FileWave

The article below explains some of the features of FileWave and what it is used for at Bayside Christian College to manage computers and mobile devices.

What is FileWave?

What is FileWave?

Bayside Christian College uses a management system called FileWave to configure and manage all of the Mac, iOS, and Android devices on our network. FileWave performs the following services for computers and mobile devices at Bayside:

  • Imaging - The installation of the Mac Operating System and basic configurations is done using FileWave Imaging.
  • Configuration Management - FileWave allows us to configure the Macs and mobile devices (e.g. setup printers; set a standard Desktop and Dock; remove or install software, apps, and eBooks).
  • Software updates - OSX  Software Updates are pushed out automatically to computers as required.
  • Kiosk (optional updates) - The Kiosk allows provides a mechanism for users to install some updates or configuration profiles when needed (e.g. upgrading from Mavericks to El Capitan).

Anytime you see a popup, application, or menubar item with the FileWave logo pictured above, this is part of the management system used at Bayside to help ensure your computer or mobile device is configured with software and settings that are needed; and, that it remains up-to-date and secure.

Mac Security Updates with FileWave

Mac Security Updates with FileWave

Most of the time, FileWave works silently in the background to keep everything working as it should. However, if FileWave needs to update and restart your computer while you are logged in, it will inform you. In these instances, you do have the option of delaying the update (not recommended) if necessary.

  1. This window shows the open applications on your computer that will need to be closed before FileWave updates the computer.
  2. If you want to quit the applications and proceed with the update, click the "Quit All" button and FileWave will close the apps for you.
  3. If you would like to delay the update for a more convient time, you can select any time between 15 minutes and 2 hours to delay the update.
  4. Once you have set a delay time, click the "Delay" button and the update will be postponed.

install Updates using FileWave

install Updates using FileWave

If you decided to Quit any open applications and install the updates prompted by FileWave, you will be presented with the screen above showing no open applications (1) and a new menu option.

If you do nothing, the updates will begin automatically after a set countdown (2). If you would like to kick off the updates immediately, click the "Start Installation" button (3).

FileWave Installer

FileWave Installer

Once an update is started manually or automatically, the screen above will appear. Please let the update run until it has completed and the computer has rebooted. If multiple updates require a restart, you may see this screen a second time and the computer will reboot again. This would occur only rarely.

NOTE: Please do not logout, restart, or shutdown any computer that is showing this screen, unless asked to do so by the ICT Department.

FileWave Kiosk (Menubar item)

FileWave Kiosk (Menubar item)

The FileWave Kiosk provides a self-service portal for staff and students. The Kiosk is the mechanism we will be using to enable staff to update their own laptops to new versions of OSX in the future (e.g. updating from Mavericks to El Capitan).

The FileWave Kiosk is accessed from the Menubar on the Mac. To open the application and Install optional items, click "install Software".

FileWave Kiosk Application

FileWave Kiosk Application

The image above shows the FileWave Kiosk application window. Optional software, certificates, or other content will be displayed in this application window and users can Install or Uninstall content without needing Admin access on the computer.