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Reddit’s r_k12sysadmin Credits: @r_channels @reddit2telegram
Windows Admin question: .msi vs Windows Store.. what do you prefer?
Hi, we make 3D design software for schools and have always built .msi files.
We’re considering moving to a Windows Store version of our software as it would make updating the software much simpler.
Are there any Windows admins out there who can weigh in on the pros/cons of .msi/.exe’s vs Windows Store versions?
Does anyone NOT like Windows Store or disallow it?
(Are we fine to give up on .msi and just do Windows Store?)
https://redd.it/1lrajea
@r_k12sysadmin
Toner and service for desktop printers.
Hello!
Just wanted to see how everyone handles toner and servicing your desktop printers. My district is based in NY, and it seems like our current provider Canon is trying to strong arm us into replacing all of our desktop printers by saying that they will no longer service them or provide toner.
Are most districts just ordering their own toner through places like CDW? Do you have a service and toner provided elsewhere? Just trying to explore options before having to replace almost 200 printers.
https://redd.it/1lqrjoc
@r_k12sysadmin
Infinite Campus and SQL Server 22
Is anyone else here up against IC or another SIS platform moving to SQL Server 22? We have an older version and we're getting the impression that we need to upgrade to 22. Is that correct? I'm seeing that there's a 2025 preview available, but no release date for the full version. If anyone has greater insight into whether we need to buy 2022 ourselves or if we can wait for 2025, that would be much appreciated.
https://redd.it/1lqpmtw
@r_k12sysadmin
2FA Allow User to Trust Device
I'm trying to allow users in a test group to trust their Chromebook so they don't have to use 2fa everytime. But the box to remember this device isn't showing up. Am I missing something? 2FA is enabled across my org and it's enforced in my test ou.
https://redd.it/1lpz3a1
@r_k12sysadmin
Freeradius and SCEP
I have an environment where we are 1:1 on devices. Teachers and admin staff get Windows 11 devices. K-2 get iPads. 3-12 get Chromebooks.
Kids kept cracking our wifi shared passwords. We figured out how they were doing it and stopped it for now, but we want to go to Device-Based certificate EAP-TLS authentication. We do not allow non-school devices on the network.
I spun up Freeradius and have it running. We are directing staff devices to one VLAN and student devices to another. I have a GPO that sets up the Windows 11 machines with a script for PDQ to install the device certificate. We don't use intune, that's another issue to be addressed later. I do not care that all the teacher devices have the same device certificate. They are locked down from exporting it, etc.
The problem is that Google Admin will no longer allow you to use one device certificate and push it out to all the managed chromebooks. It wants to generate an unique certificate per device and have the CA sign it. That's fine, I can wild-card the student user in /etc/freeradius/3.0/users and still do my VLAN sorting.
I can make a Chromebook connect if I push the CA certificate through Google Admin but manually install the device certificate and manually configure the network connection. We obviously do not want this, but it proves Freeradius works. I can also connect on a manually configured iPad.
However, I need a SCEP service to make Google and Apple happy. I have looked, but I keep running into Active Directory and intune and that doesn't work for us either. Any suggestions or solutions you have used? Is there a script or API call I could use to bypass SCEP and load my cert(s) directly onto the devices in a mass deployment?
Worst comes to worst, we can at least keep the students and their gazillion phones off the staff wifi by going forward with device certs for staff.
https://redd.it/1lpdwpv
@r_k12sysadmin
GoGuardian "Call" Feature Alternative?
We are looking to switch from GoGuardian to Linewize for the upcoming school year due to cost savings, added features, and enhanced student safety monitoring. One feature that Linewize's Classwize does not have that GoGuardian Teacher had is the ability for teachers to "call" a student. This feature was primarily used by our Cyber School teacher to reach students working from home who needed support. Having the call pop up on the student's screen is much easier than hoping they will join a Google Meet.
Of course, this one teacher who uses the feature says it would be a "disaster" if she loses this capability, so I am looking at options. Maybe we could purchase just enough GoGuardian Teacher licenses to accommodate our Cyber program... although I hate to have to do that.
Curious if anyone has any thoughts on how you'd proceed in this situation, or alternate ways of contacting the student (other than calling the parent/guardian's phone who may not even be home with the student).
