I need my Geeks...

[Rolex]

I have a few computers set up in the resident's library and there are a few people who will lose their privilege to use them.
I have my administrator account and one open resident account for each, that anyone can use.
I have IE and Firefox for browsers but today someone installed Google Chrome. How can I stop that from happening? Only I can install programs as the admin.
Also, how do I change the resident desktop so they can't rearrange icons and such? When I try to delete an icon I'm told I don't have permission, but when I'm on as the admin I can't get to the resident desktop.
They are XP.

 

[WoodiE]

Might want to check out a program called Deep Freeze - basically you setup the computer how you want it and that becomes the "master image" then when people log into the machine they can do what ever silly things they want and when they log off everything they did is gone and reverts back to your "master image".

How are you controlling permissions? Group policy?

 

[Rolex]

I only have my admin account and one account for residents.
If they want a game installed, I have to do it. Problem is, since everyone uses the guest account, some of them hit the right mouse button, then end up moving icons by clicking in the menu. I'm about to disable the right click button on the mouse.
As far as permissions, they have none, other than the ones that are included with the guest account. They can change their backgrounds and things like that, but since everyone uses the same account, it annoys everyone else when things get moved.

I'm mainly concerned with a way I can stop them from deleting searches and history. I've found images in the recycle bin from sites they know they can't go to. I need to be able to know who did it so they can be banned from the computer. I've set up sign in sheets so I can check that against the time stamp of the cookie or thumbnail.
I will DEFINITELY install the Deep Freeze for starters.

 

[WoodiE]

Rolex,

You can prevent a lot of those things with local group policy (since this computer doesn't sound like it's on a domain) so they can't change the background, add shortcuts, etc, etc.

As for web filter, I've used K9 Web Protection on a few computers that had little ones using them and it's VERY good at what it does, very easy to configure, and it's even FREE.

I'd say get a default image set, with local group policy applied to disable certain windows features along with K9 setup then create a deep freeze image and you'll be golden. No matter what they do nothing will reside on the computer the next time someone logs into it.

Keep in mind if you're wanting to catch the naughty people surfing sites they shouldn't then I wouldn't use deep freeze because all those logs will be removed when they log off and deep freeze reverts everything. Just FYI.

-Michael

 

[flm_savage]

If I was looking to catch someone, I would install a keylogger and use that to identify the offenders.

If you just want to prevent them from accessing it then there are some great family filters out there.

 

[Rolex]

I got a little creative. I removed the menu bars that allowed them to remove history or any thumbnails and then I disassembled the mouse and cut off the switch leg to the 'right click'. :
I bring a wireless mouse with me and just plug in the USB receiver when I want to check it.
If they can't access the tools menu to cover up their activities, they won't be going where they shouldn't.
Without the right click on the mouse, they can't reinstall the menu bars and they can't remove icons or change backgrounds.

 

[Non Crimen]

Can't you remove an icon by LEFT clicking it once and hitting the delete key on your keyboard?


Sent from my Pipboy-3000

 

[Rolex]

They're not smart enough to figure out anything like that.
The ones that use it don't have their own computers. I've seen people try to play solitaire and they don't know whether to left or right click or how to click and drag till someone shows them.
That's why the desktop was always being screwed up. Someone would right click, the menu would pop up, and not knowing to left click on the desktop to close it they would click in the menu and screw up all the icon settings.

 

[Non Crimen]

Oh I see.


Sent from my Pipboy-3000

 

[Skwerly]

Install Linux - nobody will no how to use it well enough to install stuff.

 

[hamz9561]

I'm considering that on my next machine since I HATE Windows 8...

Sounds like you've got a working solution there, Rolex.

 

[Skwerly]

I run Linux on all my machines, either exclusively or as a dual boot for not in case, but WHEN Windows decides to take a dump. Linux Minut is actually really easy to learn. It’s intuitive as heck and real similar to Winblows in most respects.

But you can’t get a virus; amen to that action.

 

[Rolex]

Anyone heard of Windows Blue? Soon to be released since 8 is so screwed up and confusing, even to people that understand computers.
Improve the functionality and protection of your OS, Bill. No one really wants to pay you MORE money just because it doesn't open to a desktop.
It all reminds me of Windows 1.1. That was my first computer after the VIC-20.

 

[hamz9561]

But desktops are going the way of the Dodo. Just ask all those Linux and OSX users. Most of my certifications are for Windows products and I don't understand why anyone would not want to be able to boot to a desktop. I know I'm a dinosaur that still likes to use the command line (I can usually diagnose and fix a networking problem quicker from a command line than the built-in wizard).

Microsoft is actually trying to push everyone away from desktop PCs and towards tablets (even though they don't have a significant presence there) IMO.

(/rant)

 

[olds97_lss]

I don't get it either... but probably fodder for another thread. I'm pretty sure 98% of all American workers that currently use a mouse and keyboard will not be using a tablet as their exclusive computing device for work. They have their purpose, but forcing everyone to cater to a interface for mobile drives me insane.

Pesky kids and their twittering!

 

[Skwerly]

I write for a living, and I can guarantee you that I won’t be using a tablet to pen my stories and articles. The tablets are fun and surprisingly powerful, yes, but they aren’t a jack of all trades.

 

[Rolex]

Pesky kids and their twittering!

And THAT'S what it's all about. They want the computer to look like a tablet and the tablet to look like a smart phone.
My phone is just that. My phone. I don't have any use for all the app icons that are already in it so I've removed them from my opening screen. I don't need a tablet. I just want to keep a good computer for everything I need to do. I have a laptop if I need something to go.
I don't text, I don't tweet, I don't like, follow or whatever else there is. I still like to talk to people face to face.

Anyway, I installed the Key Logger program yesterday and I'll be keeping a closer eye on things now with less concerns.

 

[hamz9561]

Ever thought about using an IP cam to also keep an eye (literally) on things in the lab as well?

 

[WoodiE]

Anyway, I installed the Key Logger program yesterday and I'll be keeping a closer eye on things now with less concerns.

IMO, that's a pretty sleazy and low thing to do. These people "COULD" be writing email or other messages to loved ones or whom ever that honestly is absolutely none of your business. They "COULD" be logging into websites that require a username/password - facebook, bank account, online shopping, whatever... again is absolutely none of your business.

Protecting your computers is one thing, spying and invading someones privacy is a whole other ball of wax.

Hope you see the wrong in your doing and make it a right.

 

[flm_savage]

I would put a notice saying that keystrokes are logged. Its insane to log into anything personal on a public machine anyway. I would have no qualms at all with logging it. To he honest if I was using it for general research and browsing, it would make me feel more secure knowing keystrokes are logged. That way I am in the clear if they find porn on it. The logs would clear my name.


Bottom line is that its a public computer available to all. If you want privacy, get a personal device. If you want to use my machine, it will be on my terms.