TECH: Managed Client PC or Stand Alone Mac?

[Pete Madden <pmadden@ILLINOISALUMNI.ORG>]

Coud use some advice on a pending hardware purchase. Our school district
is about to supply each of its elementary libraries with 8 new
computers. On these patron stations, the IT department is giving
librarians the choice of either a managed client PC (Dell OptiPlex GX
280) or a stand alone (non-managed) E-Mac.

I realize the advantage of a managed client for system updates and virus
protection, but what are some of the drawbacks? Will I, for example, be
able to download plug-ins of my choice and assorted share-ware, or can
the IT manager design the environment so it conforms to a uniform
appearance across the district (about 80 schools), thus preventing my
discretion? What are other issues of managed clients?

I'm leaning toward the PC, mainly because that's the platform I prefer,
especially for share-ware possibilities. But I'm concerned that I'll
lose much of my decision making ability in light of a trend in our
district to standardize all desktop/software images.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.


Pete Madden, Librarian
Anchorage School District, Anchorage, AK
madden_peter@asdk12.org
http://www.asdk12.org/schools/gladyswood/pages/library/

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