Side note: Has anyone using Linewize had trouble with the chat feature in Classwize? It pops up a Google login on the student side for us, and when they click sign in nothing happens. Waiting to hear back from our implementation engineer on that one, but he says it could be due to us having Google Chat turned off. Could their product actually rely on the Google Chat service??
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
https://redd.it/1lp7t3d
@r_k12sysadmin
MDBR Alternatives?
Have been periodically running into issues with MDBR blocking some legitimate sites. I tried once to get an exception setup through CISA and that fell flat. It has come to the point that had to totally disable the service at the end of the year as our annual HSA review vendor got tagged because they frequently use remote support options to help staff through the application processes.
So I am looking for some alternatives. This is a tertiary filter for us (agent based>=edge based>=external DNS) so I was trying to keep things cheap. The primary reason I like MDBR is that it blocks lookups to things like afraid.org which end up hosting a ton of VPNs, malware, and such. Our other services will block domains, but not nameservers. Could go with MDBR+ and I am getting pricing; and I am familiar with OpenDNS/Umbrella but Cisco is pretty salty . I know of DNSFilter and ScoutDNS--anyone have any other products/recommendations?
https://redd.it/1lp1is0
@r_k12sysadmin
Best Laser Printer for K-12
As the title says, I was looking for what you all are currently using for what you consider to be the best affordable laser printer for K-12. As I am a one-man shop, it's got to be easy for my teachers to hook up and use with their MacBooks. In other words: simple, reasonable in cost, foolproof for users.
We used to just be an HP shop, but gave that up when they required wireless. Our old HPs are great and still working.
We moved to Brother for a while, but ran into driver issues when we could only get Airprint drivers for MacBooks.
Canon has always been iffy. Our more expensive ones work great. The low-end has been hit or miss.
Epson I honestly fight off because of the Eco-tanks, which I don't want to fool with.
I'm just looking for a model or two I can point at when users decide they need a printer and it work relatively flawlessly. Black and white. Duplexing. Basic things.
Signed,
A very frustrated Technology Director who has waaaaayyy too much going on to be worried about printers, but is expected to deal with them anyway.
https://redd.it/1lon8ab
@r_k12sysadmin
looking for Chromebook Accidental Damage insurance coverage - Current one fired us LOL
Happy Summer!
We used Safeware this past year and they fired us for next year citing "unfortunately at this time due to a very high loss ratio of over 400% our underwriters will not be renewing your policy for the upcoming year. You will have to find another partner for your insurance needs for the upcoming year."
That's too bad as I really liked using them. Looking for recommendations on who to use to offer our students Accidental Damage insurance coverage. Have used Securranty in the past but hated them and I'd rather offer no insurance than use them again.
Appreciate the help.
https://redd.it/1lof61e
@r_k12sysadmin
Blocksi or Securly
We are leaving GoGuardian due to cost. I have the option of Blocksi or Securly to move to. I have seen some in both I like and don't like. Please give me some feedback in which is the better move. We have been using the GoGuardian for several years. So the teachers will need to learn how to get their classes in the platform and use it. Looking for ideas and suggestions.
https://redd.it/1lo6lu8
@r_k12sysadmin
No more Microsoft BSODs, to be replaced with, well, BSODs.
Glad they were working on this important change.
https://www.theverge.com/news/692648/microsoft-bsod-black-screen-of-death-color-change-official
https://redd.it/1lm0iqq
@r_k12sysadmin
Mobile Smart Board Stand
I'm looking for a mobile stand for a 75" Smart MX series interactive panel. I need one that can get low enough for 3 and 4 year old students. All of the ones that I've found are at a height for a larger student.
The panel weighs about 120lbs.
https://redd.it/1llxyva
@r_k12sysadmin
Paging Mic XLR connector
Probably not the best page for this, but the r/audioengineering wouldn't let me post pics. I have this CAD Audio 878HL paging mic that came without a jack on the cable. I am not sure how to correctly wire it. The cable coming from the mic is a 4 wire + shield, and the XLR jack is 3 pins and a tab that I assume is for the shield cable. Pic of both and a circuit schematic attached. I assumed it would come with a wiring diagram for the XLR connector, but this is all I got. I've done my due diligence on Google, but am still unclear.
https://preview.redd.it/thmm3o8bob9f1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90d1e1935382838f74b3c7245c5ac4162831cd9e
https://redd.it/1ll94e2
@r_k12sysadmin
IIQ Bulk Update
We are recycling 100+ ipads this summer and I'm looking for a way to do a bulk update to IIQ to change the Owner, Asset Status and Location for all items at once.
