Lock down the family computer
Microsoft recently released an interesting new tool for Windows XP. It's called the
Shared Computer Toolkit . It's designed to protect public computers. Those include computers in libraries, copy service stores and Internet cafes.
But you don't have to be a cafe owner to use the toolkit. In fact, I think it has great potential for your family computer. It offers more features than the Windows XP Limited accounts.
The Shared Computer Toolkit lets you customize restrictions on different Windows accounts. That's especially handy with young children or teens in the house. Here are some of the things you can do:
Block access to specific programs. For example, you can block instant messaging programs or music players. Then there aren't distractions from schoolwork involving the computer.
Use session timers. You can set accounts to log out automatically after a specified time. For example, set a limit of one or two hours for Internet surfing.
Prevent changes to a profile. You can reverse any changes your children make to their own accounts. After any logout or shutdown, the accounts will be reset.
Block access to the Control Panel. You can also block access to the command prompt and Registry editor. Ensure that only you can tinker with these powerful features.
The toolkit also offers a feature called Windows Disk Protection. After a reboot, it automatically reverses any changes made to the hard drive. That could save you from malicious downloads. You still get the option to make permanent changes. So you can still install software and work with your documents.
You can find the Shared Computer Toolkit at the Microsoft site. The program is free for people running Windows XP updated with Service Pack 2. Microsoft tests for a legitimate installation of Windows XP before allowing the download.
The toolkit has several components. Windows Restrictions allows administrators to prevent users from accessing various Windows XP features such as the Control Panel, Internet Explorer options, or the Registry Editor. Additionally, administrators can control access to any drive (including removable media). Windows Restrictions stores these options in a user profile that can be locked so that any changes to the profile--including saved files, password changes, program personalization, and the like--are rolled back between user sessions.
Windows Disk Protection prevents users from making unauthorized changes to the Windows operating system partition, while ensuring that critical Windows updates are saved to that partition. User profiles can be stored in either the protected partition or an unprotected partition; users can change the latter, but profiles on the protected partition are refreshed between sessions, as described above.
To download the toolkit, users will have to prove they are running a legitimate copy of Windows XP by undergoing the Windows Genuine Advantage software test.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
