Blog

ICT Integration meeting 09JAN12

Meeting Notes, Monday, Jan 9

Francis M, Brian L, Tim W

-Video Production for Theatre festival

TW to talk with Annie

Framework: opportunity for outsourced producer, VR students to help -- but should not be expected to be comprehensive, TW to shoot/produce only if he can do so to the exclusion of other duties during that time

-VLE/LMS discussion

FM to talk with Arden re: HW assigned over breaks, and VLE expectations
3 of us to review feasible VLE options in short term
Discussion/debate about realistic phase-out of wikis, introduction of new platform

-INSET training session ideas/notes

TW to follow-up with RS re: times, planning for INSET
1:1 support sessions - focusing on improved 1:1 teaching/learning?
Strong IWB users - 1:1 focus sessions
Comparatively weak IWB users - IWB sessions
Self-Assessment on IWB ability
15 commandments of IWB skills

Notes post discussion with RS

10 workshops of 1.5 hours each (5 by TW, 5 by FM)
Small, directed to areas of greatest need
Not all teachers to receive training
Most will participate in no more than 2 sessions
TW/FM to produce Self-Assessment this week, distribute next week
Based on Informal Audit and Self-Assessment, TW and FM to determine topics by end of week/participants by middle of next week
RS to inform participants by end of next week

-Veracross (from RS chat)

Veracross contract to be signed after Laurie returns
TW to get example of how other schools manage IEPs in Veracross

-1:1 Learning Summit

Spring 2013 -- 1:1 conference for current, prospective, established 1:1 schools in China

Involve local schools, along with vendors (Apple, Solution Keys, SMART, Mevio, Veracross?, Powerschool?, others)
Keynotes, structure to be coordinated along with Apple (in theory)

RS to talk with Laurie/Arek about possibility
After SLT is on-board, TW to contact Apple/Solution Keys to propose, pursue early planning discussions

December 6, 2011

IT Department meeting

Images: restricted and open
Note taking format for blocking students: Date, and reason

Tomorrow Homeroom (8:50-9:30) - IT Lesson (Outlook/Mail/Backup) - splitting up for grade level support?

December 1, 2011

blacklisting & lose of Admin rights

Admin Right to computer is a privilege

reasons someone's computer becomes black listed. When a computer is Black listed it can not access our network.

use of bit torrent
downloading or sending or receiving data of more then 500 MB in one hour
showing up invisible on the network, only identifier is the computer's IP address
high session count means a Trojan is on your computer or the use of Bittorrent

Reasons for losing Admin rights

Changing the nisinstaller password
Enabling root and changing it's password
Installing scripts which disable function on the OS
Running or installing firewall software for example "Little Snitch"

December 2, 2011

http://wiki.nanjing-school.com/groups/technologylearning/weblog/0e3ec/blacklisting__lose_of_Admin_rights.html

Tech Committee, December 2

Friday, December 2

12:45-1:40, C136 (Francis' room)

Agenda:

- Review our AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) and discuss potential revisions

As we move from crisis mode, a need has arisen to revisit our Acceptable Use Policy/Agreement

What is an AUP? Why an AUP?
Focus should be on creating a culture of compliance, not a document for the sake of having it

Framing it via the Learner Profile
Framing it as a commitment undertaken by all

1) Get feedback in this venue
2) Draft revisions
3) Take to interest groups (student council, PTA, teachers, admin)
4) Introduce new AUP/Agreement

- Wiki discussion -- how are you working with them / strengths / needs / limitations

Post-Wiki Verse - Potential Needs

As simple or simpler than it is now
Robust and stable
Expandable for advanced users
User Friendly, Easy Interface
Web Based
Media Support
Text Input
Attachment Uploads
Collaborative Tools
Auto Build / Create
Taxonomy of Vocab
Talks with Veracross
Flexibility
Customization
Yearly Rollover
Archives old data
Search
Multiple Admins
Meet PYP (communication) and MYP/DP (classwork) needs

Potential Tools

Moodle
Haiku
Edmodo
Frog
ManageBac
Edu 2.0
Cyn.in
It's Learning
Veracross
Zoho
Google Apps
Wikispaces

-LiveScribe (Bill)
-E-portfolios update (Bill again)

November 28, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 12

Monday, November 28

-Student Image and Admin Rights

-ICT Snapshot

-Tech Hub Move-In

-JW Trolley Request

-SIS update - SET demo this Wednesday

-Wiki Alternatives - Action Plan

http://pyp.nanjing-school.com/ has been moved suggest us using our department wiki, this on that site. http://pyp.nanjing-school.com/groups/technologylearning/weblog/94cae/ICT_Integration_meeting_12.html

suggest placing a link direction on old sites pointing PYP and DP wikis to their new url basically it's the same but replacing "wiki" with "pyp"

third suggestion have all blogs moved to another server, that's a big load of 400 some sites. could be called blogs.nanjing-school.com

