The Computer Services department comprises of IT Support and Web Development, with the remit to provide support, administration and development for all aspects of ICT (Information & Communications Technology) and Web development across Merthyr Tydfil College (MTC) ensuring systems are fit for purpose and maintained to an acceptable level of reliability.

Systems Overview
MTC is predominately a Microsoft house using traditional desktop type computers, although Apple Macintosh computers also figure heavily in the creative industries areas of art and media. The student PCs currently run Microsoft Windows XP, along with Office 2007, with a proposal to migrate a number of IT labs to Windows 7 for September 2010.

Both the quality and quantity of student computers is very good. The current computer replacement cycle is four years, and the ratio of PCs to students is currently 1:4.1 (i.e. 1 PC to every 4.1 full time equivalent students).

Wireless (WiFi) has been deployed to the learning zone and a number of other teaching areas, for use with College owned devices, with plans to extend coverage and implement network for use with student owned wifi devices.

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Current Projects:

College Website Redevelopment
The College website (merthyr.ac.uk) has recently been redeveloped. As well as improvements being made in navigation, it now focuses more on core activities.

Digital Signage
A new digital signage system has been installed throughout the main building, comprising of 40” LCD displays on each floor as well as small LCDS within the learning zone and art department. The displays offer info on Marketing, student activities and visits, and cross College messages.

Wireless Network: Phase 2
In the process of installing additional wireless access points to increase the wireless coverage within the main building, for use with College owned devices.

Self Service Copiers
Self service copiers have been located throughout the main site. The devices are networked and managed by the computerised print management system, providing access to staff and student with their computer user accounts, with usage recorded against the user’s credit balance.

Server Virtualisation
New technology has been installed to enable the infrastructure to move away from the traditional physical server to a virtual environment. Benefits include increased reliability, flexible management and allocation of resources, plus significantly lower power consumption.

Annual PC Replacement
Two hundred Computers have been identified for replacement in readiness for September 2010, comprising of traditional PCs, Macs, and thin clients.

Wireless Network: Phase 3
During 2010/11, provide wifi access to users for use with personal devices.

Thin Client Computing
A thin client differs to a traditional PC, it’s a ‘display only’ device reliant on processing power of the server(s), rather than its own processor. It is ideal for users with low processing requirements (e.g. word processing, web, emailing), and offers benefits such as, hardware reliability, reduced support costs, very long operational life, and considerable power savings.

Self Service Developments
Implement a self service password facility providing enabling the user to change their own password, reducing the reliance on IT Support.

Remote Access Developments
Move to an internet hosted service, such as Google apps or Microsoft Live@edu, to provide students with increased storage and flexible access to email mailboxes and personal storage, enabling anytime anywhere access.

Sharepoint: Staff and Student Portals
Microsoft Sharepoint Server to provide access to various student and corporate resources.

IT Support & web development, currently located on the third floor (room 306). Support is available during term time Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm. Please note, during the evening hours of 4.30 to 7pm, IT support staff relocate to the Learning Zone which is located on the ground floor.

Use the IT Helpdesk to log a problem!
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