Net Support Getting Started Guide
Net Support Getting Started Guide
Net Support Getting Started Guide
NetSupport School
Getting Started Guide Copyright 2011 NetSupport Ltd All rights reserved
Revision 05/11
NetSupport School
CONTENTS
What is NetSupport School? ........................................ 3 Features ....................................................................4 Installation ................................................................ 11 System Pre-Requisites.................................................... 12 Starting the Installation .................................................. 14 NetSupport School Installer program........................... 14 Existing Installation Detected ..................................... 15 Select Setup Type ..................................................... 16 Custom Setup .......................................................... 17 Creating an administrative (network) installation ............... 21 Silent Installation .......................................................... 22 Install Configuration Options Dialog ............................ 23 NetSupport Deploy - NetSupports Remote Install Utility ..... 24 Deploying on Windows XP ............................................... 26 Starting NetSupport School ....................................... 28 Contacting NetSupport .............................................. 29
NetSupport School
NetSupport School
Features
NetSupport School contains a wealth of features to assist you to Train, Support and Monitor Students. Definitions The Tutor is the workstation that shows to or views/takes over the Student. The Student is the workstation that is being shown to, viewed or taken over. Lesson Planner NetSupports Lesson Plan feature enables Tutors to pre-plan the scope of a lesson, building in appropriate timings and prompts as required. Class Wizard The Class Wizard, which loads on startup, provides the Tutor with a simple to use interface in order to combine the elements required during a lesson. Class Lists Allows the Tutor to create separate Student lists for each of their classes. The Class List can then be loaded for each lesson, making connection easier at the start of a lesson. Tutor Toolbar When the Teacher application is minimised a convenient toolbar is provided for quick access to key features within NetSupport School. This toolbar is optimised for use with Interactive Whiteboards. Student Toolbar NetSupport School now features a Student Information bar, neatly located at the top of each Student Screen. This can be set to be always visible, hidden or to auto-hide. Manage Student Resources The Student Toolbar now provides a quick and convenient way for students to access the resources required for a given lesson.
NetSupport School Student Journal NetSupport School now provides a powerful and unique Student Journal. During a typical class, all appropriate items relating to the subject can be captured and automatically included in a PDF file for post lesson review by each Student. Show Display the Tutor's screen on all, some or one of the Student's screens. Display in full screen mode or in to a Window to enable the Student to carry on working. Whilst the Tutor is showing their screen full screen the Students keyboards and Mouse are locked out ensuring their full attention. For greater interaction, the Tutor can nominate a Student to take over the Show. This makes it the ideal training tool in a networked classroom or training room. Exhibit Display an individual Student's screen on selected or all Students screens. Chat Allows a two way on screen chat session between a Tutor and a Student so assistance can be provided without disturbing the rest of the class. The Tutor can also allow a group chat session between Students. Interactive Whiteboard NetSupports full screen interactive whiteboard provides the Tutor with a range of drawing tools enabling them to present learning points in graphic form. The content of the whiteboard can be shown to Students at any point during a lesson. Message Send a message to an individual or groups of Students. Ten Minutes to end of Exam.
NetSupport School Remote Control (Viewing) Watch, Share or Control a Student's screen. Scale View Windows to fit and View multiple Student screens simultaneously. This is ideal for conducting one to one Training without affecting the other Students and without the Tutor needing to leave their desk. Scan Monitor up to 16 Student's screens on the Tutor workstation, at one time. This enables the Tutor to keep a discrete watch over what the Students are running on their workstations. Particularly important with modern Internet access! The Tutor does not even need to be in the same room. Monitor Mode The Tutor can display a Thumbnail View of all connected Student machines. Auto Zoom feature allows you to mouse over a specific Student Thumbnail for a better view. Student Thumbnails can be sized using a flexible slide-bar enabling you to make better use of the space available on the Tutor screen. The Tutor interface can be viewed full screen by pressing' F11' should more room be needed to view the Student thumbnails. Replay Files Record activity at Student or Tutor machines, storing the information in a file, which can be played back at a later date. Help Requests Students can raise a request for Help at the Tutors screen without disturbing the rest of the class. The Tutor is instantly alerted to the Students need for assistance via a pop up box on their screen and a Help Request icon next to the Student icon. File Transfer Transfer and manipulate files between a Tutor and Student workstations, using advanced Drag and Drop technology. Includes support for Long File names.
