Business Manager.
We are interested in talking with schools that have successfully
configured their networks with functionality similar to our's. I will try
and briefly outline how our system operates here at Gordon.
We work in a mixed Apple and Windows environment (administration uses
Windows and the academic side uses Apple). Through Open Directory ALL
users can log into any machine on the network and are authenticated to our
Windows Domain Controller and file server (one machine). The greatest
benefit this configuration provides is as each user logs onto an Apple
there are various scripts that are run in the background that do the
following (i am using a student user as an example)....
Maps the user to their folder on the windows file server
Assigns specific network printers to the user (i.e. a 3rd grader may only
be given access to the computer lab printers)
Sets up the user's dock (this is a significant benefit since a 1st
grader's dock may only have a few learning programs and an 8th grader may
have email, safari etc...)
Certain preferences are set up on specific software applications (for
example: the typing program will map to that user's folder that resides on
the server for that particular program, the email program will load on
with the proper server name)
The system works very well and avoids spending unnecessary time assisting
students in navigating the network (especially the lower grades).
The problem is we understand Open Directory is dead ended and we are
concerned that we will not be able to recreate this environment when we
replace equipment.
Who has created a similar environment using the same or different
technology? Who should we contact?
Thank you
Debra Cusack
Director of Instructional Technology
The Gordon School
dcusack@gordonschool.org
401.434.3833
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