To: All Staff
From: Marcus Thimm
Re: Computer Imaging for school year 2009/2010
The technology department is working on a large number of technology initiatives in preparation for the next school year:
Implementation of a new Student Information System - SASI will be replaced with School Logic.
Implement new Emergency/Parent Notification System
– replacing ParentLink
Implementation of
ServiceWise Service Desk software to improve our service capabilities and visibility into the tech support process.
Implementation of Multi dimensional Learning Space
– Moodle and Google Apps, Student Email
Integration of Google Apps to our Microsoft Active Directory (single sign-on)
Migration to Microsoft Active Directory from our current Novell Network. This migration replaces all Novell servers and services with Microsoft systems.
Remote Access Upgrades
– providing VPN and remote desktop access as part of our Active Directory implementation
Reimaging of all computer systems in the district with new software.
Several projects are already underway or in preparation. The reimaging of computers is the most disruptive but essential to many other initiatives, so let me explain the "why we need to reimage" and "how we will reimage":
Why is reimaging needed?
Key reasons for reimaging are:
The n
ew network operating software Microsoft Active Directory requires configuration changes on all Windows and Mac computers to provide connectivity to our servers
Windows XP service pack (SP3) needed
on all windows computers
New and upgraded third party software titles, i.e. Antivirus Software,
Smartboard drives, Epson project software, iLife09, iWork09, etc
Parallels 4.0 upgrade to run
Bootcamp in Mac OS (as planned last year)
Software delivery
/management changed from Novell Zen to Microsoft SCCM (PC) and Casper Suite (Mac): All software applications need to be redeployed with this new service
How will we reimage?
At the end of the school year all faculty notebook computers will be collected to reimage. The computers will be collected at the last day of school June 12th.
Exceptions: Faculty who will work summer school:
If you teach 1
st semester only you will turn your computer in at the end of the first semester - July 7th.
If you teach 2
nd semester you will turn your computer in at the end of the second semester/ end of summer school – July 28th.
Exceptions: Instructional Supervisors and 12 months employees
Instructional Supervisors will turn their notebooks in on June 26
th due to their extended work year
12 months employees will get notebooks reimaged before August 1
st, scheduled based on specific needs or software requirements
If you have summer curriculum projects you will be able to use computer lab resources at the schools and a limited number of presentation systems and checkout computers may be available.
You will also have access to your network files by Remote Desktop access and Netstorage.
The Dean’s checklist will include a "computer return" line item and the computer return is part of the building check-out procedure.
What to do before turning in your computer?
It is important to backup all your files. T he hard drives of the computers will be erased completely and all files contained on them will be destroyed. Please follow the normal backup procedures to backup your files to the network. See attached backup instructions.
If you are a power user and have added additional software to your computer you will need to backup and/or record any license keys or installation files for that software as well.
Any personal files like iTunes music files will need to be backed up as well.
You will need to backup the GWArchive files if you are using GroupWise archiving feature.
If you need assistance with this backup process please contact the service desk x4555, make use of the Tech Walk-in Fridays or contact the tech trainers or tech advocates of your department.
You will be asked to certify that you have backed up all your data prior to turning in of your notebook. See the attached "Backup Instructions" document.
Where do you return the computer?
GBN faculty computers
are to be returned to Room A 101 at GBN (Tech Office next to little theater)
GBS and OCC faculty computers
are to be returned to Room 166 at GBS
What needs to be returned?
Retiring or non-returning staff must return all parts received with the notebook computer: the carrying bag, mouse, power adaptor, video adaptor, network cable and the notebook computer system.
Returning faculty will need to turn-in only the notebook computer AND power adapter!
What about the other computers in the schools?
All lab computers and office computers will be reimaged as well. The tech staff will schedule reimaging dates with the 12 months staff on an individual basis.
What happens with the turned-in notebooks?
Tech staff will receive the
notebook computers and provide you with a receipt.
You will receive the same computer back that you turned in.
Included in the reimaging process is inspection and testing of each notebook to ensure all systems function properly.
The
system memory of the Macbooks will be upgraded to improve BootCamp performance
Do you have access to the network after you turned in your notebook?
Yes. The Novell network will be available until the end of summer school. You can use the remote desktop sessions and access your network files using your Novell Network logins until the last day of Summer School July 28th.
The first week of August all Novell servers will be migrated to Microsoft Servers. In that week you will experience network access disruptions.
After the migration you will be able to connect to the network only with your new Microsoft network login credentials that you receive with the reimaged notebook computer.
See the attached "Remote Access" document.
When do you get the notebooks back?
The notebooks will be reimaged between June 12th and July 1st and will be ready for pickup Thursday July 2nd.
When you pickup your notebook you will log in to the new Active Directory network with your Novell user name. You will then be asked to reset your password upon first login.
There will be training scheduled before the start of school to familiarize you with new functions.
The Novell Network will be shut down and migrated to the Microsoft Active Directory in the first week of August.
If any unforeseen issue arise that will impact any of these dates we will notify you by email.
Information and Status Updates
Updates will be posted on the new district website
www.glenbrook225.org
under "Information Services"