🚀 go-pugleaf

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
On Thu, 8 Feb 1996, Kathy Bell wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Our lab has 55 computers in our open lab and we are a school with about
> 4,000 students.  We used to let anyone come in and use our lab.  We have
> been so busy that we must restrict users outside our community college from
> using our lab.  We are currently checking student IDs and having them fill
> out a card the first time each semester.  We input the information from the
> card on a database.  Does anyone else have to restrict other users from
> using their labs?  If so what are your solutions to this problem?  Any
> information would be very helpful!
> Kathy Bell
> Computer Lab Coordinator
> Dona Ana Community College
> Las Cruces, New Mexico
> PH 505-527-7657
> Fax 505-527-7515
>

One easy (albeit a bit costly) way is to install a Novell Netware
server.  Users will have to be given accounts and they will have to log
in every time they want to use the system.  What is good about a server
system is that it is centralized; you only install applications once and
individual workstations load copies off the server.  The disadvantage
about a (any) server system is that it's (again) centralized so if the
server goes down the entire lab is out of order.  Back-ups are a must.

In my experience Novell Netware is quite stable.  Here at Erindale
College we have servers running both Netware 3.1.1 and 4.1.  We have
about 8000 students; each of them has a permanent (for the duration of
their stay at Erindale) account for which they sign a 'contract'
(no account sharing etc...).  The accounts are created according to a
student list received from and validated by the Registrar.

Hope this helps.


Ferucio Ciobanu
Erindale College Computing Services, University of Toronto, Canada
E-mail: fciobanu@credit.erin.utoronto.ca
Phone:  (905)828-5339
Fax:    (905)569-4343