Also, $900 + server software sounds much more feasible to get my hands on
than requesting an xserver (which I would probably only use about 10% of
anyway).
Jason, is there any way you can expand on what you said about AD access and
print queues being configured locally without third part soft? I will be
calling our apple rep on monday to discuss these options but I prefer doing
my homework ahead of time and would greatly appreciate a point in the right
direction. I have been checking out the links you mentioned previously and
there is some absolutely great information there. I found this kind of
thing for mapping drives which is more of what I'm used to:
http://deploystudio.wikispaces.com/OS+X+10.5+Login+Hooks. Thanks again to
everyone, your input has been invaluable.
Rick Castorani
Academy in Manayunk
On Fri, Sep 11, 2009 at 3:02 PM, Jason Johnson <jasonpj@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Dan makes an excellent point that I was unclear on. Mac server != $4000
> xServer, just the server software which can run on a cheap machine. You can
> save yourself a lot of future pain with a little up front investment.
> Password management and resets alone probably make it worthwhile.
>
> In addition, AD access can be configured locally as can print queues
> (without AdmitMac) allowing students access to file services at the very
> least so they can back up their work and/or easily transfer it to teachers
> without resorting to email, etc. Time consuming up front but no additional
> cost and will likely save you time in the long run.
>
> _J____________________________
> Jason at jasonpj@yahoo.com
> ________________________________
> From: JPDS Tech <techpurchases@jpds.org>
> To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 11:50:29 AM
> Subject: Re: Managing Macs in a Windows Environments
>
> We've just added a beefed up Mac Mini ($900 plus software) to run
> SnowLeopard Server to help our manage our Macs in an AD environment. Our
> primary goal was to allow the students to authenticate with the same
> username and password on either platform. Secondary goal was to have a
> little control over the users on the Mac and to be able to update software,
> etc on the Macs (I use WSUS for the PCs in my network). Like Rick, I am
> used to having AD and scripts to lock down certain functions. Mac's OD
> serves the same purpose on the Macs, and is able to pull in user info from
> AD.
>
> The MacMini is cost effective for what we needed: we're not saving files
> on
> this server; we're not (yet, at least) using the server for broadcasting
> podcasts or email; we've a very small deployment of Macs. We've received
> excellent tech support and guidance from our Apple rep. The key, according
> to Apple, is the 'golden triangle': configuring the client machine to see
> both Mac's Open Directory and Microsoft's AD.
>
> Things are off to an okay start so far, with some limitations I haven't yet
> figure out.
>
> Dan Berger
> Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation's Capital
> Washington, DC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A forum for independent school educators
> [mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Carl Campion
> Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 8:23 PM
> To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Subject: Re: Managing Macs in a Windows Environments
>
> I agree with Jason. To get the "mixed environment" to work well we
> used Apple Pro Services to do the initial set up. This included
> setting up three Xserves and binding them to the AD . We also had
> them import all the student directories off of Windows servers and a
> Mac server and roll them into the XServes. Pretty amazing what people
> can do with scripting. Two of the servers are for the student
> directories(using both SMB and AFP) . The third is a wiki/blog and
> Noteshare Server.
>
> This past summer we contracted Apple Pro Services to set up Deploy
> Studio so we could re-image all the Macs on campus(about 110).
> Considering the time saved and flexibility it is well worth the money.
>
> Our pre-sales engineer who has school experience in a mixed
> environment has been invaluable. He wrote the initial description of
> the services needed.
>
> Carl Campion
> Archmere Academy
>
> On Sep 10, 2009, at 7:59 PM, Jason Johnson wrote:
>
> > A word of caution here ARD != Group Policies. The nearest Apple
> > equivalent is the Workgroup Manager which you receive as part of an
> > Apple Server. If you have a large mac implementation (i.e. between
> > 50-150 depending on your IT department and infrastructure) I would
> > recommend considering investing in an Apple Server and connecting
> > it to your Windows AD system and storage servers. It will likely
> > save you time and money in the long run and is effectively a GP
> > equivalent.
> >
> > In lieu of that Casper is likely your best option as mentioned by
> > others. It is a stop gap measure that allow those who cannot
> > invest in or support a significant Mac infrastructure to include
> > macs as a sub-set of a windows infrastructure. There is a tipping
> > point where Casper is no longer better than investing in a Mac
> > server but that is both a hardware and staff cost equation.
> >
> > You can cobble together an alternate solution with ARD, Carbon Copy
> > Cloner, plist modifications and a host of other free utilities for
> > under $500 but it is not recommended and requires a significant
> > amount of time from an experienced mac pro.
> >
> > You may find some better answers through communities at:
> >
> > http://www.macenterprise.org
> >
> > and
> >
> > http://www.afp548.com/
> >
> > Or by talking to your apple rep about professional services.
> >
> > _J ____________________________
> > Jason at jasonpj@yahoo.com
> > From: Rick Castorani <rcastorani@aimpa.org>
> > To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> > Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:34:39 PM
> > Subject: Managing Macs in a Windows Environment
> >
> > We are just beginning a one to one program with our high schoolers
> > using the 13" aluminum macbook. We are all very excited and can not wait
> to get these in the hands of the students. I, on the other hand, come
> from
> a windows networking world where everything from default printers to
> mapped
>
> > drives to advanced permissions is easily controlled by group policy and
> logon scripts.
> > I am starting off with apple remote desktop but I feel that I am
> > missing something. Those of you who are, or have been, in my situation,
> > what do you use to manage your macs??
> >
> > Thank you so much in advance! Hope your school years have started
> > out well!
> >
> > Rick Castorani
> > Academy in Manayunk
>
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