Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the common questions that we are asked by schools. If you can't find the answer to your query here or by browsing the other areas of Site@School, please Contact Us and we will respond swiftly.
Do I need to install any software on our computers?
No! Site@School is fully web-based. All the software that is needed to power your website sits on our servers. However, most schools find it useful to have some form of basic image editing software to prepare photos and scanned artwork before uploading it to the site .... you might want to re-size or crop an image for example.
What system powers Site@School?
Site@School is 'Open Source' software designed to run on a web server. Open Source software is freely available, usually via the Internet, for anyone to download, use and modify. Improvements through modification are usually shared with the authors or community that is developing the software, and these may be incorporated in future releases. We have made our own modifications to some of the software to best suit the needs of our client schools in the UK.
If the software is free, why do you charge schools?
We do not charge schools for the software itself. Schools are buying our expertise in installing, configuring, customising, supporting and hosting the software as well as overall web design. As there are no actual software charges, e.g. for more traditional web editing tools, this keeps the overall costs affordable for schools.
Where can I find out more about the software behind Site@School?
Pay a visit to the Developement Website. There's full information, comments by satisfied users from around the world and the opportunity to join a discussion forum on the use of the system.
Are we tying ourselves into a system?
Site@School is based on open standards and is compatible with all modern browsers. Should you decide at a some later stage to move your content to another provider using the Site@School software or to run it on your own server you are free to do so. The software is continuously being developed and more and more functionality is being added with each release in response to requests from users. It is therefore very likely to meet your school's needs for quite some time to come!
How much space do we get for our site?
We initially allocate 200mb. This is usually more than enough for a typical primary school. However, if this is proving insufficient for you just let us know and we will be happy to increase this to a sensible level. Beware of providers that advertise unlimited web space - there is no such thing!
Are many other schools using Site@School?
Site@School is used by hundreds of schools internationally. At present numbers in the UK are small, as this resource has been a rather well-kept secret. We plan to change that!
Is it really as easy to use as you say?
Yes, honestly! If you can use the basics of a word processor and know how to save and manage files in Windows or on a Mac you have 95% of the skills needed. Remember, Site@School was designed from the ground up as a content management system for schools. We know how busy teachers are and the learning curve is very shallow and gentle. Take a test drive now on our DEMO site
It's also worth mentioning that a superb online manual is also provided, which provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for EVERY action you'd ever be likely to carry out on the system.
To view the manual CLICK HERE