NetSupport School File Distribution Drag and drop files from the Tutor workstation to multiple Student workstations simultaneously. Ideal for classwork preparation. Execute/Launch a program Programs can be launched on the Student workstations from the Tutor workstation. On individual Student workstations or multiple workstations simultaneously. For example, the Tutor can launch the same application on all Student workstations in preparation for the next activity / exercise. You can even store and launch frequently executed applications from the quick Execute Toolbar. Lock Students Keyboard and mouse The Tutor can quickly lock all students keyboards and mouse to ensure that the Student workstations are not used whilst a demonstration/lecture is being given. Group Function Groups of Student workstations can be defined and used to maintain and work with sub-sets of Students. For example, you can execute a program, send a message, and initiate a scan on all Students that are a member of the group. A nominated Student can be assigned certain Tutor rights and act as a Group Leader until such privileges are revoked. Now includes a visual layout of Leaders and their assigned group members. Multimedia Support NetSupport provides full audio and video support. Store Classroom Layout The Control can organise Student icons into multiple layouts on the Control View Window. For example, once you have selected the members of a group you can rearrange the individual Client icons in the Control View Window, to reflect the layout of the classroom.
NetSupport School Send/Collect work Prepare files for students to work on in advance and automatically distribute them as the lesson begins. Even better, once they have worked on the files you can automatically retrieve them for later review and marking. Automatic Student Login To enable the class to begin straight away, the Tutor can automatically login in all Student machines before the class starts. Student Register To keep in touch with each class you can prompt the Students to register their details. You can then display their name instead of a less meaningful computer name. Ideal for use with the classroom layout feature. Student registration details can be viewed in a Registration Report that can be saved for each class. Student Connect to Class Enables Students to connect to the required remote control session. Tutors create a list of class names and when the Student connects to the network they can search for the class they would like to join. Annotate the Screen While remote controlling Student machines, emphasise key learning points on their screens using NetSupports range of annotation tools. Power Management Remotely shut down Client workstations in order to conserve energy. Easy to Install and Configure Install on Client workstations without the need to visit the individual machines using NetSupports Remote Deployment Utility. Silent Installations across the network. Central maintenance of Student profiles.
NetSupport School Create ready-made Tutor profiles. Portable Tutor Enables you to run the Tutor from a portable device such as a USB Pen Drive, Memory Stick or Flash Drive. Ideal if you need to move from machine to machine as it eliminates the need to install the Tutor on all PCs. Testing Module Use NetSupports Test Designer to create customised tests that can be remotely delivered to Student machines and marked in real-time. Audio Monitoring Simultaneously view all student screens in a classroom and see in an instant which computers have live audio activity. Select one of the displayed student thumbnails to listen to the audio being played on that PC. Listen to a students microphone feed and correct pronunciation, conduct a 2-way chat with a specific student avoiding disruption for the rest of the class. Application and Internet Monitoring Use the Application and Web monitoring modules to control the use of applications and websites. Restrict the Students use of certain applications and sites by creating an approved list. Real-time reporting provides the Tutor with details of currently open applications and sites. Co-Browser A simple and straightforward interface that enables the Tutor to navigate Students through various web pages, with the added security of locking/unlocking Students depending on the needs of the lesson. Print Management Maintain full control over Students Printer usage, monitor all printing activity, apply page limits and prevent printing.