November 22, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 11

November 22, 12:55-13:40

-New meeting time (non-Tues P4, re: SG/RS request) (FM)

-Teacher email - status, lingering inconsistencies (BL, TW)

-Student email - migration from Webmail (TW)

-ICT Snapshot - objective and progress (FM, TW)

-PYP Integration - TW sending a notice out this week regarding additional support/availability

-SIS/Veracross - in SET's hands, new demos being arranged for Wednesday P2 - facilitator NEEDED (TW)

-Move to Tech Hub - date has arrived -- has cleaning taken place? When can we feasibly do this? PAINT! (TW)

-Merge Magic -- TW needs help

-Wiki archive -- how to recover work from this? (TW, BL)

-Moderation video (FM email exchange with AK)

-Tech/Design/Facilitation -- new ideas from colleagues? (TW)

November 19, 2011

Days worth of attacks

From just one of our server logs. This Documentation inspired me to turn off SSH access to all our servers.

11/19/11 3:09:24 AM sshd[91041] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user barry from 188.134.13.44 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:09:54 AM sshd[91076] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bart from 62.183.105.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:10:28 AM sshd[91184] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bartek from 211.144.82.8 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:14:34 AM sshd[91288] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bash from mx.cashcredito.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:14:59 AM sshd[91331] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bash from 61-221-28-243.hinet-ip.hinet.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:16:00 AM sshd[91583] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bash from 211.147.221.42 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:16:24 AM sshd[91652] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bashir from plahpoy1.plahpoy.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:17:43 AM sshd[91742] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user basil from 60-240-231-246.static.tpgi.com.au via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:19:03 AM sshd[91797] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user basket from 90.182.52.58 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:21:23 AM sshd[91951] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user basura from 122.70.141.250 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:21:54 AM sshd[91983] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bat from 1901424851.ip33.static.mediacommerce.com.co via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:23:10 AM sshd[92021] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user batman from 210.51.25.156 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:25:45 AM sshd[92100] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bay from 122.255.96.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:27:46 AM sshd[92166] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bb from 218.247.244.13 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:30:10 AM sshd[92224] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bea from 122.183.242.42 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:30:42 AM sshd[92349] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beacan from 121.166.70.252 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:32:21 AM sshd[92389] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bear from 62.161.44.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:32:42 AM sshd[92428] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beastadmin from 211.167.110.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:33:51 AM sshd[92464] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beata from 122.255.96.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:37:20 AM sshd[92552] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beball from 202.100.80.21 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:38:57 AM sshd[92613] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bebelus from 62.161.44.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:40:48 AM sshd[92756] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beck from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:42:52 AM sshd[92817] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bedelia from 118.97.50.11 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:44:24 AM sshd[92854] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beep from intranet.compraspublicas.gov.ec via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:46:59 AM sshd[92938] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bego from jblc2.utm.my via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:48:07 AM sshd[92990] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bei from 124.193.142.249 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:48:11 AM sshd[92982] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user behroozin from 61.59.101.16 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 3:52:15 AM sshd[93194] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bella from 122.227.129.113 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:00:35 AM sshd[93482] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user benites from 60.28.199.166 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:01:55 AM sshd[93531] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user benjamin from 194.2.25.13 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:04:52 AM sshd[93616] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user benson from 202.109.129.166 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:07:47 AM sshd[93692] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beothy from sop06-1-82-228-250-163.fbx.proxad.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:08:39 AM sshd[93716] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user berenice from 213.195.75.188 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:10:27 AM sshd[93871] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user berlin from 72.252.248.111 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:11:19 AM sshd[93907] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bermudez from 62.183.105.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:12:54 AM sshd[93964] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bernadette from 61.78.62.43 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:16:54 AM sshd[94061] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bernadette from inet.imobiliariajunqueira.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:20:48 AM sshd[94271] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user berta from 60.28.199.166 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:22:18 AM sshd[94309] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bertille from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:23:17 AM sshd[94346] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bertrand from 59.108.108.100 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:23:48 AM sshd[94387] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beryl from 218.247.244.13 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:24:52 AM sshd[94424] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bess from 85-10-204-194.clients.your-server.de via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:28:26 AM sshd[94510] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beth from 201.134.39.146 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:33:28 AM sshd[94735] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user beulah from 202.28.37.63 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:36:30 AM sshd[94814] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bia from 122.255.96.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:36:53 AM sshd[94842] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bianca from 219.240.36.108 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:37:58 AM sshd[94878] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bi from mx.aysor.am via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:45:27 AM sshd[95148] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user billabong from 85-10-204-194.clients.your-server.de via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:46:24 AM sshd[95184] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bill from 122.225.97.118 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:50:59 AM sshd[95390] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bill from 62.225.155.90 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:51:05 AM sshd[95411] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user billy from ejf01.ejf.hu via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:51:57 AM sshd[95441] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user billy from 202.100.80.21 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:53:56 AM sshd[95504] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from mail.aegislab.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:54:26 AM sshd[95526] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from 85.132.139.26 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:55:36 AM sshd[95566] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from 64.251.14.116 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 4:56:25 AM sshd[95603] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from 59.108.108.100 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:03:31 AM sshd[95869] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from 69.162.70.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:04:51 AM sshd[95922] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bind from 61.164.36.4 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:04:58 AM sshd[95940] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bin from plahpoy1.plahpoy.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:12:33 AM sshd[96211] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bird from moscovita.curimbaba.