[OPLINTECH] Access Management Software

[Ron Dalpiaz]

Mindy,

One product that we have used for three years to lock down our workstations
while offering our patrons full, unfettered access to all workstation
functions is Deep Freeze from Faronics (formerly Hyper Technologies). This
product is flawless. In three years, I have had no permanent workstation
software crashes, virus problems (you don't even need virus protection
software), or any damage issues whatever with hacked machines. The product
works by presenting a virtual workstation environment to the patron,
allowing him/her to do ANYTHING to the machine, while isolating the actual
operating system and hardware from access. If any harmful action crashes the
machine, a simple reboot restores all the initial settings, and you have a
fresh machine. Speed is not affected - the machine works as designed.

http://www.deepfreezeusa.com/index.htm

We authenticate patrons by a signup sheet, asking for their name and time
signed on. If there are patrons waiting, we enforce the one hour limit; if
not, they may continue computing until someone else needs the machine. We
have had no negative attitude problems using this method - people understand
that everyone needs fair and equal treatment for Internet access.

 This works, of course, because we have a dedicated tech room with all
machines in one place, and a staff person on duty.

 There are timed internet access products out there, and a Google search
should find them for you.

Hope this helps!

Ron Dalpiaz
Technology Coordinator
Dover Public Library
Dover, OH
dalpiaro@oplin.org


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mindy Holmes
> To: oplintech@oplin.org
> Sent: 12/4/03 11:44 AM
> Subject: [OPLINTECH] Access Management Software
>
> I am trying to find a good software package for our library that will do
> at least the following:
>
> *         Patron authentication
> *         Timed Internet Access
> *         Lock down the workstation desktop
>
> I have spoken with the folks at Comprise about their product SAM.  I was
> wondering whether any of you could recommend some other packages that
> you have used and like.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mindy Holmes
> Mason Public Library
> holmesme@oplin.org <mailto:holmesme@oplin.org>
>
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