NetSupport School Keyboard Monitoring Provides a real-time insight into Student activity by allowing the Tutor to quickly view any typed content while using approved applications. Also provides "Target" Keywords for tracking of Student understanding and a full history of keyboard usage by Student and application. Messenger Monitoring Monitor and control the use of Messenger applications during a lesson. Device Control Prevent data being copied to or from USB devices, CD/DVD drives and the creation of new network drives for the duration of the class. Student Survey Facility Obtain instant feedback by displaying a question on the Students screens. Receive real-time analysis of the Students responses. Publish survey results to all Students. Screen Capture Keep a visual record of Student activity by taking a snapshot of a Students screen. Show Video A quick and easy method for playing a video on Student screens. Tech Console NetSupport School also provides a unique "Tech Console" specifically for Lab Technicians and Network Managers.
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NetSupport School
Installation
Installing NetSupport School is exceptionally easy and provided you follow a few simple rules you should be up and running within a very short time. Decide what functions to install To be able to Show to and Control this workstation from another you install a Student, sometimes called a Client. If you want to be able to Show to or take over another workstation from this one, you install both a Tutor, also called a Control, and a Student. To manage and maintain computers you will need to install the Tech Console. This provides Lab Technicians and Network Managers with the main NetSupport features. Note: The NetSupport School Tutor is configured to use TCP/IP. What naming convention are you going to use for the Student workstations? NetSupport School requires that each Student workstation be allocated a unique name. To take advantage of the full range of Connection and Administrative functionality of NetSupport School you need to have a sensible naming convention for the Student Workstations. For example, you might decide that all workstations in one classroom would start with the name CLASS1_WK. You can then configure the Tutor program to automatically connect to the workstations in that room only. Alternatively you might decide to use the Machine Name or Computer Name that is already set up as part of your networking environment. Whichever method you use it is important that it easily identifies the individual workstations in a way that is recognisable to the user, at the Tutor workstation. You are now ready to install NetSupport School Tutor and Student programs. 11
NetSupport School
System Pre-Requisites
Some areas of NetSupports functionality rely on the presence of certain files/applications, please ensure these are available before installing NetSupport School. General Internet Explorer 5 service pack 2 or above. Windows 2000/2003/2008/XP, Vista and Windows 7. 35Mbytes free disk space for Student only installation. 90Mbytes free disk space for full installation. TCP/IP. The NetSupport School Tutor requires a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or above. Thin Client Support for Windows and Citrix Terminal Services as well as support for virtual desktop environments from NComputing (X-series & L-series), MiniFrame (SoftXpand) and many others. Note: To use the 'Pin to Taskbar' feature in Windows 7 you will need to remove certain words from the reserved list. Please refer to knowledgebase article 582 for further information www.netsupportsoftware.com/ support Testing Module The Test Designer requires MDAC 2.1 or higher and COMCTL32.dll version 5.80 or higher. During installation, NetSupport will check to see if these files are present and advise if not. However, if installing silently using the NetSupport Deploy utility, you will not be warned if the files are missing.
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NetSupport School Note: To enable printer notifications to be sent to the Tutor PC the installer applies the following changes to the Student PCs: Windows Firewall The File and Print Sharing Exception is enabled on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista. The scope of port TCP 139 is changed from "Subnet" to "ANY" on Windows XP SP2. Local Security Policy Settings On Windows Vista (or higher) workgroup connected PCs, the following local policy settings are set: Network Access: Allow anonymous ENABLED SID/Name translation Network Access: Do not allow DISABLED anonymous enum of SAM accounts Network Access: Do not allow DISABLED anonymous enum of SAM accounts & shares Network Access: Let everyone ENABLED permissions apply to anonymous users Network Access: Restrict anonymous DISABLED access to Named Pipes and Shares
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NetSupport School
NetSupport School License Information Select Register and enter the license details as provided with your NetSupport product. If you are evaluating NetSupport, select 30 day evaluation and click Next.
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NetSupport School
Student Installs the Student software. This feature, sometimes called the Client, should be installed on workstations that will be remote controlled. Tutor Installs the Tutor software. This feature, sometimes called the Control, should be installed on workstations which will be used to remote control other PCs. IT Technician Installs the Tech Console. This feature should be installed on workstations that will be managing and maintaining computers. Custom Allows you to pick and choose which features to install on the workstation. Click Next. If you have selected Custom the Custom Setup screen will be displayed.
