ICT Housekeeping & PlanningTerm 4 through Term 1

Worst Case Scenario

Recovering from Disaster A reliable off-site backup is your best

option for data recovery If it is not possible to take a complete

snapshot backup of your server, at least the data shares and the user accounts should be copied to an external device Tape, external USB hard disk, another

computer CDs and DVD can be used for smaller data

backups and archiving data Remove all backup media from the

server room – or better, from the school

Data on local workstations Data saved on local workstations is not

typically backed up Instruct ALL staff to check for data saved on

local desktops/My Documents and either delete or MOVE it to their home folder or group share on the server so it gets backed up

Set a time limit for having this done – the cut-off date should be the day before you complete the full server backup

Remind staff that they save work on their own computers at their OWN RISK

Cleaning Out Home Folders & Shares Throughout a year, the server gets all sorts

of files saved to it, filling it up While it’s quieter at the end of the year, ask

staff to go through all their own files and remove what’s not longer needed by them They can copy to a USB stick or burn to CD/DVD if

they think they might need it again Check Student shares and home folders too Again, set a deadline BEFORE the final

backup to do this important task

Users that have left the school There is little point keeping the

accounts and data of students staff that have left

If you think you might need to keep their data, burn to a CD or DVD labelled “former staff 2008” then delete from server

If a leaving staff member’s data is required by another staff member – eg. A new principal, then copy it over to their folder/share to let them cull it

Photos and Videos

Throughout a year, schools gather masses of photos and videos Are all of them really needed on the server? Some of them are guaranteed to be terrible Delete the bad ones Archive the ones you may want later to a

DVD, label it and get the Teacher Librarian to accession these DVDs and keep them in the School Library

Or use an external hard drive to store a copy of all school photos

MP3s and EXEs and Student Homes

If your server gives Students their own home folder, it’s likely some have filled it with: Their MP3 Playlist from their iPod (illegal) Games of all descriptions (EXEs)

Use the search function to find these types of files in student home folders and delete them

Be careful that you are not deleting a music file created by the student or a program written by the student!

Power On or Off over Holidays? Please leave the power ON for your

server (if you have one), CPC server, Router and main cabinet

This will allow for updates to be installed and for staff to access files they may need to work on

Workstations, monitors and printers can and should be switched OFF including at the power point

Laptops over the Holidays

Ensure all model numbers and serial numbers of laptops have been recorded

All laptops should be secured in a strongroom

Any “loans” to staff should be recorded in a loans register and known to the Principal

In the case of a loan computer being damaged or stolen, usual practice is that this is claimed on the contents or car insurance policy of the staff member involved.

ICT Planning for 2009

The end of the year is a great time to consider future ICT needs

If your school has an existing ICT plan, review it for the current situation

What is your expected T4L rollout allocation?

What budget do you have for ICT resources

What are your ICT priorities for 2009? What ICT issues are coming up?

School Fileserver in 2009 When did your school get its fileserver? If it was in 2005 (or earlier), you should

budget for a replacement in 2009 Cash purchase or T4L points?

Servers that are out of warranty can be expensive to repair in the event of failure

Upgrades are available for ASI servers still in warranty: 320GB Multimedia Array (running out of space?) 250GB External backup HDDs (too much data?)

Talk to a Technology Adviser for advice!

Desktops and Laptops At this stage, assume that T4L will

continue in its current form: 1 unit for every 8 students at your school

divided by 4 years For P5/P6 schools, assume ALL your existing

T4L computers will be replaced in 2009 Based on these assumptions, where will

these new computers go? How many desktops/laptops/servers?

Do you need to BUY more in 2009? https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/it/equipment/hardware_stds/specs.htm

IWB and Projector Kits

Many schools are now purchasing IWB kits for their classrooms

Please order from DET Fleet Manager Not Kookaburra or Electroboard etc

Carefully consider the room(s) the kits will go in and factor in the costs for power and data connections

A typical IWB kit with Ultra Short Throw Projector installed is approximately $7K

http://sitwww.det.nsw.edu.au/sr/ConnectedClassroom/index.htm

Printers and Copiers

What printers / copiers do you have around the school?

How many will need replacing in 2009? DET has standard copiers and laser

printers Fuji Xerox Colour and Mono Copiers HP LaserJet Colour and Mono Laser Printers

Includes 4 year on-site warranty https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/procurement/products/imaging/index.

htm

ICT Focus Areas for My School If you’d like to let Sydney Region IT

Support Unit know of your special ICT Projects for 2009, please add it to the back of your Evaluation Form

Of course, it would then help if you also put your name and school on the front.

Remember, your friendly Technology Adviser is available to assist with the implementation of your special ICT Projects

Any Questions?