Hey everyone! I'm volunteering as the IT manager for a non-profit community school and I need your help. I've got a software development background, but managing IT for an educational institution is a new challenge for me. Currently, we use Google Drive (personal account), Microsoft's non-profit license, a domain with a basic website, scattered printers, and one mobile app. Next year, we're moving to a larger space and I want to upgrade our tech infrastructure.
I'm looking for advice on prioritizing basics, any low-key hacks or overlooked solutions, lessons learned from your experiences, and budget-friendly enhancements. Here are some specific questions I have:
- Should I transition from personal Google Drive to Google Workspace or Microsoft OneDrive?
- What are affordable print management solutions?
- What security basics do small organizations often overlook?
- How do I begin documentation and asset management?
Any stories or warnings would be much appreciated. Thanks for your insights!
2 Answers
First off, props to you for taking on this role! Here are my tips:
1. Don’t underestimate the power of Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to manage device configurations effectively.
2. Consider deploying uBlock Origin on your devices; it’s a fantastic security tool that also makes browsing easier, recommended by even the FBI!
3. Document everything from the get-go! With your development background, I’m sure you understand the importance of keeping track of changes and setups.
Before making any changes, assess your current setup. Figure out what's working well, what's broken, and what legal obligations you need to consider. Don’t start with budget hacks; think broadly about what goals you want to achieve and what resources you have.
Since you have a non-profit Microsoft license, it might not make sense to complicate things with Google Drive. Go with either Microsoft 365 or keep it simple.
Regarding security, it's crucial to manage accounts and reduce the risk of 'shadow IT'. A small organization faces the same security risks as bigger ones, so implement basics like multi-factor authentication, managed devices, and regular software updates. If you don’t start on the right foot, the issues will only pile up.
Totally agree! Starting with a proper assessment is key to avoiding future headaches.
I heard there were recent issues with uBlock being blocked by some browsers. Have you experienced that?