HIT: "Control" computer software

["Joanne E. Ladewig" <shatz@LIGHTSIDE.COM>]

Netters:

Here's the "HIT" for the computer control "Target" I posted about a week
ago. There's a lot of variety in the suggestions, some for Macs and some
for PC's. What I wanted was a system that I could (immediately) monitor the
auxilary computers with from the circulation desk computer, since they are
located in an area out of my view from this position. The suggestions
include this and other good info as well.

Several people requested the information - I'm sorry for the delay! (I
waited until after the holiday weekend to be sure I got all the responses
before posting the "HIT.") Thanks to all who sent the info - I put your
first names at the end of your contribution. The original "Target" post
follows at the end, for your reference.
- Joanne Ladewig, Information Center Director, Fairgrove Academy

If you have Macs and an Appleshare server there is a product that comes
with the Appleshare server called Administrators Toolkit that allows you
to view, manipulate, lock out, communicate, and install software at any
computer on the network as long as you have purchased the licensing (it
only comes with 10 users).  It is awesome!  You order it from Apple
Education and I think the pricing is at their education website or call
your Apple Rep!
You won't believe you ever managed without it.  I get notes from the
kids that they teacher just says come, can't get ___ to work.  All I do
is pull up their screen on mine and ususally in just a sec I have it
going again.  They can watch and learn while I do it but usually they
don't even see it happening since they are already busy.  Saves the
walking time and the talking time!  Also, found out at my Appleshare
training session that for large groups, I have 32 imacs now in the Media
Center, it plays through the screens 4 at a time.  I am going to connect
my computer to a big screen tv so everyone can see that we can see!!!
-Lynn

What we use to do all that you describe is Network Assistant, which comes
as part of the Apple Network Administrator Toolkit.  It's marvelous.  (You
didn't specify a platform, but if you're Mac, I recommend ANAT.)
-Sharon

These messages were posted at the end of April and I saved them since they
sounded useful.  I think two ideas are the same.  Maybe one these might work:
> Here are two ideas to monitor internet activity on remote terminals. Try VNC
> (Virtual Network Computer) which is a free downloadable program from the
> Internet (try keyword of "VNC" from Yahoo). This has worked on our windows
> computers (I'm not sure about Macs). This allows you to do exactly what you
> need, view students' computers from a remote screen. You can also take a
> quick screen shot for printing. The installation and setup of this was done
> by our technician on a Windows NT 4.0 network. The setup required some
> networking expertise (getting into the registry settings, etc.). The setup
> time for a lab of 30 took a little over an hour. When you are viewing a
> student's screen, there is a small icon that appears in their lower right
> corner of the screen. If you need more details on how well this works, you
> can email me for details. We don't use this a lot, but it is available for
> suspicious online activity.
>     Alexandria for Windows, a library circulation system, will soon have an
> integrated component that allows a central teaching station to view
> individual screens throughout a network (as well as many other very nice
> features...). It also will allow you to "push" and "pull" a word processing
> document (a worksheet, for example) to all computers. It also allows you to
> maintain consistent desktop settings on all computers with a click of a
> button. Right now that program is available as a separate component (called
> Lancaster, I believe).
>
> Keith

I know the one for Macs is called Timbuktu.  There are similar programs (and
more than for the macs, naturally) for the PC's.  I don't know the names of
them, however.
-Vicki

I saw a program demonstrated just last Fri. 6/25, at our Educ. Serv.
District and it was called "Classroom". I don't know how makes it but you
could call either Alan Lowe or Kent Samford at Olympic Education Service
District in Bremerton, Washington at 360.478.6865.
-Karen

LINK is the name of one company that produces such a system.  It is not
software, but additional hardware, and I thought it was relatively expensive.
It would be more ideal in a lab situation where teachers are giving
instruction, rather than in a library setting.
-Audrey

Joanne -  I have some information on a program similar to the one you
described.
                                Link Systems
                                Applied Computer Systems, Inc.
                                3060 Johnstown-Utica Road
                                Johnstown, Ohio 43031
                                1-800-237-5465

I haven't used it (yet) but would be interested in other replies you get
as there may be something else out there.  The rep was really nice and  at
the time  it didn't seem too expensive.  I am going to begin working in a K-8
computer lab this next year that is starting from ground up on networking
and would like to have this in place when it is completed.
-Jennifer

My husband (computer consultant/servicer) has installed a program called
LanSchool by Intel.  It lets you look at student screens or freezes their
screens so they can watch your broadcasts on one of 10 channels.  He thinks
you may have to custom order it. He doubts anyone stocks it at office
supply shops, etc.  If you can't find it, a local computer shop or service
should be able to order it for you (or he would be glad to order it and
ship it to you if you like  http:www.precisionservice.com)

He installed it last a year or year and a half ago and thinks it was a
little over $500 for a single building license (can use in unlimited number
of labs in one building).
-Diane

*************************************************************************
(Original "Target" post)
Netters:
This was from the post "Computer Lab Monitoring" on 7-2-99. Does anyone
know the name of the product that does this?

"This spring, we saw a demonstration of a relatively inexpensive lab
monitoring program that looked very good. By designating one of the computers
(presumably yours) the "control" computer, the adult can flip through the
screens of all the computers in the lab. When you are teaching a lesson and
want the students to all be on the same screen you can freeze all the
keyboards and keep everyone's computer to the site that you select. I think
that you can also freeze any one computer at a time."



Joanne Ladewig
Information Center Director
Fairgrove Academy
(a K-8 public school focusing on the Visual and Performing Arts, and
Technology)
La Puente, CA
jladewig@ns700-1.enet.hlpusd.k12.ca.us     (all lower case)
home email: shatz@lightside.com

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