[OPLINTECH] What you allow patrons to do on Public computers?

[Adam Murphy]

Jim

Patrons can download and save to the local disk, usb drives and cds. We 
do not allow patrons to install any software. We use Deep Freeze, group 
policy  and registry tweaks to lock the systems down. CCleaner runs when 
a new session starts to clean up previous patron's browsing history, 
cookies, recycle bin, etc.

The public PCs are currently setup in a workgroup. I can update the PCs 
using Deep Freeze's management console.

On a few occasions we have had patrons want to install iTunes or other 
3rd party software/devices. We tell them that isn't allowed. The rare 
exception is when the software comes from a reference book or text book 
(happened 2-3 times in last 2 yrs).

Adam
> 
> 
> I’m sure this has been addressed before and I apologize for bringing it 
> up again (if it has) but I was curious what you allow patrons to do on 
> your public computers.  Our public computers are running Windows XP and 
> we use Windows Steady State to lock them down.  We have configured SS to 
> work in the domain environment by downloading the Group policy template 
> for SS.  Do you allow patrons to download anything to the local machine? 
> I.E. iTunes?  Or have any access to the file structure?  Also, do you 
> find it easier to manage the computers thru the domain (using the GP 
> template) or is it easier managing it locally via the Steady State 
> settings and setting the computers up in a workgroup?  Just trying to 
> get a better idea on how to set a public computer up to give the patrons 
> the freedom to do things without giving up any security.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Jim Lack
> 
> Rocky River Public Library
> 
> 
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-- 
Adam Murphy
IT Specialist
Rossford Public Library
720 Dixie Highway
Rossford, OH 43460
(419) 666-0924