We had expanded computing beyond our ability to maintain it. Teacher training had become impossible with the range of software installed on each machine-different versions of Works, Word, and Wordperfect. Instead putting money into old machines, the school technology leaders made a list of everything they wanted in a computing environment and looked for a long-term solution. By running Citrix MetaFrame and Microsoft NT, Terminal Server Edition, on high powered servers, the school created a thin-client computing environment that drives a standardized set of updated software to all desktop devices and makes the most of the network infrastructure. The computers are back on-line with more devices available and the desktops look the same no matter where a student or teacher logs on.
Students can no longer customize buttons and change configurations.
Teachers can apply their training to any device on the network. The standards-based solution enables the school to scale up the number of computers per student by purchasing new thin clients each year and to update software without leaving working equipment behind. District and school technicians have seen a dramatic drop in support needs since the system went online in January 2000. To install a Microsoft program patch, technicians isolated a server, took it offline, and installed the update without effecting speed or access. New software is tested by technicians then made available to all 400 devices at once.