Ramirez CSD End of Year Technology Report

I as walked around the first time I visited the campus was foremost the need of the kids. I noticed that many of the computers in the classrooms were either not working or not even present. For some reason computers were scattered all over the campus in the cafeteria underneath tables or just put away in the storage barn.

            I found that the computers had AMD Athlon motherboards which are good motherboards. The hard drives ranged from 8 gig to 20 gig which had Windows 98. Several power supplies were bad and some CD Roms were also bad and probably gone bad by fluctuating power. What I did was try to place four to six computers in each classroom when possible especially in the upper grades. I repaired every computer by replacing the part needed and installed Windows 2000 on each machine. I  installed Microsoft Office for Word and other programs needed such as Excell. I also installed Norton Anti-Virus to keep viruses from entering the network. I installed PC Tools to keep spyware under control and Registry Machanic to help me keep the registry clean of junk that enters regularly. I installed programs needed by teachers when needed.

            After finishing the classrooms computers I then worked on existing computers in the Library. The Library has fairly new Dell Desktop computers but were infested with over 1000 infections. I cleaned up the computers and installed Norton and PC tools on them.. I also worked on the checkout machine and installed a backup server that I found in the cafeteria as the checkout server. I continually check the machines in the Library and infections are still roaming but a lot less than originally existed.

            After finishing student computers I then targeted the staff computers. I checked all the teachers’ laptops and cleaned them of infections and installed Norton and PC tools in them. My next step was to target administrative computers. Mrs. Leal computer was running so slow it would take 20 minutes to boot up. I found a computer in the office that was a fairly new Dell Dimension that had missing parts. I replaced the parts needed and installed software need to get Mrs. Leal a good running powerful computer. Mr. Leal had a good computer but had some problems including a hard drive that was about to fail. I replaced the hard drive and installed all software needed. The secretary’s computers were working but slow because of infections. I cleaned them up and installed Norton and PC tools on them to help keep them working fast.

            My next project was the security system. I found several cameras around campus but the computer running these cameras was not working at all. I had to replace the burned out motherboard and power supply. Some of the cameras were also burned out so we had to order a new camera and software package to add to what was in place. The system is now working and recording 24/7.

            Another part of security that I worked on was to install a bus camera with hardware and software that is part of the security system computer when needed. The bus camera is recording when the bus driver starts the system. Two more bus cameras are being ordered for the other buses and I will install them when they arrive.

            My next project was to create a web site for the school. I used one that I was familiar with that has worked well and not very expensive. I used Bizland sitebuilder to create the web site. It is located at www.ramirezcsd.com. I have started to web site and will continue to add and upgrade the web site as needed.

            Another project that I worked on was a distant learning equipment package that existed and was working except that it was limited to a small section of a room that was intended for maybe one or two people. I moved this equipment to the cafeteria and hooked it up to a big screen TV located on stage and got it working so as to cater to large groups of people. With this in place now students can participate in distant learning activities such as school wide museum tours. I think that this will really help to bring the world to a small country school.

            I now have most everything working in the school and I now just need to keep everything up and running. I will continue to keep the computers clean of viruses and spyware and dust. I also plan to work on the network. Although it is working in does need some organization and I plan to make one of the local servers an email server that might provide email to all the students and staff and maybe the community.

            I will continue to help the teachers and staff in whatever manner that I am needed to help the students get the best education through technology.