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:14:03 AM sshd[96260] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user birou from 219.240.36.110 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:15:10 AM sshd[96308] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bishop from 148.244.65.25 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:18:06 AM sshd[96393] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bk from 188.134.13.44 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:18:08 AM sshd[96407] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blackangel from mail.aegislab.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:19:43 AM sshd[96464] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user black from 203.72.59.6 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:21:10 AM sshd[96597] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blaine from 219.139.45.120 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:24:50 AM sshd[96694] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blaise from ns2.inetsouth.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:26:41 AM sshd[96756] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blas from 210.42.35.1 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:27:47 AM sshd[96794] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blaze from www.iitkgp.ac.in via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:29:11 AM sshd[96840] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bleu from 219.240.36.110 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:30:17 AM sshd[96973] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blithe from bsn-61-71-121.static.dsl.siol.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:30:40 AM sshd[96999] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blitzcat from plahpoy1.plahpoy.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:31:41 AM sshd[97024] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blodwyn from gsv114.internetdsl.tpnet.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:32:16 AM sshd[97058] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blog_jcn from 200.25.180.75 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:34:16 AM sshd[97118] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user blue from 118.97.50.11 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:34:47 AM sshd[97150] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bluecore from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:38:52 AM sshd[97264] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boardroom from 202.100.80.21 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:39:30 AM sshd[97287] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boat from 202.109.129.166 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:39:51 AM sshd[97318] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boavista from intranet.compraspublicas.gov.ec via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:40:26 AM sshd[97428] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bob from mx.savarauto.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:44:18 AM sshd[97525] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bobby from 210.21.117.13 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:44:29 AM sshd[97539] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user Bobby from 89.97.247.147 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:45:51 AM sshd[97604] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bob from 122.255.96.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:46:33 AM sshd[97626] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bobo from 213.195.75.188 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:48:50 AM sshd[97705] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boby from 59.108.108.100 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:50:00 AM sshd[97743] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bodb from pd5cdac.szokff01.ap.so-net.ne.jp via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:51:28 AM sshd[97879] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user body from 124.193.142.249 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:52:53 AM sshd[97929] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bogart from 209.88.156.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:54:00 AM sshd[97973] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bogdan from 61.78.62.43 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:57:06 AM sshd[98058] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bom from 190.254.11.218 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 5:58:48 AM sshd[98109] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boni from 61.164.36.4 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:01:21 AM sshd[98261] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boo from 69.162.119.162 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:04:27 AM sshd[98347] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boot from 211.144.82.8 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:04:54 AM sshd[98377] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bootcamp from 85.132.139.26 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:06:14 AM sshd[98423] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user borey from host152-167-static.4-79-b.business.telecomitalia.it via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:07:29 AM sshd[98461] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boris from mailserver.trascopier.com.ar via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:09:58 AM sshd[98541] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boru from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:13:28 AM sshd[98720] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bots from 60.28.199.166 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:15:30 AM sshd[98783] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boullosa from 64.251.14.116 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:16:33 AM sshd[98820] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user boutique from 89.97.247.147 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:18:00 AM sshd[98886] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user box1 from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:22:04 AM sshd[99083] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brad from 122.255.96.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:24:05 AM sshd[99148] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bradley from 122.255.96.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:26:07 AM sshd[99202] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bradyn from balticom-1-115.balticom.lv via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:26:37 AM sshd[99221] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user braedon from 85.132.139.26 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:29:32 AM sshd[99309] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bram from 61-221-28-243.hinet-ip.hinet.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:29:41 AM sshd[99337] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bram from mx.cbc-group.kz via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:31:05 AM sshd[99469] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bran from gsv114.internetdsl.tpnet.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:34:40 AM sshd[99563] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brands from inet.imobiliariajunqueira.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:35:01 AM sshd[99588] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brandie from gtm146.internetdsl.tpnet.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:35:48 AM sshd[99629] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brands from 219.240.36.110 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:38:01 AM sshd[99687] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brayden from esd701.easyserver.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:42:24 AM sshd[99886] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user breandan from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:43:14 AM sshd[99924] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user breanna from 62.225.155.90 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:44:00 AM sshd[99962] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user breck from 58.254.143.204 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:44:25 AM sshd[99979] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user breck from www.iitkgp.ac.in via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:48:30 AM sshd[226] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brend from 85-10-204-194.clients.your-server.de via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:50:00 AM sshd[387] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brent from 118.122.178.65 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:53:07 AM sshd[617] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brett from mailserver.trascopier.com.ar via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:53:24 AM sshd[621] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bret from svr.safepack.com.tw via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:54:05 AM sshd[671] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brian from esd701.easyserver.net via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:59:32 AM sshd[800] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brianne from 69.162.70.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:02:06 AM sshd[972] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bricriu from 122.255.96.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:04:38 AM sshd[1055] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bridgett from 202.100.80.21 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:06:43 AM sshd[1116] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brielle from vilagtv.battanet.hu via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:07:12 AM sshd[1134] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brienne from jblc2.utm.my via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:10:35 AM sshd[1312] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brigid from krafla.ciespnews.