[2008 UPDATE: The Public Access Security Tool described in this article has been retired. We highly recommend that new users do not begin using this software; its development has long ended and it will not work with future versions of Windows. Instead, we recommend you use the free Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit. It provides the same type of secured public user accounts, but also includes hard drive protection and time management. This software is being actively developed, and will continue to be compatible with future Windows upgrades. For the time being, we will continue to offer access to the PAC Security Tool and it’s documentation for those users who already have an installed base of computers that they wish to maintain.]
What the Public Access Computing Security Tool does
Providing public access computers often involves time spent keeping the computers functioning properly. Without a security system in place, users may make both intentional and unintentional changes to the computers. These changes can include changing the desktop background, saving files, installing new software, or deleting necessary operating system files.
The Public Access Computing Security Tool is a free application designed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to secure your public access computers. The Security Tool is an adaptation of the security system currently in use on tens of thousands of computers granted to public libraries across the country. This tool is now available for you to use on any non-Gates Windows 2000 or XP Professional computer. Using the Security Tool, you can create secure public profiles on your computers that restrict users from making changes to the computer while allowing access to the resources they need.
What the user sees
Once the Security Tool is installed, when you log on as a public user you see a standard Windows desktop with icons for the chosen programs. Open My Computer and the hard drive is hidden and unavailable. Click on the Start Menu and you are missing Run, Settings (access to Control Panel and Printers), Search and most programs. Open My Network Places and you are unable to browse to other computers on the network.
Once you log off, temporary Internet files, saved and downloaded files, and additions to the History and Favorites folders, are all deleted.
You control it
Using your administrative account, you can log on to the computer with no restrictions. You can perform your normal tasks such as updating your antivirus program or installing new software.
As an administrator, you can use the Public Profile Manager program to remove the security restrictions and make any changes to the public profiles. You can also use the Manager to create a backup of your profile settings to transfer to your other computers, making it quick and easy to set up identical public access computers.
Where to get it
Download the Public Access Security Tool from the Software section of WebJunction. There you will find the two applications that comprise the Security Tool and full instructions for its use.
How to get help
The WebJunction community will play a key role in supporting the Public Access Security Tool. Use WebJunction's Software Forum to post questions about the tool, and to offer advice based on your own experience.
@Copyright 2003 - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
