[13939] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: CD-ROM use on Public Internet Access PC's
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Donald A. Barclay)
Mon May 21 20:18:14 2001
Date: Fri, 18 May 2001 09:27:54 -0500
From: "Donald A. Barclay" <dbarclay@LIBRARY.TMC.EDU>
In-reply-to: <000001c0df06$c061b300$010e640a@dakota.lib.mn.us>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-to: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
Message-id: <NEBBJLMPILGOMMDDBJFMIEMOCPAA.dbarclay@library.tmc.edu>
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I recommend that you install Centurion Guard (or an equivalent product) on
whatever computers you allow users to run their CDs on. With Centurion
Guard, users can do whatever they like to the computer (load files, delete
files, etc.), but when the machine is rebooted, it goes back to the way it
was when you set it up.
One nice thing about Centurion Guard with CD-ROMs is that if users need to
download copyrighted software to run the CD, that software does not stay on
the computer after it is rebooted.
Centurion Guard is not software. It is a piece of hardware you install on
the workstation and it acts as sort of a intermediary hard drive--everything
the user does is written to the Centurion Guard hardware, not the hard
drive.
We've been using Centurion Guard on 50 public workstations for several
months, and have had zero problems. In fact, one of the reason that nobody
hacks Centurion Guard is that they don't know it is there. Would-be hackers
sit there thinking they are doing all kinds of nasty stuff to our PC hard
drives, but everything goes back to normal on reboot.
I know I sound like a commercial, but I have no connection with Centurion
Guard other than as a satisfied customer.
Donald A. Barclay
Houston Academy of Medicine-
Texas Medical Center Library
Houston, Texas 77030-2809
713.799.7120
always the beautiful answer
who asks a more beautiful question
--e.e. cummings
-----Original Message-----
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum
[mailto:PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU]On Behalf Of LaVonne Stein
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2001 2:23 PM
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Subject: CD-ROM use on Public Internet Access PC's
We are a public library system considering whether the public should be able
to bring in their own CD-ROM programs and music CD's and CD-ROMs that come
with books to use on Internet/Word Processing PC's currently available for
use.
If anyone is allowing this, are there any problems or concerns?
What PC security issues are involved?
How much staff time is spent helping patrons install or run these programs?
How often are programs removed from the PC?
What Operating System do you use?
Do you use security software with your PCs? What type?
If you allow music CD's, do you provide headphones? What sort of software
support are you providing for music? Sound Cards?
Thanks!
LaVonne Stein
Dakota County Library Wentworth
199 E. Wentworth
West St Paul, MN 55118
lstein@dakota.lin.mn.us
