Ward Admin PC upgrades

sphester · #1

Hi

We are currently having internet rolled out in our stake. With this in mind we are hoping to put every ward admin PC onto the internet so they can be used by the ward leadership to access the church website for example. I have realised however that in doing so this presents me with some issues. I would welcome some feedback/ideas on these.

1. The current computers all run windows XP that possibly at least 5 years out of date in terms of windows updates. I'm thinking it is going to take me 2 hours or more at each site just to bring the updates and service packs up to date. The computer in my local ward is still on service pack 2. Right now I'm thinking it would be better to just move straight to Windows 7. If I can't go straight to windows 7 does any one know of any good programs that would allow me to download all the windows updates to a DVD so I don't have to wait for the actual downloads over the internet as this will speed things up.

2. I'm going to have to install the latest LanDesk surity software. Can this be installed easily by a none tech person? Or will it require a visit to each unit for me to do the installation? Also how long does a LanDesk installation take?

Thanks

aebrown · #2

If your computers are that old, it seems to me that your first option would be to request that they be replaced. Your stake's PFR can work with the FM group to see if that is a possibility. The general guideline is that ward and stake administrative computers are replaced every 5 years, but the exact timing does depend on FM budgets. Even if they can't be replaced right away, you should make sure that the FM group is aware of the need so that they can work it into their 2012 budget.

If you do get new PCs, they will almost certainly come with Windows 7, so that will take care of your first question. If you have to wait for new PCs, then I don't think Windows 7 is a good option. The computers you have aren't licensed for Win7, and so it would be an extra cost and hassle, and it might be a challenge to find the correct drivers for hardware that old.

The Local Unit Security Software (consisting of LANDesk and Sophos) is very easy to install. There are no decisions to make, so you just start up the installers and let them run. You can get the latest installers from the MLS download site.

sphester · #3

Thanks for the comments.

I've set the wheels in motion to check on the possibility of getting windows 7 or the machines replaced.

Going to try and get the service TAG for the machines in the stake so I can work out how old they are from the DELL web site.

#4

sphester wrote:Going to try and get the service TAG for the machines in the stake so I can work out how old they are from the DELL web site.

Your FM Group (or equivalent in your area) should also know when they sent you the computers. Check with your stake PFR (usually a high councilor) and ask him to find out for you.

russellhltn · #5

aebrown wrote:If you have to wait for new PCs, then I don't think Windows 7 is a good option. The computers you have aren't licensed for Win7, and so it would be an extra cost and hassle, and it might be a challenge to find the correct drivers for hardware that old.

Not to mention having to buy memory for the machines. All in all, Win7 would be a waste of money on a machine that's approaching, if not past due for retirement. And I seriously doubt if installing it would save you any time.

I think the best plan, short term, is to simply plan on upgrading the machines you have. I would tend to doubt if the FM group can replace them quickly enough. (But you can always ask.)

You can download and unpack SP3 and burn it to a CD to save yourself that step. But you're probably still in for a couple of hours waiting for things to download and install.

Don't forget to update Java and Adobe Flash as well. The latter may be the most important update.

sphester · #6

aebrown wrote:
The Local Unit Security Software (consisting of LANDesk and Sophos) is very easy to install. There are no decisions to make, so you just start up the installers and let them run. You can get the latest installers from the MLS download site.

How can I get the password need to access the MLS download site? Also would the password be different for each unit? Or can I just use my own or stake unit number and password for downloads and installations I do for other units?

Thanks

Simon

#7

sphester wrote:
aebrown wrote:
The Local Unit Security Software (consisting of LANDesk and Sophos) is very easy to install. There are no decisions to make, so you just start up the installers and let them run. You can get the latest installers from the MLS download site.
How can I get the password need to access the MLS download site? Also would the password be different for each unit? Or can I just use my own or stake unit number and password for downloads and installations I do for other units?

Thanks

Simon

If you follow the link aebrown provided in your quote, you will find instructions near the top on how to obtain the password.

nbflint · #8

sphester wrote:does any one know of any good programs that would allow me to download all the windows updates to a DVD so I don't have to wait for the actual downloads over the internet as this will speed things up.

I used a similar tool a few years ago; though, I'm not sure if it is the same one or not. Take a look at this tool: http://www.wsusoffline.net/

craiggsmith · #9

The LANDesk install is fast, the Sophos not too bad either. The killer is the Sophos updates. They can take over an hour. Any way to download those off-line?

davesudweeks · #10

craiggsmith wrote:The LANDesk install is fast, the Sophos not too bad either. The killer is the Sophos updates. They can take over an hour. Any way to download those off-line?

Sorry in advance... I can't resist:

"...download those off-line?" Doesn't downloading kind of require you to be ON-LINE?

Yes, I know what you meant - download separately and then bring to the PC on a Thumb-drive or disk, etc>