thinks Google is a solve-all...can it be? And still allow for robust network management? If so, how?! Any advice would be great - thanks!

Hey All, 1 - Any opinions on the best value for money Network Management Software? It would ideally support reimaging machines remotely, deploying software to specific machines, logging of use. The free versions dont seem to provide such features - but if I am wrong, please let me know! 2 - it would be great if it included Classroom Management features similar to Netop, Veyon etc. If not, has anyone had any joy with using Veyon? If so, paired with which NMS? 3 - Any ideas how to secure the network and manage different user groups without setting up an AD server?! I'm struggling to secure the funds from the boss...who thinks Google is a solve-all... I'll post this separately too. Thanks in advance!