Stripped down IE wanted

[Tony New]

PROBLEM/GOAL: Provide access to specific Internet Databases 
without providing access to the whole Internet *and* disguise the 
fact that the database is "on the net" by stripping down the browser 
to a bare bones configuration.

WANTED:  Stripped down version of IE created by using IE Admin 
Kit. I'm hoping somebody out there has done something similar to 
what I'm *planning* to do and will save me a ton of time by letting 
me have a copy of your version of IE to start with so I don't have to 
start from scratch.


BACKGROUND:  Our Policy/Procedure is to allow patrons to 
choose, for themselves and their minor children,  the level of 
Internet access they wish to use: No Access, Filtered Access, or 
Full Access.   We are defining "no access" to mean "no surfing 
allowed;"  which allows us to still provide access to other library 
catalogues and selected databases *through* the net.

For example, The Texas State Library has a number of databases 
available free to Texas Public Libraries.  To access these 
databases you use an Internet Browser and register your IP#s with 
the TSL.. 

I have solved the first part of the problem and I am now beginning 
work on the second part of the configuration.  To restrict access to 
only the sites we want, I am using a custom "Yes List" in 
CyberPatrol to limit access to those databases and only those 
databases.  I've also replaced the standard cp.gif file that shows up 
when you try to access a blocked site with our own custom gif file 
that contains our Library Logo and a message that reads "The 
resource you are trying to access is not available on this computer. 
 If you need assistance, ask a Librarian." -- much friendlier than the 
CyberPatrol code and logo that shows as a default.  <smile>

The next step is to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer Admin Kit to 
strip down the browser so that it is bare bones.  All of the 
databases in question have internal navigation buttons.  If all I had 
left was the File save, exit, and print buttons that would be perfect!  
I *definitely* do not want the Address toolbar visible or accessible.

We have a PC-Lab with 12 workstations.  Nine are full-access, two 
are filtered-access, and three are no-access.  All of the computers 
have Application Suites such as WP and MS office on them as 
well as access to our CD-ROM network.  All are Win98 machines.

I'm going to use this stripped down browser on the 3 no-access 
machines in the PC-Lab and on our walk-up OPAC stations.

Any suggestions or comments would be gratefully accepted.  I 
would especially like to hear from those folks that have played 
around with IEAK.  At first glance, it does not look like an easy 
program to master.  <sigh>  *But* it looks easier than Netscape's 
version that does something similar.  <another sigh>  

Now... were did I put those M&Ms?  <smile>  
Chocolate always makes the job easier...


-------------------------------------------------------------
Tony W. New, Systems/Technical Services Librarian
Rowlett Public Library, P.O. Box 1017, Rowlett, TX 75030-1017
Phone: 972-412-6155, Fax: 972-412-6153
email: libtwn at rowlett.lib.tx.us, web: http://www.rowlett.lib.tx.us