AUP Informant 1.6 Released

[bizzel]

Here it is, fresh from the compiler, just like Mom used to bake! It's been a long time since a release and 2.0 is still a way off so I thought I'd take the time to backport a few new features and fix some long-standing bugs.

 

http://www.paulbeesley.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/aupmainscreen.jpg

 

First off, what's new?

 

• You'll just love that native MSI package!
  
• The 2.0 interface has been backported to 1.6
  
• You can finally set the program to appear every logon
  
• You can use an URL as the policy location instead of just a local path
  

 

What's got better?

 

• Much faster startup and lower memory usage
  
• Email reports now show the user's domain
  
• Email reports send in a new thread, preventing the UI from locking up
  
• A few minor performance tweaks
  

 

What's fixed?

 

• Sometimes the main window would appear the incorrect size
  
• Global variables were being ignored in paths
  
• Hotkeys (enter for accept, esc for decline) were being ignored
  
• Incorrect fallback behaviour for when the staff policy file was unavailable
  
• Program would appear if the user's home path was disconnected
  

 

Downloads here:

 

AUP Informant at Paul Beesley

[reggiep]

Wow that looks fantastic! I have been meaning to sort out my AUP for ages.

 

One question, I can't find any installation instructions for the CC3 package, could you point me in their direction?

 

Thanks

[bizzel]

There's a readme file inside the download. If you need any help with editing the .config file, drop me a PM.

[plexer]

Are there any example of the htm policy files anywhere?

 

I had to download the conversion pack to open the docx readme.

 

Looks great though

 

Ben

[bizzel]

Attached is our student policy, which is what we use with the software here.

student.zip

[reggiep]

Ah yes it was a docx file. We don't have 2007 in the school so it didn't stand out.

 

Thanks again.

[bizzel]

When I get home I'll repackage them with a .doc instead.

[reggiep]

You are too kind!

[plexer]

That student aup looks very pretty and I'm not sure what I would use to duplicate it.

 

Ben

[Theblacksheep]

I was getting a 'Operation cancelled due to effect placed on this computer' windows error message. I used the CC3 package and duplicated my previous settings from an earlier version of the AUP informant.

 

I used 'teststudent' which is setup as a 'pupil' user in the CC3 MMC.

[bizzel]

I was getting a 'Operation cancelled due to effect placed on this computer' windows error message. I used the CC3 package and duplicated my previous settings from an earlier version of the AUP informant.

 

I used 'teststudent' which is setup as a 'pupil' user in the CC3 MMC.

 

Okay, I haven't heard of that message before. Any chance you could get me a screenshot?

 

Was the previous package removed first and did you copy the old .config file across or did you modify the new one? Can you send me the config file as well, passwords removed if you like.

 

Paul

[Theblacksheep]

Just for peoples info....

 

I needed to create a 'file type' 'software restriction policy' in the CC3 MMC as for some reason it didnt pickup on the standard one (%ProgramFiles%\).

 

All working fine!

 

Cheers Bizzle

[bizzel]

Just for peoples info....

 

I needed to create a 'file type' 'software restriction policy' in the CC3 MMC as for some reason it didnt pickup on the standard one (%ProgramFiles%\).

 

All working fine!

 

Cheers Bizzle

 

Yep. Usually an RM network will allow programs in the Program Files folder to run without any extra setup. If this doesn't work for you, try a "gpudpate /force" and reboot on the workstation.

 

If that doesn't work you can add a file exception from the management console in Configuration Settings -> Software Restrictions Settings. However, you shouldn't need to do this normally.

[nadeem]

Looks great thanks, I'll try and implement this week sometime

[sidewinder]

Looks good, and thanks for the MSI

Wish Id waited a few weeks now and not bothered with a script

[bizzel]

Looks good, and thanks for the MSI

Wish Id waited a few weeks now and not bothered with a script

 

I do need a willing test subject for the MSI. It's basically the CC3 package with a few tiny tweaks. The RM packager creates what's basically a normal MSI except that the files to be installed aren't contained within. Since AUP Informant doesn't rely on or touch anything RM it should deploy just fine.

[cromertech]

I'm looking at testing it now in one of my suites. I'm just going through the settings now. Is there any way of having an identifier for the students instead of the staff as our staff usernames are just made from first and last name combos?

 

for example can i put

 

               q

[bizzel]

I'm looking at testing it now in one of my suites. I'm just going through the settings now. Is there any way of having an identifier for the students instead of the staff as our staff usernames are just made from first and last name combos?

 

for example can i put

 

               q

 

On the technical side, no, it's not possible. What you can do however is put that "q" as the staff identifier and swap the policies around. For example, you put the path to your staff policy into the StudentAUPPath setting and your student policy path into the StaffAUPPath setting.

 

Graphically there's no difference apart from the policy that's displayed so that would effectively act as your student identifier. I hope that makes sense, I'm pretty tired. PM me if I've written a load of rubbish.

 

Paul

[cromertech]

That makes perfect sense. Don't know why i didn't think of it myself. Must be tired too.

I'll test the deployment out later and see what happens to my test machines although they are all virtual and don't really give me the problems i get in a real life scenario but can't afford the space for full pc's.

[Edu-IT]

I've installed this on my machine but it doesn't seem to run and I have no idea why. I used the MSI package to install it. Do I need to edit anything to get it to run?

[bizzel]

I've installed this on my machine but it doesn't seem to run and I have no idea why. I used the MSI package to install it. Do I need to edit anything to get it to run?

 

The MSI should create a registry entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Can you check if it's there please?

[Edu-IT]

The MSI should create a registry entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Can you check if it's there please?

Will check on Monday, thanks bizzel.

[Edu-IT]

The MSI should create a registry entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Can you check if it's there please?

Yes the registry key is there.

[bizzel]

Okay, could you use the contact form on my website to send me your .config file? It'll be at C:\Program Files\AUP Informant Tool\AupInformant.exe.config.

 

I'll take a look and check it out but I suspect there's a bug somewhere which I'll try to squash.

[Edu-IT]

I've got it working now, partly, but when I change the AUP html file the AUP isn't displayed to the user at next logon even though I've set this in the config file.