panel -
15 Approaches to Computer Lab Management: Lockdown vs. Freedom
Chris
Jones, University of Oregon
Yasemin Tunc, Ball State University
David Girdner, University of California, Los Angeles
Deborah Cherry, Carnegie Mellon University
Basic approaches to lab management range along a
spectrum from total lockdown of lab computers to total freedom. Total lockdown, which can be implemented
with system permissions and policies as well as software such as FoolProof and
OnGuard, usually means that the computers' storage devices, especially the hard
drives, are restricted, preventing write access by lab users (temporary drive
space is sometimes available). Lab
users are not allowed to install programs or save files and need to go through
official channels to have their programs installed. This approach is intended to minimize support issues, protect
software licenses and protect the institution from unauthorized software use.
The total freedom approach allows users to use the lab
computer as if it were their own. The
lab manager then uses a tool such as PC-Rdist, Ghost, or Assimilator to return
the computer to a clean state. This can
be done at regular intervals (once a day, a week, etc.), at every startup, or
on an as-needed basis. In some cases,
users themselves can refresh a lab computer.
This approach is intended to allow students and faculty flexibility and
unlimited access to the computer.
Drawbacks include inconsistent computers in the labs (especially between
rebuilds) and increased network usage during the rebuilding procedure.
This panel will discuss both approaches from technical as well as managerial perspectives. Panelists will represent approaches ranging across the spectrum of management strategies between lockdown and freedom. The panel discussion should be helpful for attendees who support computer labs or provide desktop support.