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ATLAS Classrooms Software Distribution Changes for Fall 2009

Many applications have now been installed on a server, rather than on the individual computers. When the students log in and open a given application, their computer will briefly communicate with the server. It may take about 1 second longer to open than it currently does (with the exception of SAS, which may take about 45 seconds). Once opened, the performance should be the same as if it were installed on the computer itself. It will then only need to reconnect with the server to access plug-ins or other associated software. If all goes well as we anticipate, we will convert other rooms next summer.

The benefits

  • Faster updates, fixes and modifications, even while your students are logged in and using the computers.
  • If you ever had to change rooms, that software would be accessible from ANY classroom we manage.

The drawbacks

  • You will need to open associated file types through that software (going to FILE > OPEN) rather than just double-clicking on the file itself.
  • Once you try to open an application, let it run. If you try to open it twice, it will attempt to open 2 simultaneous instances of the application and will likely freeze.
  • For files stored on a class server, your students will be best served by copying them to the desktop before trying to open them.

Problems

  • There may be issues that we don't anticipate, but it worked very well for us this semester with most applications. We believe it will continue to perform well and may improve your overall classroom experience.
  • You may want to test it the before you need it in class to make sure it works for you. If you encounter problems, please let us know as soon as possible so we can fix them for you.
  • If certain software doesn't work, we'll reinstall it on the computers locally.

Software NOT affected:

The following applications will definitely remain installed on the individual computers, partly because they are so commonly used and partly because they are so closely tied with several other pieces of software. Notice that this includes all Microsoft Office applications.

  • Access
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Audacity
  • Compass
  • DVD Playback Application
  • Excel
  • Flash Plugin
  • InfoPath
  • Internet Explorer
  • Java
  • Java Webstart
  • Mapviewer
  • Matlab
  • Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher)
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Opera
  • PDF Creator
  • PowerPoint
  • Publisher
  • Quicktime
  • Real Player
  • Shockwave Plugin
  • SSH
  • Vision
  • VLC Player
  • Windows Media Player
  • Winzip
  • Word

If you have any questions or want to discuss this, please contact us.