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:14:36 AM sshd[1416] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brigitte from 219.139.45.120 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:14:56 AM sshd[1451] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brigitte from 221.224.13.25 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:18:52 AM sshd[1553] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user britany from 69.162.70.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:20:00 AM sshd[1592] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user britney from 210.51.25.156 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:20:24 AM sshd[1701] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user britni from 211.147.221.42 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:24:27 AM sshd[1808] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brittne from 69.162.119.162 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:25:39 AM sshd[1847] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brittnie from r200-40-251-146.ae-static.anteldata.net.uy via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:29:35 AM sshd[1949] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bronson from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:30:36 AM sshd[2082] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bronwyn from 219.139.45.120 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:32:36 AM sshd[2138] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brooks from 69.162.70.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:36:10 AM sshd[2249] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bruce from 211.167.110.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:38:18 AM sshd[2306] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bruna from mailserver.trascopier.com.ar via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:38:49 AM sshd[2343] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brunhilda from 219.240.36.108 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:40:52 AM sshd[2489] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bruno2 from mail.aegislab.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:41:50 AM sshd[2536] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user brunos from 209.88.156.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:49:54 AM sshd[2726] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bu from 221.232.155.6 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:53:00 AM sshd[2908] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user budex from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:54:05 AM sshd[2953] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bueno from 209.88.156.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:55:50 AM sshd[3009] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buffi from vegawlan.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:56:09 AM sshd[3026] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buffy from 201.134.39.146 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:56:41 AM sshd[3045] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bufor from 190.254.11.218 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:58:14 AM sshd[3110] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bugs from 124.193.142.249 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:59:34 AM sshd[3148] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buia from 219.139.45.120 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:04:06 AM sshd[3369] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bunic from vegawlan.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:10:49 AM sshd[3625] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buttermilk from moscovita.curimbaba.com.br via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:12:19 AM sshd[3676] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buy from 222.73.41.52 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:12:54 AM sshd[3706] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buz from 209.88.156.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:13:41 AM sshd[3740] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buze from vegawlan.pl via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:14:23 AM sshd[3767] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buzonas from mail.aegislab.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:15:22 AM sshd[3814] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user buzyn from plahpoy1.plahpoy.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:20:35 AM sshd[4028] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bvworks from ejf01.ejf.hu via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:21:08 AM sshd[4069] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byard from 62.161.44.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:22:34 AM sshd[4105] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byce from 59.108.108.100 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:23:33 AM sshd[4143] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byczek from 221.224.13.25 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:28:51 AM sshd[4289] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byfield from ns2.inetsouth.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:29:51 AM sshd[4330] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byfuglien from 201.134.39.146 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:36:12 AM sshd[4576] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bylina from 189.14.99.226 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:36:47 AM sshd[4608] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bylund from 210.21.117.13 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:37:56 AM sshd[4645] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bynaker from 211.167.110.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:41:14 AM sshd[4816] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byoungin from 67.55.95.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:41:26 AM sshd[4834] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user bypass from 61.164.36.4 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:43:43 AM sshd[4909] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byrann from ns2.inetsouth.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:48:47 AM sshd[5040] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byrnes from 209.88.156.132 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 8:49:18 AM sshd[5058] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user byrns from 122.225.97.118 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 6:59:40 PM sshd[970] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user courtney from 202.100.80.21 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:03:07 PM sshd[1032] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpanel from 87.255.2.22 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:03:45 PM sshd[1048] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpanel from 211.147.221.42 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:04:28 PM sshd[1073] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpanel from 200.40.251.146 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:05:48 PM sshd[1107] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpanel from 62.225.155.90 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:07:16 PM sshd[1149] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpd from 193.225.84.1 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:07:57 PM sshd[1174] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cpinto from 72.252.248.111 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:09:02 PM sshd[1216] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cquezada from 203.72.59.6 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:09:30 PM sshd[1311] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cquinde from 87.255.2.22 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:13:42 PM sshd[1422] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cramirez from 65.82.69.5 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:15:57 PM sshd[1522] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cream from 62.183.105.164 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:20:38 PM sshd[1680] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user creola from 210.51.25.156 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:21:14 PM sshd[1709] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user crescent from 72.252.248.111 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:21:40 PM sshd[1714] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user crete from 58.63.241.209 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:22:57 PM sshd[1763] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cretzu from 62.161.44.45 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:24:00 PM sshd[1801] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user crimson from 200.251.31.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:25:01 PM sshd[1832] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user criofan from 212.244.203.6 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:25:13 PM sshd[1836] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user crisan from 148.244.65.25 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:41:33 PM sshd[2348] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user csaintalbin from 69.162.70.2 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:49:11 PM sshd[2607] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cstrike from www.iitkgp.ac.in via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:53:57 PM sshd[2698] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user cuba from ns2.inetsouth.com via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:54:54 PM sshd[2728] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user culo from 217.148.89.89 via 192.168.80.4

