[WEB4LIB] launching executables within a browser

[Thomas Bennett]

We've been using NTScript from rethinkit for several years now and have been
pleased
http://www.rethinkit.com

Just set an association for .prg files with the ntscript executable on the
client machines.  We have used it to run executables from Novell servers, CD
Towers, NT Servers, and the local machine from links on a web page.  It also
has several other features such as logging into a server and mounting drives
on different platforms.  We have also used it to create scripts that can be
run from the web to remove viruses by including directions to change or
delete information from the registry and the disk.  I've used this program
to create a script to run winipcfg.exe from a browser URL when I wanted ip
information on a public machine and did not want to have to logout from the
secure public user and relogin under our systems login to access this
program.  The script syntax is simple using a text editor,ie.

sub main
shell "c:\windows\winipcfg.exe"
endsub

  Another usefull tool at Rethinkit is a free program called NagMe.  This
program can display html messages before running a program.  Let's say you
have found printing problems with Netscape when searching Ebsco.  You can
have this program popup a message before running Netscape to inform the
patron of the print problem and suggest another available browser.



Thomas

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Info Galway Library
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 9:51 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] launching executables within a browser


Hi,

On our public internet access computers, we would like the public to be able
to launch specified executables using the Internet Explorer 5x browser. Is
there a utility or plug in that will allow us to do this and that will not
compromise security? We use policy editor to specify what programs can be
run on these computers so the public constructing their own webpage to
launch undesirable programs should not be an issue, I hope.

Alternatively, is there a utility that will allow us to construct our own
customisable desktop from which applications can be launched and which is
secure?

I would appreciate any help.

Regards
John Fitzgibbon

Galway Public Library
Island House
Cathedral Square
Galway
Ireland

http://www.galwaylibrary.ie

Phone: 00 353 91 562471
Fax: 00 353 91 565039