A Recommendation of Technology

1. EDMT 627 A. Howard A. Mehney A Recommendation of Technology

2. What Company is best for you?In their own words • Apple- “The world’s most advanced operating system and software applications that turn it into an educational powerhouse.” • Dell- “We've worked with educators around the world to create a learning ecosystem that connects students, teachers, parents, administrators, and communities to each other and to the learning resources they need.” • Gateway- “Our new mini notebooks work great for students” • IBM- “We can help your school close achievement gaps and improve resources for students, teachers and parents while managing costs.”

3. We Suggest....

5. Why? • Mac's have a lot of options and software that students can use for creativity and inquiry. This argument can be made for every computer company probably, but here is where Macs are different. Macs are capable of running Microsoft Office and Windows, so essentially a Mac can be like the other companies exactly. Of course the selling point would be that Macs are like PCs but without the hassle of viruses, bugs, and crashes. Mac's operating system practically runs itself, eliminating bad clicking choices by students. Macs have a lot to offer: • Energy efficient, highly recyclable, no toxins • Includes photo, movie, music, website, and podcasting applications • No extra fees for firewalls and updates • Ipod touches and Ipads also compatible with notebooks

6. http://www.apple.com/education/teachers-professors/built-for-education.htmlhttp://www.apple.com/education/teachers-professors/built-for-education.html Learn More for yourself

7. First choice for servers would be the Linux system. It runs fast, manages well, and is the popular choice with schools right now. However, running a district with mostly Macs could change things. You don't have to worry about firewalls, updating, etc.. Mac has put the Leopard server out there to be an easier approach. “Leopard Server will actually include 3 different interfaces, ranging from the most basic to advanced for IT administrators.” (Christopher Dawson) This server is gaining popularity and can eliminate hook-up problems. The selling point is “it's easy to set-up”. Server?

8. Servers Servers Servers • * Email server can easily be handled by Novell Web Access. • * You'll also need a back-up server, good to have a back-up • * Printer Server • * Data Management Server • * If you run the Leopard Server for the district you won't need the anti-virus servers

9. Networking • Schools and their budgets make it hard to run what you want to run. In an ideal world without budgets we'd say go with an all wireless network for your district. You won't have to place Internet jacks everywhere and have computers in fixed locations. No tripping and destroying wires, bad hook-ups, and trying to plug into a jack. Wireless seems to eliminate such problems. You can still run your basic needs like with printers. • A school e-mail for each teacher is essential for communication. Novell is the popular choice, though windows is gaining popularity. A basic firewall to block unwanted solicitation or bad sites will be useful too. Also understanding how much bandwidth your district will have from the local ISD will increase or decrease speed. I recommend using a 10x100 Ethernet switch for the Internet connection. Adobe is a good option for video. Adobe offers updates periodically.

10. Technology options for your district. A. Howard A. Mehney EDMT 627