11/19/11 7:54:58 PM sshd[2742] error: PAM: authentication error for illegal user curcio from host-87-255-2-22.kurkino.net.ru via 192.168.80.4

November 14, 2011

SIS Committee - November 14

IS Committee Meeting 14/11/11

Present: James, Tim, Francis, Richard, Russel, Aaron, Bob, Jason

Discussion:

FInal meeting

Reports: looked at model reports from Arden

Discussion: Reports could be completely electronic with access under protected system.

Richard: with electronic reports, people could print their own as they wish-- we could not have to worry about students who are leaving.

Arden: Second model for quarter reports-- color coded for fast access

questions about color vs. b/w and feasibility of conditionals in forms

Modules:

Tim:

-teacher portal will be a given requirement

-AS we go, there are more things that seem to be necessary

-alternatives to data center, could have e-mail posting, etc.

-Data Center will not be completely obsoleted because of need for reference to historical data

-need online registration module for athletics

-admissions-- need to se the system first and consider going with the VC module. Our current system is more expensive. Admissions is most commonly added module and could be very worth considering for the simplicity of it.

-wait a year or so and then see the data use patterns

-transition from InfoSnap?

-for timetabling,

Next steps ?

Richard:

1-make sure that reports are going to match our needs

2-check to see what the data services look like: it would help to look at what the live system would look like

Bob:

Concerns about timetable for release-- we seem to be backing up a bit on the proces, are we going to meet outr deadline if we keep going on this?

-training for teachers? Is August the right time?

Answer: roll out in August should be alright as long as we have something together in the spring. Training can be at the beginning next year. Perhaps, we can have early adopters in each department.

Questions about customizations. Need to be prepared up front instead of leaving changes for later-- concern about rising costs

3-Send away examples of reports to VC

-need samples from Derek

4- Firm decision in next 2 weeks

5- Sample contract?

- feedback from VC: awards system should work well as is

November 8, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 10

November 8

9:30-10:50

-Move to Exchange (BL)
-Integration approach -- thoughts from RS (TW)

-Technology/ICT/Design (TW)
-Tech Hub -- move-in for week 15 (November 21) -- missed meeting with AO, order Chroma Key paint

-Discussion of High End site licenses (Adobe CS), and moving forward with combo of augment stations, starter software (PS Elements), department-based license purchasing, etc.

November 7, 2011

Veracross - Follow Up Questions

- Arrange Skype conversation with Senior Education Team (curriculum coordinators and principal) -- to see sample reports and address specific gradebook and reporting needs
- Reports - can we see examples of ALL IB reports (all 3 programs)- to ensure VC meets our specific needs?
- For the first year, will will be paying for both implementation -- and monthly production services?
- How does VC support changes to values within database fields (and number of fields) for grades / criterion (i.e., if the fields change year-to-year, does this impact / cause issues when accessing the database records?)
- Is it possible to track meetings with parents?
- Anecdotal comments (PYP) -- possible? can on-going comments be published to reports?
- IEP tracking
- Pricing increases? (how long are prices locked in for?)
- Possibility of dedicated VPN line -- and potential cost?
- Cost estimate for customization for reports
- Define customization of reports -- (Criteria will be changed by the IBO, but format may not need changing on our end. Would this be considered a new customization?)
- Lesson Plan Book -- does something like this exist -- in addition to or as part of a calendar?
- Timeframe -- it is critical that we go live and test before the end of this school year (June 2012) -- as we will not be working in July, and we want to launch for next fall (August 2012). You stated a 3-6 month transition time. Based on previous clients, what is worst case scenario? -- (as we hope to start in January 2012)

November 4, 2011

by Mr. Clark's English Stuff

Tech Committee - November 4

November 4, 12:45-13:40

C136 (Francis' classroom)

Agenda

Free, Helpful Apps (Tim)
E-portfolios (Bill)

November 1, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 9

Tuesday, November 1

9:30 - 10:30

BL, TW, FM

Agenda:

Network update from Brian
Balancing Network / Server issues with ongoing Integration needs
Technology curriculum ideas and media tech hub next steps
(from last week)

