--- Forwarded Message from Jim Anstey <[log in to unmask]> --- >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 20:07:30 -0500 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >From: Jim Anstey <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #4821.1 Any labs using iMacs? (!) ------------------ Hi, It would be very helpful to me if you could answer a few questions that I have with regards to your language laboratory. I have recently been appointed as programmer consultant at the Multimedia Language Centre at Memorial University and I have the task of upgrading our lab. The lab consists of about 30 Macintosh LC630s and 9 PowerMac 6100s. They are part of a LAN run from a MacIntosh 9100 server. We are using Waterloo MacJanet as our Server Software. Also connected to the LAN are three audio/video devices: a VHS, a Videodisc, and a VideoCamera. We are using a piece of software called Apple Multimedia Learning System to administer these devices. This software allows us to stream video and audio out to the stations along with allowing us to control/observe stations. There are also TV tuner Cards in all of the LC630s which allows the students access to several French TV stations. Here is our dilema: 1.) We want to start introducing Imacs into our network but Imacs cannot accomodate the TV tuner cards. Therefore we need to find another solution. 2.) The AMLS (Apple Multimedia Learning System) is not compatible with Mac OS 8.0 or greater. So far we have not found a piece of software that will allow us to stream audio and video from various devices. Apple Network Assistant allows controlling/Observing features but not the streaming features. 3.) The Waterloo MacJanet server software does not support Mac OS 8.0 or greater. Up to this point, we have not found software that will give us great protection and keep a log file of users. Professors of students using the lab usually request attendance records for their students. 4.) Right now the entire network consists of Macintosh machines and I wonder if, by using only Macs, I am limiting the potential of the lab. Any comments about the use of IBM compatibles versus the use of MACs would be very much appreciated. -> It would be very much appreciated if you could answer any of the questions above or offer any other helpful information. Furthermore, any information regarding the performance of Imacs in networking environments would most helpful. Jim Anstey James R. Anstey Programmer Consultant Language Laboratories Memorial University of Newfoundland [log in to unmask]