Solved Networking software for a school lab

[RaviR]

Hello,

I'm looking for software similar to netsupport Netsupport School The Classroom Management Software to install in our school IT lab. The netsupport would be perfect but the trial has run outand I'm yet to get approval to purchase the license. What I'm looking for is software where i can send files/web links to clients to make preparing for classes easier. Any free version suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[UsernameIssues]

...........What I'm looking for is software where i can send files/web links to clients to make preparing for classes easier.........

Use a file server (or just use the teacher's computer):
create a folder
put the files/web links into that folder
share that folder as read-only
create a shortcut on each student's desktop to that shared folder.

You can change the content of that shared folder whenever you wish.

 

[Barman58]

You may want to look at the free network management suite from Spiceworks - Free Network Monitoring Software | Spiceworks Free Network Management Software

I've used it and find it very useful for monitoring and control but it also has community options which may be used to communicate with clients. You can set-up and make your own default Intranet site, which can be used to supply students with reference materials, lesson synopsis Etc.

 

[vvinushan]

Hello RaviR. Is your computer connected to a school network? Is there a logon script set on for each student? Is there a server managing all this? Are you a school technician?

If your computer is connected to a network, and the students are too, then you can create a folder with all the files for the lesson and then set the login script to map that folder as a network drive. If there is a server managing all this, then someone can update the students login script to map the drives automatically. It is best to ask a computer technician to do this if you need immediate assistance. Thank you.

 

[RaviR]

...........What I'm looking for is software where i can send files/web links to clients to make preparing for classes easier.........

Use a file server (or just use the teacher's computer):
create a folder
put the files/web links into that folder
share that folder as read-only
create a shortcut on each student's desktop to that shared folder.

You can change the content of that shared folder whenever you wish.

That's what I am using currently but its very time consuming to open each link individually on each computer. Thank you for the reply.

You may want to look at the free network management suite from Spiceworks - Free Network Monitoring Software | Spiceworks Free Network Management Software

I've used it and find it very useful for monitoring and control but it also has community options which may be used to communicate with clients. You can set-up and make your own default Intranet site, which can be used to supply students with reference materials, lesson synopsis Etc.

I will take a look at this software. Thank you.

Hello RaviR. Is your computer connected to a school network? Is there a logon script set on for each student? Is there a server managing all this? Are you a school technician?

If your computer is connected to a network, and the students are too, then you can create a folder with all the files for the lesson and then set the login script to map that folder as a network drive. If there is a server managing all this, then someone can update the students login script to map the drives automatically. It is best to ask a computer technician to do this if you need immediate assistance. Thank you.

Yes to all your questions. Its the same thing i told the guy above you, I am using the shared folder but its very time consuming to open each link on each computer individually. Whereas when I had the netsupport i could just open them from my main console. Classes come within 5mins of each other that's why I'm looking for software to help reduce the time taken. Thank you for the reply.

 

[vvinushan]

Yes to all your questions. Its the same thing i told the guy above you, I am using the shared folder but its very time consuming to open each link on each computer individually. Whereas when I had the netsupport i could just open them from my main console. Classes come within 5mins of each other that's why I'm looking for software to help reduce the time taken. Thank you for the reply.[/QUOTE]

You can ask them to open the link themselves from the mapped network drive. If there is other files on it, you can create another folder, map it and then ask them to open it from Computer. Thank you.

 

[RaviR]

Good solution. The only problem is the teachers prefer if the work is prepared before the students get there. Sucks huh

 

[vvinushan]

Good solution. The only problem is the teachers prefer if the work is prepared before the students get there. Sucks huh

I'll get back to you after I compare free classroom management softwares.

 

[RaviR]

Good solution. The only problem is the teachers prefer if the work is prepared before the students get there. Sucks huh

I'll get back to you after I compare free classroom management softwares.

Thank you.

 

[vvinushan]

I have found a software which I think you will like. I am uploading it but it is taking a long time. When it is finished, I will post it. Thank you

 

[vvinushan]

I couldn't upload it, but here is the link.

 

[UsernameIssues]

You can use psexec to push out a script from AutoIt3 or AutoHotKey.

The script would enumerate each item in the shared folder and open it.

Or you could use a scheduled task to launch the script.

Or the script could be in a start up folder and you push out or schedule a restart.

Or you keep hunting for remote control software that has the feature that you need

 

[UsernameIssues]

....Whereas when I had the netsupport i could just open them from my main console....

Are you saying that you could complete one set of actions in the main console and those actions were duplicated on each student's computer at the same time --- without you having to take remote control of each student's computer?

e.g. you open a web link - the link opens on all other computers at the same time?

If that is what Netsupport School can do, then I'm not sure that iTALC has such a feature. None of the classroom tools that I looked at listed such a feature.

On the other hand, if you meant that you take control of each student's computer and open/arrange the files/links/windows of interest one computer at a time - then there are several tools that can do that... including iTALC.

 

[RaviR]

I couldn't upload it, but here is the link.

Will give it a try. Thank you.

....Whereas when I had the netsupport i could just open them from my main console....

Are you saying that you could complete one set of actions in the main console and those actions were duplicated on each student's computer at the same time --- without you having to take remote control of each student's computer?

e.g. you open a web link - the link opens on all other computers at the same time?

If that is what Netsupport School can do, then I'm not sure that iTALC has such a feature. None of the classroom tools that I looked at listed such a feature.

On the other hand, if you meant that you take control of each student's computer and open/arrange the files/links/windows of interest one computer at a time - then there are several tools that can do that... including iTALC.

Take control one at a time. I will give iTALC a try then and see how it helps out.

 

[UsernameIssues]

..........Take control one at a time. I will give iTALC a try then and see how it helps out.

While that is better than walking around to each computer, a scripted solution would be best. Once you get iTALC doing what Netsupport School was doing, then you might want to play with AutoIt3. Send me a PM if you need help getting a script doing what you do manually. Once the script is written, it should not need updating - only the folder that holds the links to be opened by the script will need to be updated.

 

[RaviR]

Thank you all for the responses. Much appreciated.