Printers, Peripherals and Projectors
Computing peripherals used by schools include items such as printers, digital cameras, scanners, projectors and whiteboards. Before purchasing any of these expensive items, you will need to assess:
- The volume of intended use
- Whether the peripheral will be a networked facility
- The type and quality of output required
- Warranties and annual maintenance and support costs
- Availability and cost of replacement parts and consumables
Purchasing Printers
Increased use of school networks and e-mail should reduce the volume
of printing for school management and administration. The practical
use of paper output and the associated costs of consumables, including
paper,
ink cartridges and drum life should be carefully considered.Inkjets and
colour or black and white laser printers are the most common options. Guidelines
as to suitability are available in the following downloads.
A few modules
in SIMS still need a printer capable of printing in DOS which newer
printers cannot facilitate; multi-part stationery, and choice of applications
can
also determine your choices. Before seeking advice on which printer
to purchase, list the applications from which you will be issuing output.
Digital Cameras and Scanners
Schools have responsibilities with regard to copyright and privacy laws, when using scanners, digital cameras and CCTV. Guidance can be obtained from the http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
There is a range of products available from Hertfordshire Purchasing
Services,
formerly County Supplies & Contract Services. For full product
details, click here to Take
a look at the online catalogue If
you are using scanners or other equipment on a network supported by SITSS,
please take advice from the SITSS helpdesk before installing this.
LCD Projectors & Interactive Whiteboards
A significant
amount of government funding is being channelled for schools to buy
this equipment, which allows projection of a computer screen for whole
classes
to view at once. The items are expensive, and when choosing a
projector bulb you need to consider the brightness of the room in relation
to the
number of lumens; also the cost of replacement bulbs and life expectancy.
Schools with SITSS network support contracts can e-mail sitss.network@lea.herts.sch.uk for
further advice on fixed projector installations; or e-mail ict.consultants@hertscc.gov.uk for
advice on situating interactive whiteboards.For comparisons of interactive
whiteboards and prices, click here to link from our ICT
webpage.
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