When the school gates close for the summer, the work doesn’t stop for IT managers. In fact, the quieter months provide the perfect opportunity to catch up on the maintenance, upgrades and admin that can be difficult to tackle during term time.
With fewer users on-site and minimal disruption to classrooms and computer labs, summer is the ideal time to get ahead and ensure everything is running smoothly for the new academic year. Here are a few areas worth focusing on while students are away.
1. Review and update software
Ensuring that all devices are running the latest versions of software not only helps with security and stability but can also improve performance and compatibility with newer applications. Take time to:
-
patch operating systems and key applications
-
remove unused or outdated software
-
standardise versions across your network to simplify support.
If you're using Deep Freeze, you'll know that any changes made during term time can be quickly reversed with a reboot – but summer gives you the freedom to make and retain updates without interrupting anyone's work.
Software Updater is very easy to set up and use. It will allow you to automate the packaging, delivery and verification of all your Windows and application updates. Summer is an ideal time to get it up and running, so that next year, patch management happens on a timely basis. For example, you can set a wake-on-LAN task to wake your devices up at 1am every Wednesday, deliver all pending updates, then shut down at 2am. There’s no need to disrupt any student’s work or any teacher’s work.
2. Reimage devices for a clean start
Reimaging hardware over the summer ensures a fresh, consistent environment across all your computers come September. This helps prevent performance issues and reduces support requests early in the term.
OS Imaging makes this task easier and faster – allowing you to reimage multiple devices simultaneously, and apply consistent configurations across the board.
3. Check hardware health
Now’s a good time to assess the physical condition of your devices. Look out for:
-
system drive usage near to capacity
-
low memory on older machines
-
warranties close to end date.
Usage Stats & Inventory allows you to monitor hardware health at-a-glance, and spot potential failures before they happen. Replacing or upgrading equipment during the summer avoids mid-term breakdowns and downtime.
4. Audit licences and renewals
Make sure all your software is properly licensed and compliant. It's easy for things to get missed during a busy term, especially with staff or student turnover. Use this time to:
-
audit current software usage
-
identify underused licences
-
renew or cancel subscriptions as needed.
This can also be a good opportunity to explore more efficient licensing models or consider alternatives that better fit your school’s needs. Usage Stats includes a Software Licence Compliance Report, which shows for each piece of software how many licences you have paid for, how many you are using, and when those licences expire.
Join our upcoming webinar to discover how Faronics Cloud can help you automate software updates, simplify imaging, and keep your school’s IT environment secure and ready for the year ahead.
👉 Register now for the free webinar.