Sub laptops - Stine and Cindy are on board
SIS Committee - answers from Aaron (Veracross), DP, additional planning?
AV cart - with Ruth now, seems ok as a patch solution
iPhoto book process

iCloud clarification - non iTunes documents, iWork, non-Apple
AOB

October 24, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 8

Tuesday, October 25

9:30-10:30

Agenda:

-Server/Network Issues

PC re-imaging and Anti-Virus protection
Password change procedure

-Budget recap

Details / Highlights

iPad proposal, Augment stations, Subscriptions, Music (Finale > Sebelius) -- improving 1:1 hardware efficiency

Media / Tech "hub" - feedback, next steps

-Photo Books

Collection Thursday, Submission Friday
Addressing student/teacher issues

-Faculty Meeting ICT agenda

IT System Concerns (Brian)
Lion info/help (Tim/Francis)
Digital Photography (Tim)

-Faculty request: the return of AV carts

SMART Board issues (cited by LB, JEW)

Weak projection, no color, extra laptops

Complaints about DVD zones (somewhat appeased)

request (through AT) for zone-based carts

-SIS Committee

Suggestion to add more PYP reps before final decision (AT) -- possibly Derek, Jillian

-SMART Board support

Request for comprehensive training (multi-leveled): how/when/whom?

-(from last week) Non-Printing/Digital Assignment submission options

Drop Box on Student Server

Tim will make instruction sheet for teachers in Data Center

FM will ask his students which teachers use StudentHome folders for class work purposes.

-Teacher Imaging

-AOB

October 28, 2011

Tech Committee - Oct 28

October 28, 12:45-13:40

C136 (Francis' classroom)

Agenda

Slow Network, Spambots, and moving forward from here
- Video demo, "The Case of the Slow Network" - identifying and solving spam bot problems
- Creative solutions to online communication issues

Student Adminisrative rights

Secure Passwords
The case for/against Student Email

Portfolios (Bill)
Online communications (Bill)

October 20, 2011

Access | Collaborate | Augment

Studio / Atelier / Bauhaus / House of Creativity / Media Lab / Renaissance Space / Synergy Lab / Idea Incubator / Design Factory / Digital Discovery Room / Inquiry Zone / Innovation Center

A space to collaborate, access, and augment technology - extending the range of what students can design, create, and learn.

consider a "green screen room on steroids"

merge our 'advanced technology' in one place, and build on what we already are doing in isolated areas (green screen, cameras/tripods, video editing suite, microphones, MacBooks) >>to extend what our students can learn, create, understand, and invent.

very open structure at the beginning - and build/revise from there
space needs high ceilings, large area, hallway exposure, no outside windows or natural light, sizable with the possibility of further expansion

augment - extend the tools of a 1:1 program

examples: cinema displays, specialized softwares that build on school image, sound recording set-up, animation table, green screen video studio. thunderbolt is ideal augmentation technology -- plug in your macbook to a display and have access to screen space, storage, and software.

collaborate - nerve center for working together to create a products greater than individual parts

examples: NIS version of MIT media lab, atelier-style environment, modular spaces, strategic transparency, working beyond our walls, pooling resources, publishing, interdisciplinary co-operation (design, arts, humanities, science)

access - inviting everyone to dream big, extend without barriers, and enable serendipitous discovery

examples: visible workspaces, flexible physical space, solutions that build on previous learning (iMovie > Final Cut Pro X, MacBook microphone > handheld/boom microphones), comfortable for all ages

October 17, 2011

by Francis Morin

SIS Committee - Questions

Unanswered Questions for Veracross

What is the price for 800-900 students (K-12)?
Is the pricing by component? What are the core components? What are the satellite components?
After first year, is the price reduced for subsequent years?
Inventory Capability (Keus, music):

1) (required) - keep up-to-date records of instrument inventory, status, location

Could this be done with QR codes?

2) (desired) - accessing/updating inventory from mobile devices

Year transition: How does it work in Veracross? (Morin) Students left: archives? Showing in following year?
Import and transit all data from actual Admin Plus and Data Centre. W5? (Morin)
Can we request the same account manager as NIST/IB established school? (curriculum and geographical sense)
Designing a few NIS reporting "forms" possible before or only after purchase? (Morin) How customizable can we make reports (criteria per subject)? (we can send our current reports as a sample)
How customizable is the grade book? (IB)
System down in last year (How many and for how much time? (Morin)
How do you back up our data? (Morin)
How long does it take to implement after purchase? (Time line)
What type of training do you provide? (Where? who? how? process?)
Levels of support? Time, categories? On site, off site hours?
Integration with library software such as Follett Destiny? (users, billing, new and leaving students, etc...
What is the input and link between the subject data base and student data base?
What is the link between these 2 (above) and the time table component?
Current we are using Lantiv 6 for timetabling. How compatible are you with this system?
What are switch-over strategies regarding implementation?
What are the links between student reporting systems, live transcripts and archived transcripts?
Is the grading program able to accumulate/track student academic achievement (grades) in order to produce various honors lists (semester, annual) with our boundaries?
What is the accessibility to student reports? Who can read? write? how far back?
Can we import from Infosnap? (admissions program) What format do you require/accept for importing?
Can teachers have access to all students' reports? (read/write) - we are looking for shared write access?
If the system is live, what happens when there are multiple users on the same report?
How many people can have access to make student/subject changes?
How many live users can the system support at one time?
Is there a "maintenance down" time (weekly, etc.)? How and when do you manage upgrades?
We want to do daily attendance (roll call) only - how would this work? Currently our nurse oversees this process, but homeroom teachers enter attendance.
If a student is withdrawn from a class, how does this show up on reports and transcripts?
How easy is it to transfer students from one class to another during the course of a year?
Convince us that you can deal with a PYP/MYP/DP school.

