[Ubuntu] Locking down Ubuntu for a newbie

[rolfea]

Hi guys

I've been asked to dual boot a single machine with Windows and Linux, and I thought before I do this I would install Ubuntu on a virtual machine and actually learn how to use it before anything else.

I would like to be able to stop student users from playing the games and using admin programs, however still want to keep them for teachers and admins.
On the Windows machines we usually create a default profile removing any icons and shortcuts in the start menu or desktop.

Is there a way of doing something similar to this with Linux, or some program which can allow the control of applications?

Also, and tricks and tips for using Ubuntu would be muchly appreciated.

[CyberNerd]

the default profile is /etc/skel
remember to password protect the bootloader, or they'll all get root!

[nephilim]

in the users area of ubuntu (System > administration > users and groups) you can lock down how you choose, its relatively straight forward.

If you make a group for students, make sure that you put all students in that group. You can lock it down as far as they only have Open Office and Internet!

[rolfea]

in the users area of ubuntu (System > administration > users and groups) you can lock down how you choose, its relatively straight forward.

If you make a group for students, make sure that you put all students in that group. You can lock it down as far as they only have Open Office and Internet!

been searching around in that. Couldn't find much in it to be honest, unless i'm looking in the wrong place?
are you able to put up any screen shots or anything?

[CyberNerd]

Desktop Administrators' Guide to GNOME Lockdown and Preconfiguration

[unixman]

If you are using KDE there is the Kiosk The KDE Extragear - Kiosk Admin Tool

Also, only install the software that you actually need.

[linuxgirlie]

A seasoned KDE lockdowner here, so am quite happy to answer any questions, seeing it has taken me ages to get to this point it will be nice to save people time

Saying that if you are using Ubuntu I assume you will be using Gnome, which I have no clue about locking down at all

Jo

ps. If its any help I have uploaded both my current Skel(including .kde) and Kiosk settings for people to have a look at, most of the lockdown is done in .kde. The kiosk settings are used so we can have seperate restrictions for students and itadmin users. Locks down the norm, like background, screensaver, keyboard shortcuts etc. The skel has our software lockdowns in.

Index of /linux

[alecspoons]

I'm looking at achieving similar by making new users "unprivileged" and then simply hiding menu items on their desktop so that they can't see them (system->preferences->main menu). You can hide everything, but I'm not sure what would happen if I hid terminal though!