Hardware

=Hardware - How do we know what to buy?=

You've completed your needs assessment, developed a technology plan, identified and allocated funding, and determined how your district will handle tech support. Now you are ready to start shopping. This is the fun part right? There are still many decisions to me made, and many of those are driven by funds.


 * Will you be a Mac district or a PC district?
 * Can you afford a 1:1 initiative?
 * Are you planning to allow students and staff to bring their own device?
 * How do you gather proposals from potential vendors?
 * How many peripheral devices will be needed and what is the cost of maintenance and replenishment?

Each of these topics will be explained, and you will have a better idea how to begin the process of purchasing hardware.

=Mac or PC?= One of the biggest decisions to be made is whether you decide to purchase Apple equipment or PC equipment. PC Magazine did a study comparing the 2 platforms and identifying the pros and cons of both. Among the differences identified: PCs are more susceptible to viruses and malware There is a wider selection of PCs at varying price points for PCs Macs come fully loaded with excellent software while PCs require a separate purchase of most commonly used applications PCs are more easily customized and upgraded by the end user Macs have a lower instance of freezing and crashing Many application packages are available only for PCs Macs work more fluidly with their popular family of products such as iPads, iPods, and iPhones PCs are found much more commonly in the workforce

These are just a few of the considerations, and determining which of these issues is most important to your district will be the driving factor behind the decision about whether you will be a Mac or a PC district.

=1:1 initiative= Based on the allocation of funds established during your budgeting process, you have a good idea of the amount of funds that are available for hardware. Ideally, a 1:1 initiative would be introduced that gives everyone an opportunity to have maximum exposure to technology in every curricular area. 1:1 can be affordable when looking at lower priced hardware such as netbooks, tablets or chromebooks, or if your school district would consider allowing a bring your own device initiative.

=What is needed?=
 * Servers
 * Wiring
 * Switches
 * Wireless Access Points
 * Interactive White Boards
 * Laptops/Desktops/Tablets
 * Printers
 * Document Cameras
 * LCD Projectors
 * Server room racks, stands, and other furniture that is designed to house the networking equipment

In addition, if your district decides to hire its own technology department rather than using an outsourced company, funds must be allocated for security systems such as Firewalls, replacement parts such as extra memory, additional keyboards and mice to account for breakage, and much more.

The excellent document attached offers a wonderful step-by-step guideline on how these devices should be research, considered, and connected.



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