ProPresenter Computer Recommendation for PC

ProPresenter Computer Recommendation for PC

Pricing and specifications provided June 2019.  As hardware models change over time it is important to re-evaluate inline with current technologies.

Here are the hardware requirements from the software provider RenewedVision

https://renewedvision.com/propresenter/system-requirements/

PC Computer: Dell Inspiron 3670 Mini Tower

Operating System: Windows 10

Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 12MB Cache 4.6GHz

Memory: 8GB DDR4 2400Mhz UDIMM

Hard Drive: 256GB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive + 1TB 7200 RPM 3.5" SATA Drive

Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 2GB GDDR5 graphics memory

*comes with Displayport 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, DL-DVI

Price June 8, 2019: $1200 + tax

No monitor included.

ProPresenter Single License: $399 US Funds.

Deploying Unifi Technologies

Ubiquiti Unifi Technologies are a great solution for our churches.  Here are the components involved:

Unifi Controller - is a device connected to the local church network used to configure and setup all Unifi devices with a web browser. Unit cost estimate $130 tax included.

Main Dashboard

Setup Menu

Unifi UAP Pro wireless access points - provides wireless connectivity.  One unit can cover the full church sanctuary of about 150 people.  This may not cover all other parts of the church building.  Unit cost estimate $230 tax included.

Unifi 8 Port Switch w/ PoE power - small network switch that also provides PoE power if needed.  Used to connect the various network devices using data cable.  Unit cost estimate $180 tax included.

Unifi Security Gateway - small Internet router.  Unit cost estimate $180 tax included.

So for a church of 75 to 150 people, starting hardware costs is about: $720 plus contractor time to configure if not done by volunteers.

Some may view this as a lot of money, others very little.  It is important to remember that there are always "other things"  that need to get addressed when technology upgrades occur.  If contractor services are engaged, they can range from 25% to 50% of the hardware costs. 

In terms of hardware prices, I have found that when working with CDW account representatives, that they have very competitive pricing.

Here are some excellent Youtube video channels around Unifi configuration and deployment:

Crosstalk Solutions

Willie Howe

 

In The Cloud - Google and Microsoft

Over the years, I have researched and reviewed many articles comparing Google and Microsoft with a view of which one is better and which one to pick, as it relates to the services provided in the "cloud." 

For those of you who have heard of the term "cloud computing" or "in the cloud" and are not sure what it means, well ... here is my definition and explanation ... it means that you do not need to purchase and install equipment and install software at your church in order to make it work.  Google and Microsoft give you a way to use their products/services that are maintained on their equipment.  When companies charge for "cloud computing" these costs are normally yearly fees on a per user basis.

From my experience, after working with both platforms for a few years, the answer is quite clear - pick both!  Churches qualify for "free" non-profit use of both platforms.  You may start predominantly using one platform but that does not restrict your church from using tools from the other company.

The main choice that your church needs to make is which company you want to use for email.  Both are very capable.  After that there maybe tools you will want to use from both companies.

If you do choose to use tools from both companies, there is some technical setup work that needs to happen to enable "single sign on" in order to achieve common username and passwords for both platforms.

To make the best decision, it is probably best to discuss with your staff and leaders on priorities and preferences.  Next discuss with volunteers and potential contractors if you intend to seek outside assistance during implementation.

In the end, both platforms are very capable and you can't go wrong as both work quite well and with all types of user devices.

Lastly, each company Google and Microsoft do have components that are not provided by the other or as good as the other.

TechSoup - Technology Cost Savings For Churches

TechSoup is a non-profit organization which connects qualifying organizations to certain companies that participate.

As a registered charity, our churches qualify for products and resources that are provided for free or at significantly reduced fees.

Churches submit an online registration form to TechSoup where processing takes about 2-3 weeks.  There is no cost to register with TechSoup.

Once your application has been approved, you are able to access the eligible products under TechSoup.

These are my suggested products/companies:

Microsoft: Variety of products including Office 365 to host email, content and collaborate in the cloud.

Google: Variety of products including G Suite to host email, content and collaborate in the cloud.

Bitdefender: Gravity Zone Business Security - security, antivirus/malware protection with content filtering.

Content Filtering for Churches

When the term "content filtering" is used, most churches think of buying something to block unwanted adult content.  This is certainly one important area to address, but there are other things that need to be considered.

The focus of this article will be around solutions that are used to block access to inappropriate web sites, especially for children and youth in reference to "Plan to Protect" requirements.  Of course these measures are also important for all Internet users in our churches.

Other areas related to web content filtering are blocking infected web sites, malware and ransomware protection and other related security concerns.  These will be addressed in other articles.

Each of these solution types below vary in direct costs and in the amount of time needed by a contractor to implement and maintain.

These solutions below vary in some of the fine detail in how they work.  Churches looking to adopt a strong level of protection will likely implement more than one technology.

Three Main Types of Solutions

Software Installed On Computers 

For computers needing web content filtering, software is installed on each computer.  This approach can be especially beneficial to laptop users when they are outside of the church network as they will continue to benefit from web content filtering.

This solution would not provide web content filtering for users who bring their own devices.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security is available from TechSoup for 10 users at a price of $77 per year.  This application is a full security product that also includes web content filtering for Windows and MAC computers.

