The server control panel
The control panel is where you look after your school server: whether it is running, how staff connect, backups, the network, updates and your subscription. It is separate from Academium SMS itself, which your staff use.
Opening it
| Windows | Linux | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | The Academium SMS Server window on the server computer | A web browser, on any computer on the school network |
| How | Open Academium SMS Server on the server computer | Go to the address shown when the server was installed, such as http://192.168.1.20:… |
| Sign-in | None. Whoever can use the server computer can use the panel, so keep it locked. | The panel's own username and password (first time: admin / admin, change it straight away). Optional two-factor. See Linux control panel security and tools. |
The tabs
| Tab | Windows | Linux | What it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | ✓ | ✓ | Status, connection details, services, backup and start-up preferences |
| Devices | ✓ | ✓ | Computers using Academium with your school |
| Portal | ✓ | ✓ | Your plan, syncing with the online portal, renewal, admin password, factory reset |
| Monitor | ✓ | ✓ | How hard the server is working, and the health of its drive |
| Network | ✓ | ✓ | Network connections, handing out addresses, and the school's clock |
| Backup | ✓ | ✓ | Backup schedule, location, cloud backup and restoring |
| Logs | ✓ | ✓ | Technical records, for Academium support |
| System | ✓ | ✓ | Updates, maintenance and version details |
| Settings | — | ✓ | The panel's sign-in, two-factor, and support tools |
| Terminal | — | ✓ | Command-line access, for whoever looks after the computer |
The status lights
Four lights show which of the server's services are running:
| Light | Means |
|---|---|
| Database | Where your school's records are kept |
| Application | Academium SMS itself, which staff connect to |
| Time | The school's time server, if it is on |
| DHCP | The address service for schools without a router, if it is on |
Database and Application must both be on for staff to work. See Network and time settings for Time and DHCP.
Starting, stopping and restarting
Use Stop and Restart at the top. While it is stopped, staff on the Client Edition and in web browsers cannot use Academium.
On Linux, the power button also lets you Restart host server (everyone is disconnected for a minute or two) or Shut down host server (it stays off until someone switches the machine on in person).
The Overview tab
- Connection channels: the download page for the Client and Individual editions, and the address for web browsers. Open on a phone shows a code to scan: at the top of the panel on Windows, and in the sidebar on Linux. See Connecting computers to your school server.
- Resources: a summary of memory, disk, processor and connected computers. Details → opens the Monitor tab.
- Services: the time server and DHCP, with a Restart button.
- Backup: whether automatic backup is on, and when it last ran. Manage → opens the Backup tab.
- Preferences: start-up options and the panel's theme. See Running the server day to day.
Messages about anything that needs attention appear at the top, each with a button to deal with it. Dismiss hides one you have read.
The Devices tab
Lists every computer that has enrolled with your school, with any that are barred. To rename, lock, wipe or bar someone from a computer, use Devices & Access in Academium SMS. See Devices and access.
In a demo
If the server is running the demo school, the Overview tab has an End demo option, and Portal actions are unavailable until you set up your own school.