How to Set Up a School Computer Lab

One example of a school computer lab setup

School computer labs allow students to work on research projects and learn how to use computers. You probably have some idea of how they work if you have used a computer lab before. Essentially, a computer lab consists of desktop computers, printers, servers and networking equipment. You need to have some background working with computers to complete this task properly because of the in-depth work involved. You will also need to have a budget from the school available beforehand.

Things You'll Need

• Computer workstations
• Server
• Network patch panel
• Ethernet cable
• Power strips
• Printer
• Server rack
• Desks
• High-speed Internet connection

Instructions

1. Install the network patch panel in the server rack. Attach the Internet connection to the patch panel according to the wiring diagram on the back of the panel.

2. Attach a network cable from the patch panel to the server. Mount the server in the server rack. You can set up tower servers near the rack.

3. Run the initial setup on the the server. Install the "Domain Controller (Active Directory)" role by clicking "Add or Remove a Role" from the Server Manager. Choose a name for the domain when prompted during the wizard.

4. Set up the workstation computers on desks. Attach the power cords to power strips. Label each computer with a number to keep track of them.

5. Measure and cut Ethernet cable lengths to run from the patch panel to each workstation. Attach connectors to the ends that will connect to the computers.

6. Splice the other ends of the Ethernet cables connected to the workstations into the patch panel. Label the connection on the patch panel according to the workstation numbers that you assigned earlier.

7. Add an object for each computer on the server in "Active Directory," as well as the user that will connect to the server. Use a standard user name schema, such as last name followed by first name. Use a standardized password pattern as well.

8. Power on the workstation computers. Add them to the domain under "computer properties." Enter the user name and password for the domain when prompted.

9. Attach the printer to the server. Install the "Print server role" in the "Server Manager," and share the printer on the domain.

10. Install an antivirus program on each workstation. This is important, since you can't control every website that users access.

11. Install Windows SteadyState on the computer workstations. This is a program that removes changes made by users and locks down the computers restrictions that you set in the configuration. Lock users out from being able to make changes to the antivirus program and updates.

12. Make a backup image of one of the workstations using a program such as Acronis True Image. Having a backup of the workstation configuration will greatly decrease the time it takes to fix or replace a computer and get it ready to use again.

13. Make an image of the server in the same way as the workstation. Keep these backups in a safe place.

Tips & Warnings

• Instruct computer users with clear guidelines on how to use the computers without damaging them and how to use the Internet safely.

References

• Microsoft: Windows SteadyState 2.5
• San Benito: Computer Lab Setups