Microsoft's IEAK vs. Netscape's Administration Kit

[Reeder Norm]

We haven't had a chance to work here with Communicator 4.0, although I 
have it at home.  We do have both Administrator Kits for Netscape 3 
and Internet Explorer 3.  We found that with Windows NT Policy editor, 
its NTSF file system, and Internet Explorer Admin Kit, we could create 
a "secure" PC.  I know nothing is perfectly secure, but it's worked 
for about four months with no problems.  This doesn't address the 
Win95 problem though.

The current Netscape 3 Admin Kit is a fiasco.  You have to tweak 
".ini" files.  Only three of the options menu choices are available to 
block.  Most of what we wanted to kill off wasn't available.  For this 
privelege we paid $800.  We had great difficulty finding out  from 
Netscape staff what could be blocked and how.  There are no printed 
instructions either.

On Netscape's site it indicates that the new Communicator 4.0 Admin 
Kit not yet available according to their staff) will have 200 options 
(not really specified).  However, it will require Netscape SuiteSpot 
Server and one other Netscape Server which I forget which for now.  A 
big concern with Communicator 4.0 is that you don't get just the 
browser.  You can no longer just download the browser piece 
separately.  You also automatically get the web editor, the e-mail 
messenger component, and the collabra discussion group component. 
 That makes for even more things to have to kill off.

Thanks

Norm Reeder
Library Services Manager
Torrance Public Library
3301 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
310-618-5950
reeder.norm at mail.ci.torrance.ca.us
The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the City 
of Torrance

----------
From: 	Timothy G. Kambitsch[SMTP:kambitsch at DAYTON.LIB.OH.US]
Sent: 	Wednesday, July 09, 1997 3:47 PM
To: 	Multiple recipients of list
Subject: 	Microsoft's IEAK vs. Netscape's Administration Kit

Has anyone compared Microsoft's IEAK to Netscape's Administration 
Kit?

I've been looking at ways to manage our Internet browswers for the
public and have used the IKiosk/Fortres/PowerToys/Everybody's Menu
as a means to control Netscape 3.x. on Win95 workstations.

Lately I've been experimenting with Navigator 4.01 and see chinks
in the armor.  I'm tempted to buy the $800 Netscape Administration
Kit to see if that will close the holes.

As an alternative, I've downloaded Microsoft's IEAK (Internet 
Explorer
Administration Kit) and have been disappointed by the limited
control you have.  There are some valueable tweaks in IEAK, but IMHO
they only went half way.

I know some people have used C resource editors to modify Navigator 
3.x
for additional control. Any experiences with 4.0?

Tim

Tim Kambitsch <kambitsch at dayton.lib.oh.us>
Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library
937-227-9560  fax:  937-227-9524
215 East Third Street, Dayton OH 45402