Is this something I can do with a CSV file? We currently have Jamf as our mdm for iPads.
https://redd.it/1lkco4q
@r_k12sysadmin
UK School looking for cost effective android tablet alternatives to iPads (good camera essential)
Hi everyone,
Our staff use iPads primarily as a camera and I'm finding it to be overkill when we need to replace.
I'd like to explore android tablet alternatives that are more cost effective but still deliver on camera quality.
Does anyone have any recommendations or is anyone doing this?
Thanks in advance.
https://redd.it/1lk0jdo
@r_k12sysadmin
Chromebook charging cart options
Looking for a charging cart:
* 30-32 Chromebook capacity
* On wheels
* Minimum slot width of 1.2 inches to hold Dell 3110/3120 with a snap-on case
* Really trying to stay around $1,200 per unit
* Pre-wired would be a bonus
I really like the [Vivacity pre-wired](https://store.vivacitytech.com/vivacity-tech-b30u-30-unit-pre-wired-usb-c/) unit but the slots aren't wide enough. From what I've read, there's very little assembly required with Vivacity carts. We poor so Jar Jar Binks Carts or PowerGistics are likely out of our price range.
https://redd.it/1lr3nhw
@r_k12sysadmin
eSports / Business lab laptops or NUCs
One of our labs is up for refresh and currently has all-in-one desktops with a second monitor. Due to space issues and the future thinking of eSports at the school, I'm considering laptops or NUCs for the computer.
1. Has anyone done this before?
2. Do laptops support graphics card output to an external monitor or would they have to play on the laptop screen?
3. Recommendations?
https://redd.it/1lqq70y
@r_k12sysadmin
Google SSO for PowerSchool?
Has anyone set this up recently? Our goal would be to have staff only, authenticate to our locally hosted PowerSchool server with their district Google credentials. If anyone has a guide, or words of wisdom I'm all ears.
https://redd.it/1lq6ltd
@r_k12sysadmin
Coram
Does anybody actually use this company? They've bombarded my district with sales emails from MULTIPLE domains with no way to unsubscribe in the email.
This seems scammy and predatory. I've blocked at least 10 domains.
https://redd.it/1lpy6y7
@r_k12sysadmin
Did Google just silently drop a massive price increase for EDU?
Help me understand this article and talk me off the cliff.
I have 1000 students and 200 staff so I'm currently paying $5000 for licensing Google Edu Plus.
1000 students x $5 a year = $5000 (staff licenses are currently free)
Under this new licensing model, I now need to license 1200 users at $6 a license.
That's $7200 a year, or a 44% increase.
https://redd.it/1lp8ji9
@r_k12sysadmin
Anyone deploy PageWide Pro products in their schools?
I’ve been curious about this line ever since HP first released it under the name “OfficeJet Pro X.” It seems like a strong potential option for regular color printing in an environment like ours, but I have yet to encounter anyone willing to shell out to try it. Anyone have experience with them in a working environment they’d care to share?
https://redd.it/1lp4m2u
@r_k12sysadmin
cart for macs
Im looking for a cart recommendation for storing 15 macbook airs. The issue is that the charger is big brick that takes up so much space.do they have the attachment where you can add the 3 prong plug like the ancient chargers.. Or should I just buy 15 usb c chargers and call it a day?
https://redd.it/1loyro9
@r_k12sysadmin
Securly Dark Mode?
Ok - This is admittedly pedantic, but did Securly remove the Dark Mode from it's filter product?
I've been on Dark Mode for years (even when allowed was red and blocked was green) and when I signed in for the first time this morning in a week or two to check something out and I have white background, black text and seemingly no obvious way to change it back. The dark mode toggle switch that I'm pretty sure existed isn't there any longer.