October 18, 2011

budget items

iPad

Projectors

Internet

Broadband Rental
DSL Line Rental
Email Filter
Traffic Shaper
Telephone Exchange Service
Core Network Devise Warranty

Office Classroom

PC Systems and Hard drive Maintenance
CD/DVD discs
Toner
Memory Cards
SATA Hard drives
Projector bulbs
Video adapters and cables

Maintenance Support-Edu

Service Center Support
Bacpoint software
Rediker
Apple software Maintenance
Printer Contract
Adobe Site Lic Renewal
FileMaker upgrades
Info Snap

IT & ICT Equipment

Studio
Projectors
Renew MacBooks (B) 84 MacBooks = I / 3 = 83.3

(A) Renew Staff computers 24 MacBooks
Renew (C) MacBook Carts formula B-A = C = 60
formula for (N) new teachers MacBooks B-L=N

L = Leaving Teachers

iPads
AppleCare for MacBooks

ICT Education (Software)

DP Question Packs Resolution

PC Laptop?

Annual Renewal Software

Check 11-12 budget
Send emails

Replacement softwares for non-Lion compatibles

List??
http://www.winehq.org/

Subject Requests

BACCPacks (BMS)
Furry Elephant and Data Studio (Science)
Autograph (Math)
Words Their Way, 5th Edition - PDToolkit (PYP)
PYP Math Software (speak to Kath)
World Atlas Software, a la "State of the World" (Humanities)
Music Software

SMART Board music
Finale site license
Logic (this year's budget)
SmartSound loops / SonicFire Pro

CorelDraw (Mac), CAD/CAM Solution, Mindstorms alternative/solution (Technology)

Possibilities for Image

iStop Motion (Home or Express volume license)
PS Express

IT Dept (single licenses)

Mousepose, ScreenFlow

Studio Software

Web Design (name?, app store)
iStop Motion Pro
Boinx TV
Logic/ FCPX
Wacom / SketchPad Pro
Adobe CS Software

Studio Hardware

Displays
Recording Equipment
Green Screen
Lights / Cameras

iPad Apps

Jillian's List
LSS Quantity / List
Additional iTunes cards
Testing / Multipurpose Apps

Apple Training Books (FCPX, iLife 11, etc)

http://www.iste.org/store/product.aspx?ID=2111

ISTE membership

October 11, 2011

ICT Integration meeting 6

Tuesday, October 11

9:30-10:30

Agenda:

-Non-Printing/Digital Assignment submission options

Drop Box on Student Server
BL will create teacher folders
when complete, we will notify staff on Data Center

-Budget

Blue prints of school http://wiki.nanjing-school.com/groups/technologylearning/weblog/456f6/Tech_Plan__201112.html

-INSET ICT Workshops - Follow Up

our thoughts, informal feedback
survey (24 respondents so far - how long?)
next steps

-Parent Coffee Morning - this Friday

Digital Memories
Photography, flickr/cc, iPhoto, photo editing, photo books, more??

-Teacher Imaging

-AOB

September 21, 2011

Server Room AC Spec

• run off a battery backup

• network connection, so AC can be monitored and administrated through a web browser

• if in event of failure it can notify us through email

• if in event of failure repair tech can come on site in less then 3 hour time frame

• ideally it works with our battery systems so that if there is a failure is starts the process of shutting down our servers

• heat map plan is shown showing air flow of hot and cool temperatures, similar to what is seen below:

• Look at optimization of network and server racks with the goal of efficient cooling

• Look at optimization of network equipment position making sure all face in correct direction of of cool - hot

• Solve the problem of the New CISCO core location, it's current cool end is face server racks hot side

• Optimize server space, by moving Panasonic Batteries outside of Server room

How to Cool a Small Server Room

Professionals in the computer business are used to dealing with the many challenges associated with cooling servers and other computing equipment. And even they have a hard time.

