Installing Computers
in a school
IT Work Experience
Installing 300 new computers!
Following my voluntary work in August 2022, I was invited back to work for as long as I wanted with the IT team in July-August 2023 to help them install 300 new computers. I was allowed to work much more independently this year and really felt part of the team. It gave me the opportunity to see how a big project like this is managed and more about how the IT team functions including why the computers are leased and not bought and their ticketing system (which inspired me to create one at home for my parents to use when they have technical issues!)
Unboxing the Computers
It was a big task ahead, so we worked methodically to speed up the process and it was a bit like a production line. It was easier to unbox all the equipment in a central location and then transport the quantities required to the different departments around the school. We unboxed each computer creating different piles of keyboard, mice, power cables and computers. This meant that when we would install computers, we would take 1 of each item. We also added asset tags to the computers to allow us to know where the computers were in future.
Upgrading RAM
I upgraded each of the computers with an extra 8GB of RAM and did this in bulk to be more efficient and to save time. Mini-PC’s don’t use full sized RAM but SODIMM sticks of RAM which are smaller and generally used in laptops and smaller pc’s. The RAM was very simple to install but you had to make sure it was in place properly.
Transporting and Installing the PC's and Network Booting
I carefully transported equipment to their destination using a sack truck ensuring they did not fall off. To reduce time, I took some old equipment back when going to get more equipment.
The monitors were unboxed at their destination to prevent damage. The equipment was installed, and cables tidied. To automate the installation, we used a tool called Microsoft Deployment Toolkit which automatically adds the computer to the domain, activate windows, install any required software to the computer and more!
I took time to check that the computer was working OK and linking correctly to the Clever Touch class display so that the teacher would not have problems in September.