https://github.com/humanagainstmachine/windowslab
Tools to administer a Windows OS computer lab
https://github.com/humanagainstmachine/windowslab
computer-laboratory powershell windows
Last synced: 3 months ago
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Tools to administer a Windows OS computer lab
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/humanagainstmachine/windowslab
- Owner: HumanAgainstMachine
- License: mit
- Created: 2024-05-17T12:06:24.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2024-11-18T20:54:03.000Z (7 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-01-08T07:42:44.572Z (5 months ago)
- Topics: computer-laboratory, powershell, windows
- Language: PowerShell
- Homepage:
- Size: 93.8 KB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# WindowsLab PowerShell Module
**WindowsLab** is a PowerShell module designed to simplify the administration of computer labs with Windows PCs (10 or 11) connected to the same LAN.
## Key Features
- Start, restart, or stop all PCs remotely
- Synchronize date and time across all PCs
- Create and manage generic user accounts
- Update passwords for generic accounts
- Disconnect users from all PCs
- Deploy files to all PCs
**Note**: A **generic account** is a local account that exists on all lab PCs with identical username and password, typically used for standard, non-administrative purposes.
## Terminology
**AdminPC**:
The single administrator PC used for lab management.
**LabPC**:
PCs used by lab users (e.g., students) with similar hardware and software configurations.
**LabAdmin**:
An administrator local account present on both the AdminPC and all LabPCs, configured with identical username and password across all machines.
**LabUser**:
Generic accounts for lab users present on each LabPC. Multiple accounts can exist with usernames like *Student*, *Teacher*, or *User*.
**Note**: In addition to **LabAdmin** and **LabUser** accounts, other account types can exist, such as personal user accounts or specialized administrator accounts for different tasks.
## Lab Setup Prerequisites
Before installing WindowsLab, follow these steps:
1. Create the **LabAdmin** account on both the *AdminPC* and all *LabPCs*:
- Use identical username and password across all machines
- Grant administrator privileges
- Example username: LabAdmin
2. For easier management, rename LabPCs using a numbered system (e.g., PC01, PC02, PC03). While optional, this naming convention simplifies lab administration.
### Configuration Steps
1. On each PC, log in to the **LabAdmin** account and complete these tasks:
- Install PowerShell 7 or higher
- Set the network to "Private" in Windows settings
- Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
```powershell
Enable-PSRemoting
```
2. On the **AdminPC** only, perform the above steps plus:
```powershell
Set-Item -Path WSMan:\localhost\client\TrustedHosts -Value *
```
**Note**: You can automate the configuration steps using the *GettingLabReady.ps1* script:
1. Download the script from this repository
2. Open Windows PowerShell as administrator
3. Navigate to the script's directory
4. Execute:
```powershell
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File GettingLabReady.ps1
```
**Security Warning**: Ensure the AdminPC is properly secured and use a strong, unique password for the LabAdmin account.
## Module Installation
WindowsLab requires the [NtpTime](https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/Ntptime) module for internet time synchronization. Install both modules on the AdminPC only.
1. Log in as **LabAdmin** on the AdminPC
2. Install the required modules:
```powershell
Install-Module -Name NtpTime
Install-Module -Name WindowsLab
```
3. Restart your PowerShell session to ensure the modules are properly loaded and verify the installation:
```powershell
Get-Command -Module WindowsLab
```
A list of available cmdlets indicates successful installation.
## Available Cmdlets
- `Disconnect-User`
Disconnects all active users from LabPCs.
- `Deploy-Item`
Deploys files or folders to specified LabUser desktops across all LabPCs.
- `New-LabUser`
Creates new generic accounts (LabUsers) on all LabPCs.
- `Remove-LabUser`
Removes specified generic accounts from all LabPCs.
- `Set-LabUser`
Updates LabUser passwords and privileges across all LabPCs.
- `Start-LabPc`
Powers on all WoL-capable LabPCs simultaneously.
- `Stop-LabPc`
Shuts down or restarts all LabPCs. Can schedule daily automatic shutdowns.
- `Sync-LabPcDate`
Synchronizes date and time across all LabPCs using internet time servers.
- `Test-LabPcPrompt`
Verifies remote command connectivity between AdminPC and LabPCs.
- `Set-LabPcName`
Launches a GUI for managing multiple labs, where you can define LabPC names and discover their MAC addresses. The stored configuration enables other cmdlets to identify lab PCs and supports WoL functionality.
## Technical Overview
WindowsLab utilizes PowerShell remoting to execute commands on remote LabPCs. Commands run on the remote machines with results returned to the AdminPC, enabling centralized management.
## Wake-on-LAN (WoL) Support
WoL enables remote power-on functionality via wired Ethernet. It's preferred over Wake-on-Wireless LAN (WoWLAN) for:
- Higher reliability
- Better security
- Broader hardware compatibility
To use the Start-LabPC cmdlet's WoL features:
1. Verify WoL support in each LabPC's BIOS/UEFI settings
2. Enable WoL if supported
## Usage Note
I developed and actively use this module to manage computer labs at the school where I work as an IT assistant.