[13941] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: CD-ROM use on Public Internet Access PC's
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Dan Lester)
Thu May 24 08:53:32 2001
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 12:57:53 -0600
From: Dan Lester <dan@RIVEROFDATA.COM>
In-reply-to: <NEBBJLMPILGOMMDDBJFMIEMOCPAA.dbarclay@library.tmc.edu>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-to: Dan Lester <dan@RIVEROFDATA.COM>
Message-id: <1046335469.20010522125753@riverofdata.com>
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I've seen CG and it works fine. However, there are two reasons I'd
recommend DeepFreeze or another solution.
First, CG is hardware, and has to be installed. Second, the hardware
costs more than the software licenses for any of the other products.
DAB> I recommend that you install Centurion Guard (or an equivalent product) on
DAB> whatever computers you allow users to run their CDs on. With Centurion
DAB> Guard, users can do whatever they like to the computer (load files, delete
DAB> files, etc.), but when the machine is rebooted, it goes back to the way it
DAB> was when you set it up.
True of DeepFreeze as well.
DAB> One nice thing about Centurion Guard with CD-ROMs is that if users need to
DAB> download copyrighted software to run the CD, that software does not stay on
DAB> the computer after it is rebooted.
Also true.
DAB> We've been using Centurion Guard on 50 public workstations for several
DAB> months, and have had zero problems. In fact, one of the reason that nobody
DAB> hacks Centurion Guard is that they don't know it is there. Would-be hackers
DAB> sit there thinking they are doing all kinds of nasty stuff to our PC hard
DAB> drives, but everything goes back to normal on reboot.
The same is true of DF, though we've been using it for almost two
years now with no compromised computers (on 46 computers).
DAB> I know I sound like a commercial, but I have no connection with Centurion
DAB> Guard other than as a satisfied customer.
Same is true for me with DeepFreeze.
As to other questions originally asked, we don't provide anything but
web access on the majority of our PCs. Several have headphones in our
curriculum center. (This is in a university library)
cheers
dan
--
Dan Lester, Data Wrangler dan@RiverOfData.com
3577 East Pecan, Boise, Idaho 83716-7115 USA
www.riverofdata.com www.postcard.org www.gailndan.com