Now consider the plight of average small business owners. No matter what line of business they're involved in, they've had technology thrust upon them. Servers, networking gear and storage hardware have become a fact of life for even the smallest firms. Most business owners typically set up these machines haphazardly as needed, and that can lead to trouble.

“Excess heat can be a problem for small businesses because their servers now run greater loads and for longer periods. Many of them need to be available 24/7,” said Anil Miglani, an analyst with AMI-Partners Inc. “It is not uncommon to find people complaining about unavailable services during late evening or weekends, which results in lost productivity.”

How wrong can a small business go when it comes to cooling its gear? Chip Nickolett, a consultant with Comprehensive Computing Solutions Inc. of Wisc, has seen it all: overheated computers systems locked in closets without ventilation; a fortune squandered on AC in an improperly sealed server room; and a beautifully cooled server room overheating every night because the building manager economized by turning off the AC in off-peak hours.

“Most people haven't experienced a major failure and just believe that somehow everything will be fine,” said Nickolett. “Usually they don’t pay attention until they experience a big outage, lose data, or have to replace an entire system – only then are they very receptive to best practices.”

Cooling Best Practices

There are, of course, a litany of best practices that data centers have applied for years, many of which apply to small server rooms and closets. This includes: arranging servers in rows so that the cold air comes in the front and is expelled out the back; keeping the doors to the room closed; ensuring that the flow of cold air makes it to the equipment; having redundant AC – if one unit fails, another takes over; and more.

Bob Spengler, product manager for Liebert Precision Cooling, at Emerson Network Power, laid out specific tips relating to equipment rooms under 500 square feet. Number one on the list is to avoid using AC systems designed for humans – known as comfort AC. This, he said, is probably the number one failing in small business cooling – next to not having any cooling at all.

“Cooling equipment needs to be specifically designed for computers and have adequate temperature and humidity controls,” said Spengler. “If you don’t control the humidity level you either end up with damaged equipment due to static electricity or servers dripping with water due to condensation. Also, it can cost about 50 percent more in operating costs if you try to make do with a comfort cooler.”

He advised installing precision cooling gear that comes in various configurations depending on the room needs. You can buy rack enclosures, for example, where the cooling is built into the bottom of the rack. You then slide your servers into the enclosure to keep them cool. Alternatively, you can buy wall-mount, ceiling-mount or standalone cooling modules that are more than adequate for small spaces. Liebert and APC are two of the principal suppliers. Both offer plenty of options for small businesses.

Another best practice is to seal off the space where equipment operates. That means: no open windows or doors; no missing ceiling tiles: no cracks where air can escape such as between ceiling tiles, under doors or where piping comes through a wall; and shutting off the ducts and vents from the existing comfort AC system – you don’t want the two AC systems mixing. The more control you exert over the air in your server room, the fewer surprises you will experience.

“Opening a window to let the heat out of a small space that contains a few servers is wrong since you have no control over the humidity,” said Spengler.

Tight control of temperature is also a vital factor in equipment uptime. It isn’t common knowledge, but temperature changes affects equipment reliability. For every 18 degrees F above 70 degrees, electronics reliability is reduced by 50 percent. Therefore, it is best to set the AC to run at around that level or just a little higher – no more than 77 degrees.

The next point to avoid, if possible, is mixing people with a lot of computers. That adds heat to the space and puts a lot of strain on the AC and the servers. So place your servers and other equipment in a closet or small room in order to create a tightly controlled environment.

For companies with several server racks, it is vital to ensure the cold air actually gets to where it is needed and doesn’t mix with the hot air being shoved out the back of the server. You can have a situation, for example, where you are pumping enough cold air into the room, but it isn’t getting to the top of the racks.

“Eighty percent of failures due to heat will be found in the top third of the rack,” said Spengler.

He recommends the use of blanking panels on the front of the rack to cover the spots where servers are missing. Without this, cold air runs through to the back of the rack and into the hot air at the back, rather than making its way up to the top of the rack. In situations where there is a whole rack sitting empty, you can put blocker panels at the front to prevent any cold air getting in.

Growing Threat

International Data Corp. (IDC) has been tracking data-center power and cooling issues for years via an annual survey. And small businesses are suddenly in the spotlight.

“Smaller installations such as server closets and rooms register highest in terms of cooling issues,” said Jed Scaramella, an analyst at IDC. “There are some very easy solutions customers can adopt such as blanking panels between racks to improve air flow.”

He recommends that small businesses call in outside help to figure out their cooling needs as there are too many ways to get it wrong. And the results can be disastrous. “Consider the expertise of a third party service provider,” said Scaramella. “With space and thermal issues, it is somewhat of a science that goes into running a computer room.”

Drew Robb is a Los Angeles-based freelancer specializing in technology and engineering. Originally from Scotland, he graduated with a degree in geology from Glasgow's Strathclyde University. In recent years he has authored hundreds of articles as well as the book, Server Disk Management by CRC Press.

This article was first published on SmallBusinessComputing.com.