In a later article I will also go into more detail around TechSoup which is a non profit organization where software is donated for an admin fee at much reduced rates in comparison to retail prices.

Hardware Setup To Filter Internet Traffic From The Church

This solution provides protection to all users connected to the church Internet including users who bring their own devices.  No software is installed on workstations or user devices.

A hardware device connected to the router screens all communication to the Internet and blocks web sites according to filter rules.  

Fortigate Next Generation Firewalls are the recommended products in this category, which provide advanced network security and protection including web content filtering.  These devices are capacity sized according to the volume of Internet traffic and volume of user requests.  The cost involves a one time hardware purchase starting around $800 and a yearly subscription costs of $200 per year.  Larger Fortigate devices for larger churches would cost around $1100.

Online Subscription

This solution would cost up to about $1000 per year depending on the size of the church.  It does not require any hardware to be installed at the church and nor any software to be installed on computers.

CIRA is a non-profit organization in Canada that handles all .ca domain names and they also deliver this service called D-Zone DNS Firewall.

This solution works in the same way as Cisco OpenDNS or also known as Umbrella.

Wireless Project Budget Items

When your church looks to improve the wireless access in their building, there are various items that need to be considered from a budget and planning perspective.

What is your Internet speed?  In many areas of rural Newfoundland, their are significant speed differences between the various services provided by these companies: BellAliant, Eastlink, Rogers and Xplornet.  Not all locations have "high speed" which I would classify as being greater than 50Mbps.

For churches with 100 or more people in their congregation, you should be looking for Internet download speeds greater than 50Mbps. DSL speeds are typically between 2Mbps to 5Mbps.  Cable modem speeds can range from 2Mbps to more than 900Mbps. Note:  Higher numbers don't necessarily mean your connection is faster.  It means that it can potentially handle more traffic and more users at one time.

What is the status of your current data cabling?  If multiple wireless access points need to be placed throughout the building, then any existing data wiring will need to be examined as to whether it is reliable and in the right locations.  Many churches have persons who can assist with pulling data cabling and thereby reduce the project costs, when suitable directions and guidance is provided.

Does your church have business class network switches/router?  As the size of the church increases, the need to have intelligent devices that connect the network together, "managed network switches," this becomes increasingly important and in many situations for larger churches results in additional equipment to be purchased.

Does your church have persons in your assembly with some technical knowledge?  After the new equipment has been deployed in your church, it will require periodic monitoring to update software in the devices and to help troubleshoot basic issues.  Much of this work can be done remotely but would involve added costs to the church to have this work completed throughout the year.  With willing volunteers, this can become a growing area of ministry that can further support the church programs and activities.

Does your church need to spread out the wireless upgrade over multiple years?  If your church is looking to spread out the cost of a wireless upgrade over multiple years, then be careful!  Consultant costs for hardware, installation and ongoing support can be significant, but typically a wireless upgrade is just one of many other technology upgrades.  Once your church proceeds down the path to put in good quality wireless connectivity, this will likely create an appetite for other technologies.  This is not a bad thing!  This can be a very positive journey when done properly and planned well.

Who will be the point person for the project?  Depending on the church size, consideration should be given to who will be assigned as the local lead person to work with any contractor.  Any technology upgrades will likely create added workload for the local church and this needs to be considered when moving these projects forward.  Phone calls, questions, scheduling, ordering materials, arranging meetings, ... these can be burdensome and need to be recognized.

What happens when the wireless is not working?  I know it is hard to believe, but plan for something to go wrong.  If it does not happen then rejoice, but when the day comes, who are you going to call?  You will need to have an understanding with whomever you intend to provide advanced support of the deployed solution.  You maybe fortunate to have local volunteers who can fill that role and that is strongly desired and should be encouraged.

Ask questions!  Many church leaders and pastors may not be comfortable with asking questions about technology as the answers could be filled with "techno" language.  If you can not get understandable answers to your questions, give pause before you proceed and ask for an explanation that you understand.

So besides the equipment costs, their maybe other equipment and materials needed.  There will be the contractors labour costs and travel.  There will also be ongoing costs to support and maintain the technologies.  There will be costs to provide documentation related to the completed solution and any requested training.  In the end, working with the right contractor / solution provider is an important decision to be made.

Wireless Network Using Ubiquiti

It has become increasingly necessary to have reliable wireless networks in our churches - being able to access the Internet in all parts of the building by church staff, volunteers and church attendees.

These wireless networks need to have good coverage and have the ability to handle the volume of users with a wide variety of devices.

With the increase in connectivity, it is necessary to separate the wireless network into protected and public segments as security threats rise and as churches increase the amount of data stored on church computers.

Traditional consumer branded wireless access point are not suited to address this need.

Hiring a consultant that can assess the need, document and design a solution; then hire a contractor to to implement - this can be very expensive and for many churches cost prohibitive. 

As I continue to work in the technology field and have worked with various wireless technologies, I have discovered the Ubiquiti (www.ui.com) brand of wireless equipment.  They bring a huge selection of products at an incredibly affordable price point and provide an amazing wireless capacity.

For churches that are looking to update their wireless technology, consider Ubiquiti Unifi set of products.  This solution can address very large buildings and can work very well in small churches too.