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NetSupport School
Custom Setup
Select the component(s) to install on the workstation.
Student Install this component, sometimes called the Client, on workstations that will be remote controlled. By installing this component, you are enabling a Tutor machine to establish a link with the Student. The range of features available to students are limited to those that enable them to communicate with the teacher, for example sending a help request. Install Configurator The NetSupport Client Configurator is used to customise the Student set up at each workstation. For example, setting the Transport to be used, allocating a Student name and setting security. When you choose the Student component you will also be given the option of installing the Client Configurator. Uncheck this box if you do not want to install the component, you can still configure the Student machine by running the Client Configurator at a later stage of this installation. Note: If you're installing the Tutor component, the Client Configurator will be installed by default. 17
NetSupport School Add Configurator Start Menu Shortcut Choose whether to create a start menu shortcut to the Client Configurator at the Student workstation. The advantage of installing this at the Student machine is that it makes it easier to make changes to the settings in the future. The disadvantage is that the Students themselves could unwittingly access the option and make changes. Tutor Console This component, sometimes called the Control, should be installed on workstations which will be used to remote control other PCs. It gives teachers access to NetSupports full range of features, for example, viewing student screens and showing their screen to students. Selecting this component will also install a Portable Tutor folder, this allows you to run the Tutor from a portable device such as USB Pen Drive, Memory Stick or Flash Drive. For further information please visit www.netsupportsoftware.com/support and refer to Technical Document Running NetSupport School Tutor from a Portable Device (TD496). Note: If you need the flexibility of allowing other machines to view this one, you can also install the Student component. Add Desktop Shortcut for Tutor Choose whether to create a desktop icon for the Control (Tutor) to enable easy access to the Tutor program. Remote Deployment Utility The Remote Deploy Utility enables you to perform multiple NetSupport installations without the need to visit each individual workstation. Tech Console (includes remote deployment utility) This component should be installed on workstations that will be managing and maintaining computers. It provides Lab Technicians and Network Managers with the main NetSupport features.
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NetSupport School Add Desktop Shortcut for the Tech Console Choose whether to create a desktop icon to enable easy access to the Tech Console program. Name and Connectivity Server Provides a simple and reliable method of locating and connecting to Student PCs. Standalone Test Designer The Test Designer allows you to set customised tests including text, picture, audio and video questions. Note: If you're installing the Tutor component, the Test Designer will be installed by default. Install to: By default, NetSupport will be installed in the folder C:\Program Files\NetSupport\NetSupport School. If you want to install in a different folder, click Change. Click Next when ready to continue. Room Identification Enter the value for the room you wish to connect to, by default the room value entered will be Eval. The room value can be updated later in the Tutor Configuration settings. Click Next to continue. Ready to Install the Program To start the installation, click Install. To change any of the previous selections, click Back. To quit the installation, click Cancel.
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NetSupport School Note: If you have elected to install a Client (Student), Setup will make the required amendments to your System.INI and or registry, to load the Client as Windows initialises. NetSupport will not replace any of your existing Drivers.
Installation Complete To complete the installation: Choose whether to run the Client Configurator. This enables you to set basic Client information and security. Choose whether to run the Remote Deploy utility. This provides you with the facility to install and configure NetSupport on multiple workstations.
Click Finish to exit the Setup program. Remove the CD and restart the workstation.
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NetSupport School
4.
Note: You can make the network folder read only to avoid the configuration being altered by unauthorised users. To Install NetSupport from a Server onto individual workstations 1. 2. 3. At the required workstation, navigate to the network folder containing the NetSupport School setup files. Run Setup.exe. Follow instructions in Starting the Installation.
