Locking down IE on public computers

[Munson, Doris]

I used to use Fortres at my old job and was able to lockdown the computers fairly tightly, even to the point that the only function on the Start menu was the option to turn the computer off.  However, we use DeepFreeze at my current job and I'm very happy with it.  DeepFreeze allows users to access all parts of the computer but restores the original settings when it is rebooted.  (Occasionally, I'll turn off the computer and then turn it back on to really make sure the settings are restored.)  The one drawback I've come across is that automatic updates of security software don't stick.  We've gotten around this by scheduling DeepFreeze to turn itself around 2am (when the library is closed), install software updates, and then have DeepFreeze turn itself back on.  It does mean that the computers have to stay on all the time.

Regards,
Doris

Doris Munson
Systems/Reference Librarian
Eastern Washington University
dmunson at ewu.edu
509-359-6395



-----Original Message-----
From: Web technologies in libraries [mailto:WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Jesse Ephraim
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 4:02 PM
To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [WEB4LIB] Locking down IE on public computers

We use Deep Freeze, and have been very happy with it.  No matter what the patron puts on the computer, it reverts to its original state after you reboot it.

Jesse Ephraim
Roanoke Public Library
Roanoke, TX


-----Original Message-----
From: Web technologies in libraries [mailto:WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Ahlstedt, Lisa A (Southeast)
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 5:58 PM
To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [WEB4LIB] Locking down IE on public computers

Oops, the program that wipes out any changes is Faronics Deepfreeze, not Ghost.  I guess that's why they leave the IT stuff to others!



Lisa

________________________________
From: Ahlstedt, Lisa A (Southeast)
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 4:07 PM
To: Web technologies in libraries
Subject: RE: Locking down IE on public computers

Our IT department uses Ghost:  http://us.norton.com/ghost/

If I understand it correctly, patrons have a lot of freedom when they are using the computer - they can download, save, move things around, change the wallpaper, etc.  But when the computer is restarted, it is re-set to a pre-defined setting.  All changes are wiped out.  There are administrator settings that can be used if you need to make a permanent change to any file or program.

At least, that's the way it was explained to me!  Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for, but it might be worth considering.

Lisa Ahlstedt
Southeast KY Community & Technical College Library
Middlesboro, KY

From: Web technologies in libraries [mailto:WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Marcie Brandriff
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 3:57 PM
To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Locking down IE on public computers

We are using Public Web Browser but are looking to switch to Internet Explorer. However, we need a way to lock down certain functions so patrons can't make too many changes to it. Any suggestions for either hiding the menus or locking down the Tools menu and maybe Favorites and also disabling the ability to download and install toolbars?

We do have Fortres, but they don't lock down anything inside the browser. The IT guy there suggested using Microsoft Policies, but I'm having a hard time searching the Microsoft website because there's so much information there and I don't really know what I'm looking for. Any suggestions here would be helpful as well.

Thanks!
Marcie Brandriff

Librarian

Northborough Free Library

34 Main Street

Northborough, MA 01532

508-393-5025

mbrandriff2 at cwmars.org<mailto:mbrandriff2 at cwmars.org>
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