New Mac-Mini Lab!! Suggestions on Apps/Utilities ??

Hi-
I'm setting up a new MacMini lab this summer at my school site.
Was wondering if the kind folk here could make some suggestions on software I should include on the computers.
Looking for freeware, or add-ons, or ultilies, or cheap software I could load on muliple computers.
Thanks for all suggestions!

Hi, Daniel.
I suggest you specify what curricula will be taught using the lab. That way, we can make relevant suggestions. The software should support the courses that will be taught. You don't simply want to "load up" the computers in the lab with a collection of freeware or shareware that doesn't support the learning to be accomplished or how the courses will be taught.
Likewise, you should specify how the lab will be managed. For example, will the computers be using Network-based accounts loaded from a server, or will accounts be defined on the computers themselves?
There's a good bit of thinking and planning that goes into setting-up and running an educational computer lab. Otherwise, you're likely to simply get a "wish list" that has nothing to do with the educational objectives of the lab.
For example:
• Take a look at Bombich Software. Mike Bombich offers some tips on maintaining computer lab environments. He also has a forum for computer lab managers .
• Another site to review is MacEnterprise.orf, in particular the "macosxlabs archives", from when the site was dedicated to eductional lab management.
• Don't forget to check the Apple Education site.
• You may find other solutions by searching MacUpdate or Version Tracker.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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