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NetSupport School
Silent Installation
A silent installation is one which requires no input from the user, providing a convenient method for performing a set installation at several machines. To perform a silent install 1. Create a distribution copy of NetSupport containing the required NetSupport Installation files. 2. To determine the properties for the Installation, at the command line run INSTCFG.EXE /S from the NetSupport program folder. The Install Configuration Options dialog will appear. The selected properties are stored in a parameter file, default name NSS.ini. Choose {File}{Save} and save the NSS.ini file to the folder containing the distribution copy of NetSupport. To perform the Silent Install at the required workstation, from the folder containing the distribution copy, run: msiexec /i "NetSupport School.msi" /qn (MSI installer) setup /S /v/qn (setup.exe installer) Note: NetSupport School can be installed via Active Directory. The software installation group policy object (GPO) must be applied to organisational units (OUs) containing computer accounts rather than users. Please note that for software installation to take effect immediately it is necessary to enable the, "Always wait for the network at computer startup and logon" parameter in the Computer Configuration| Administrative Templates| System| Logon| leaf of the group policy controlling the computers who are subject to software installation. This change will affect login times for Windows XP/2000 machines that have this applied. Without this change an additional log off / log on cycle is required to effect installation.
3. 4.
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NetSupport School
Icons Check the relevant boxes to indicate which NetSupport Components will be installed on the Client machines. General Install Directory Specify the directory where NetSupport will be installed. Leave blank to install in the default directory, \Program Files\NetSupport\NetSupport School.
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NetSupport School
Notes: Due to increased security restrictions in Windows Vista, the deploy function cannot be used to deploy to Windows Vista PCs that are not part of a Domain. When deploying to a Windows Vista PC within a Domain, the Console User must be either logged onto the Domain or enter the user credentials when prompted of a Domain Account that has Local Administrator rights to the target PC. The Deploy Prompt user options are not supported on Windows Vista.
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NetSupport School Installing the Deploy Utility When installing NetSupport you decide which combination of components to include. To install NetSupport Deploy, select the Remote Deployment Utility along with any other components you require. Note: NetSupport Deploy is currently Windows 2000 and above. supported on
Planning NetSupport Deploy is a powerful utility that makes installing NetSupport packages on multiple workstations a quick and easy process. However, while we endeavour to ensure that there are no limitations or incompatibility issues in the use of the software, it is recommended that a trial deploy is performed on a small number of workstations to ensure there are no conflicts with other similar products such as remote control or desktop security packages. In addition, for added security and protection you must have appropriate administrator rights for the machines you are deploying to.
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NetSupport School
Deploying on Windows XP
To enable you to deploy NetSupport on Windows XP Professional, you need access to the Admin$ share on the remote machine in order to transfer the package to be deployed. By default there is no access allowed to Admin$ share. To enable Network access: 1. 2. 3. 4. In Administrative Tools select Local Security Policy. Select {Security Options} Settings}{Local Policies}{Security
Select {Network access : Sharing and security model for local accounts} Alter the setting for this policy to {Classic local users authenticate as themselves}
The Admin$ share will now be available and you can deploy as normal. If upgrading from Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 to Service Pack 2, Windows Firewall will by default block all Network activity produced by NetSupport School. To enable NetSupport to function correctly we have provided a utility that will configure Windows Firewall. To enable NetSupport School in the Windows Firewall Configuration 1. 2. Download the ICFCONFIG.EXE File (link www.netsupportsoftware.com/support/) at
Run this utility on a machine with NetSupport School Installed using the following command ICFCONFIG -e NSS This will create all the required entries in the Windows Firewall Configuration to allow NetSupport School to function correctly.
3.
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NetSupport School The ICFCONFIG utility can also be used to remove a NetSupport Product from the Windows Firewall Configuration see our website at: www.netsupportsoftware.com/support/ for all the ICFCONFIG Command line options.
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NetSupport School
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NetSupport School
Contacting NetSupport
UK & International www.netsupportsoftware.com Technical Support: [email protected] Sales (UK & Eire): [email protected] Sales (International): [email protected] North America www.netsupport-inc.com Technical Support: [email protected] Sales: [email protected] Germany, Austria and Switzerland www.pci-software.de Technical Support: [email protected] Sales: [email protected] Japan www.netsupportjapan.com Technical Support: [email protected] Sales: [email protected]
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