Locked Down Windows 7 System for Anonymous Public use?
I am interested in configuring Windows 7 to be used in a Library setting, where general public would expect to walk up to it, open a browser, and access the internet. I would like to avoid any user logon process, block logoff, block any directory browsing, changing of profile settings etc.
Has anyone set a system up like this? Do you have a favorite walkthrough detailing the process?
UPDATE:
Trying to find a set of GP settings that lock windows 7 down to our specifications. So far I have http://charleskong.com/blog/2009/04/setup-windows-group-policy/ as a good example of what I am looking for, but does anybody else have a similar template, or list of settings?
Answers (4)
We use this at TMCC, lets you create your locked settings on one and then load to all others, has been a great product for us.
So, basically, you want it to work as a kiosk right?
Try these: http://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-setup-windows-vista-and-7-as-a-kiosk/
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/how-can-i-setup-a-computer-with-windows-7-to-be/89f3246f-baaf-45fc-b946-07450475a5b0
I've used Webconverger in the past to do exactly what you're talking about. If you're not a linux geek it may be quite difficult, but it has been a great, stable solution for our kiosks. http://webconverger.com/
Comments:
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Cost involved with this sort of thing makes it a deal killer :( - muebel 12 years ago
There are a couple of ways to do it, depending on your level of expertise. Kiosk mode works out really well. If you don't want to do that, you could change your default account names and make the only public user a guest. Then install whitelisting software - that will make the thing pretty secure.
You can also use a product called DeepFreeze - if it's still around - that reverts the PC every time it's rebooted. That makes hacking or installing stuff pretty valueless if the PC is rebooted regularly. The key with all of those is to ensure that the logon account used there is one with very restricted rights. If this is a public use kiosk, after you install Reader, Silverlight, Java, Flash, and a couple other plug-ins, there shouldn't be a need for other software to be installed.
