Classroom Projection Systems to be Protected by Deep Freeze

For the fall semester, the standard classroom projection system setup will be protected by "Deep Freeze", which restores the computer to its default configuration after every restart.

Wabash faculty were surveyed in November 2004 by the IT department, the purpose of which was to assess the need for, and potential issues with, installing Deep Freeze on campus classroom projection computers.  The Deep Freeze program, which we use extensively in campus computer labs, ensures computers return to an unaltered state every time they are rebooted.  With this software, no matter how much someone changes a computer, it will be fine for the next person.

58 faculty responded to our survey.  Two respondents (3%) were opposed to the use of this software, 26 (45%) were in favor of it, and 33 (52%) were neutral or desired more information.  25 faculty (43%) reported experiencing the types of problems with projection systems that the Deep Freeze program is designed to eliminate.

After reviewing the survey results, we proceeded to test Deep Freeze on several classroom projection systems during the spring 2005 semester.  Results from this test were promising, with a noticeable drop in problem reports, and no issues with the software for faculty who used the test systems.  We have found Deep Freeze to be particularly helpful in eliminating problems with sound and video.

With the success of this test and the results of last fall’s survey, we believe Deep Freeze will significantly increase the reliability and usability of the classroom projection systems, and we have decided to expand the use of Deep Freeze campus-wide.  For the fall semester, the standard projection system setup will include the Deep Freeze program.  Please note the following:

• If you need software for your class that is not part of the standard software distribution, contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@wabash.edu, x6400) to make arrangements to have the software installed.


• If you load PowerPoint presentations or other files on projection computers, be sure to place them in the "Save your files here" folder (you will find this on the computer’s desktop).  Files in this folder will be retained, but files stored in other locations will be deleted when the system is rebooted.

If you have questions or concerns about the use of this software in a classroom where you will be teaching, or if you experience problems with this software once classes begin, please contact the Help Desk.  We will work with you to find a solution or "unfreeze" the computer if necessary, given your particular needs.

For more information see:

Computer Faculities: Classroom Projection Systems