Lab Setup and Management Software Setup

1
Lab Setup and Management Software Setup
2
Operating Systems

• There are variety of operating systems available
  for the computer systems used in high schools.
• Of course use of these operating systems all
  depend on the hardware at the school.
• There are two main types of computers, Macintosh
  and IBM PC.

3
Macintosh Computers

• All Macintosh computers use a proprietary
  operating system exclusive to Macintosh.
• This OS has gone through a variety of revisions
  and is now on version 10.3

4
IBM Compatible PCs

• There are two mainstream options for operating
  systems
• Windows
• Linux
• Both OS have been through various versions and
  have a current version that is the most
  supported.

5
Windows OS

• Windows is developed by Microsoft and is
  currently the most supported OS. Its newest
  version is called XP. Its history goes back to
  the mid-eighties.

6
Linux OS

• Linux is an open-source OS that is widely
  supported and growing in popularity. It has been
  around since the early nineties. It is based on
  UNIX.

7
OS Summary

• Obviously if you have a Mac you have to use the
  Mac OS, though you can but a Virtual PC emulator
  and run Windows.
• On a IBM PC its your choice, Linux or Windows.
  Linux is free, but Windows is well supported.
  Its you choice, but check with your tech
  department first.

8
Computer Applications

• There are specific applications for each subject
  in the school system which can be setup and used
  in the classroom.
• Check with your tech department to ensure that
  there are no specific contracts to use software
  exclusively.

9
Business Software (Suites)

• Microsoft Office is the choice of most businesses
  and schools.
• Open Office is a open-source office program made
  by Sun Microsystems.
• WordPerfect is the second most used office suite.
  Developed by Corel.

10
Imaging Software

• Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard in image
  editing and manipulation.
• JASC Paintshop Pro is another widely supported
  imaging application.
• The GIMP is an open-source image manipulation
  tool that is free for distribution.

11
Internet Development Software

• Macromedia Dreamweaver is a popular, easy to use
  html editor.
• Macromedia Fireworks is a internet image
  manipulator that is easy to use and relatively
  inexpensive.
• Mozilla / Netscape Composer comes with their
  respective internet browser programs. They are
  open-source.

12
Internet Development (cont.)

• Macromedia Flash is a program for advanced users
  to create interactive images and movies.
• Notepad and other text editors are excellent
  programs for editing HTML source code.

13
CAD / CAM Software

• The most common and supported Computer Aided
  Drafting program is AutoCAD by AutoDesk.
• Another nice, cheap, compact CAD program is
  AutoSketch by Autodesk.

14
CAD / CAM (cont.)

• MasterCAM is the industry leader in Computer
  Aided Manufacturing software for CNC programming.
  It also is a good CAD program.
• VectorWorks is a relatively inexpensive CAD
  program that is supported on PC and Macintosh.

15
Multimedia Software

• The industry leader in multimedia is Adobe
  Premiere. It is very expensive, but produces
  professional quality multimedia.
• For Windows PCs there is a native multimedia
  program called Windows Movie Maker which is very
  easy to use and comes free with Windows XP.

16
Multimedia (cont.)

• For Macintosh the best professional editing
  program is Final Cut Pro. It is also quite
  expensive, but versatile and professional.
• Macs also have a native editing program called
  iMovie, which also comes free with the Mac OS and
  very easy to use.

17
Research Software

• There are a lot of encyclopaedias available.
  Among the best are World Book, Grolier and
  Microsoft Encarta. They all include elements of
  multimedia with videos, pictures and sounds.

18
Tutorial Software

• There are tutorials available for any program,
  whether it is an application or and operating
  system. You can find free or cheap tutorials for
  Windows, Mac OS, Photoshop, AutoCAD, MasterCAM,
  Windows Movie Maker and pretty much any other
  program available.

19
Internet Security Programs

• There are a multitude of programs that monitor
  and regulate what can be viewed on the internet.
• These so called net nannies" can prevent
  students from accessing offensive material,
  viruses, programs and other harmful material.

20
Software Licensing

• Many programs require individual product keys for
  licensing on each computer.
• Often money can be saved by obtaining site
  licenses for the number of computers that use the
  specific application or operating system. These
  allow you to copy and use the software on more
  than one computer at the same time.

21
Software Licensing (cont.)

• Ensure that your school or district doesnt have
  a specific agreement with a particular software
  company before installing and using new software.
• Always confer with your tech support department
  before installing or updating software.

22
Software Updating

• Once a license is obtained for a program it
  entitles you to free updating of the program
  within the discretion of the software company.
  Often a program can be upgraded through multiple
  versions and there are always updates for support
  of new technologies and operating systems.

23
Lab Backup and Restore

• Your lab will be equipped with at least one
  program for backing up and restoring files on the
  systems.
• You will often have to do these operations
  yourself or the back up will be located on a
  network drive and will backup or restore
  automatically at certain time intervals.

24
Lab Backup (cont.)

• Always back up your data and never disable the
  backup program.
• The backup program was likely setup by your tech
  department, dont modify any settings if you
  dont have permission from tech support.

25
Technical Support

• Your school should have a information technology
  expert available for staff support. Use these
  people if you have questions or problems.
• If the problems are beyond school support, your
  district should have a technical support
  department to assist you. Expect a response in 2
  - 3 weeks.

26
Technical Support (cont.)

• If all else fails contact Casey Mynott at
  orionoffroad_at_telus.net.
• Do not email Kevin McIntyre, he will not reply
  unless money is sent to him prior to email
  delivery.

27
Technical Support (cont.)