I may be missing something or maybe there's something wrong with our instance because my coworker is having the same issue, but if I'm not... Why, Securly?
https://redd.it/1lof0ml
@r_k12sysadmin
Re-evaluating Bus Wifi
For those of you who have this on your buses, how do you go about delivering wifi that is also somewhat filtered? We currently have cradle points from Kajeet installed and while the service works great, pricing is starting to creep up and I don't like how we have zero control over their overzealous cipa filter. Verizon is offering us better pricing however that makes me wonder how to go about filtering. Student devices are Chromebooks with securly extension but I'm sure coaches and other staff would like to use it which means that password would get out.
https://redd.it/1lobyj7
@r_k12sysadmin
Cafeteria wntertainments
Any creative ideas for entertainment in high school cafeterias? I was asked about providing a wall mounted TV so the students could bring in gaming consoles. I added the idea of a Arcade1Up machine. Anyone else have some creative options?
Side note: This is in addition to a fooseball table, card games, etc. The goal is to encourage entertainment and/or socializing without the use of phones.
https://redd.it/1ln1now
@r_k12sysadmin
ISTE Preview and Summer Staff Transitions
https://k12techtalkpodcast.com/e/unveiling-iste-edtech-standards-and-impact-of-cell-phone-policies/ and all major podcast platforms
We give a sneak peek of ISTE and its EdTech index and the five quality indicators that are setting new standards for EdTech vendors. This episode also examines the timely topic of staff transitions over the summer, unpacking the challenges associated with tech handovers, account management, and also the juggling act of summer vacations.
A special highlight is the coverage of a recent study on the implementation of a cell phone ban in schools, exploring the profound impacts it has had on classroom culture, social interaction, and student focus. Additionally, we discuss... AI! We check out some highlights of Microsoft's 2025 AI and education report.
https://redd.it/1lm08h1
@r_k12sysadmin
Supreme Court Upholds E-Rate Funding
On June 27, the Supreme Court issued a decision that preserves the Universal Service Fund (USF), which powers the E‑Rate program.
This case challenged whether the FCC and USAC had the constitutional authority to collect and distribute telecom fees. The Court ruled that the structure is legal and can continue unchanged.
What do you need to know? https://k12techpro.com/supreme-court-upholds-e-rate-funding-what-k-12-tech-pros-need-to-know/
https://redd.it/1llx9ft
@r_k12sysadmin
Trouble removing secondary domain
I'm having trouble removing a sub-domain from my Google Workspace console.
Documentation clearly notes that all existing users, groups, and aliases for the domain must be changed before removal. As far as I can tell, I have done this.
I have already escalated this issue with Google support. They are stumped as well and escalated it to another internal team.
Has anyone successfully removed a sub-domain? I'm thinking there must be some weird latent reference to the subdomain that I'm not thinking of (routing rules, auto forwarding?). If you have any insight, please share!
https://preview.redd.it/b83xxqsuv69f1.png?width=771&format=png&auto=webp&s=58bdc9e27c510b9a0e9869577c237622ffbf0037
https://redd.it/1lkpq6m
@r_k12sysadmin
Office 365 A1 Plus for faculty and student - still active
We were led to believe that our free Office 365 A1 Plus for faculty and student licenses were being deactivated in January 2025. So we spent the money and upgraded to Microsoft 365 A3 for faculty licenses at a considerable cost.
Now that it's time to renew, our free Office 365 A1 Plus for faculty/student licenses are still active in the MS 365 admin console. Can anyone explain this? I could have saved $10K at this point by not upgrading if these licenses are never going away.
https://redd.it/1lk5n3u
@r_k12sysadmin
Reunification software
Hello,
I’ve been tasked with identifying a software solution to support mass student reunification across the district in the event of an emergency where students are transported to a secondary location.
The ideal system should include the following features:
• A secure digital interface for managing student check-ins and reunifications
• A way for parents/guardians to check in upon arrival and be verified for student pickup
• A projected display that announces each student’s dismissal when they are released
• An audible notification (such as a chime or alert) each time a student is reunited with their parent or guardian
If you have any recommendations or experience with tools that offer this kind of functionality, I’d greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you!
https://redd.it/1ljtahv
@r_k12sysadmin
