Updating or replacing systems in a school

Computer Control in KS2

Purchasing advice - new classroom computer systems

Option 1 - Standard standalone desktop systems

These are still the most popular and familiar solution, offering the best value for money. Comprising a system box, keyboard, mouse and a monitor (CRT or TFT), they usually require access to two power sockets and a decent sized desktop. Typically the systems access the Intranet through a hub and in a small number of Primary schools, an ICT Co-ordinator or Technician has setup basic peer-to-peer networks. Files, printers and other peripherals can then be usefully shared. Operating systems are usually XP Home Edition/Professional (recommended) or Windows 2000. Our own training room at Woodlands is setup in this way, with one master station setup as a simple file server to distribute training materials. Two other workstations share colour and Laser printers.

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network

	Adequate for the majority of Primary schools
	All the components are in place within the operating system, so no additional cost.
	Simple to setup and maintain

Disadvantages

Lack of security is the only main issue. This tends to be a problem for Secondary rather than Primary schools.

Please note

XP Professional can be locked down on a peer-to-peer network, if the restrictions are implemented in the operating system. Alternatively, if using third party software can be employed. An excellent and free software program called Iconlock can be downloaded for those schools using Win ' 98.

Example best value specification - Compaq D230 micro tower

Space saving micro tower design. Can be mounted behind a TFT flat screen or underneath the desk.

Compaq D230 microtower system box CTX TFT 15" display

	Celeron 2.0GHz OR P4
	RAM 256MB
	HD 40GB
	CD/Floppy drive
	Network ready
	Windows XP Professional
	Price £346(without monitor). With 15" TFT £527

Alternative display - CTX 17"value line CRT monitor £71.00. I would now avoid purchasing these monitors, as they take up too much desk space and generate a lot of heat.

Supplier: http://www.wstore.co.uk. Also see the list of County suppliers on the Lancashire Intranet.

Option 2 - The way forward is Laptops!

"We have a laptop suite with around 30 laptops in use at any one time. In this way we are able to teach skills-based lessons and use ICT in every single subject area. We have been using this system for approx 3 years now and find it works wonderfully well. We also have an Interactive whiteboard in every classroom."

Headteacher

Primary School

Padiham, Lancashire

An increasingly popular option for schools, especially as prices have fallen in recent months. If setting up a new ICT suite or a cluster of systems, laptops offer distinct advantages over fixed desktop systems.

Advantages

	Portable. The notebooks can moved anywhere in the school and used to support Literacy, and other activities. Internet access throughout the school is also possible if a wireless network is setup.
	D-Link Wireless Hub £89. Wireless cards per laptop £39.
	Require less desk space than traditional PC systems. Do not always require access to a mains power supply. Laptop trolley and charging unit £400.
	Can be setup on a peer-to-peer network and hard wired to LAN points in an ICT suite or classroom.
	Theft is less of an issue, if the systems are stored on a trolley and moved to a secure storeroom.
	Less 'threatening' to new or reluctant users than desktop systems.

Special offer - Toshiba Laptops (posted 14/06/2004)

Toshiba Satellite Pro A40 -

Celeron 2.6GHz

RAM 256MB

HD 30GB

DVD-ROM

Modem

NIC

LAN

14.1" TFT - 3.5kg

Windows XP Home

Supplier: www.wstore.co.uk

Tel: 08700 11 33 10

Option 3 - Workstations and server solution

Not a popular option for most Primary schools. It tends to be more expensive, especially if tailored solutions are sourced from recognised educational suppliers. As stated above, the major advantage offered is security. I would only recommend this route, if technical support is available to the school on a regular basis.

Workstations - Specification detailed above in Option 1 are more than adequate. If P4 rather than Celeron processors are preferred, expect to pay around £80 extra per system.

Server - Main Specification

	Server - HP Server TC2120
	Pentium 4 2.66GHz
	RAM 512MB
	HD 36GB U320 SCSI
	Windows 2000
	Monitor (none)

The above specification is an ideal solution for a small network costing, around £1000.