Microsoft tool for schools

[russdev]

Got this via becta newsletter..

 

Microsoft tool for schools

Microsoft is developing a computer management tool aimed at shared computers as used by most schools. The Shared Computer Toolkit is aimed at non-technical staff and will allow them to restore computers to a clean state after users log-off, delete downloaded software and remove user information. It also enables computers to be locked down so that system level changes cannot be made. The tool works on Windows XP SP2. A beta version and more information are available from: http://www.microsoft.com/sharedaccess Other third party software offering similar lock-down and management functionality has been available for some time.

 

 

Russ

[Netman]

Thanks Russdev - good spot. I'll give it try out and report back when I can...

Oh, and you might want to edit your post a little, there's a full stop included in the url...

 

Cheers,

[russdev]

To be honest i think it is aimed at standalone computers to lock them down...

 

Maybe for primary schools where the teacher runs standalones and wants an easy solution but if you have a network then not really that sutable..

 

Nothing you couldn't do yourself..

 

Russ

[russdev]

saying that this caught my eye in the faq...

 

How can the toolkit be used to safely test software?

A.

 

You can use the Windows Disk Protection tool to help safely test software. When enabled and left in its default mode, the tool does not allow changes to be permanently made to the Windows partition. When the computer restarts, changes (such as the installation of new programs) are discarded.

 

If the tool is enabled when you test a new program, you can be sure any problems the program causes won't become permanent. Of course, if you decide that you want to keep the program, you can allow the tool to commit the changes to the hard disk. You can also retain the changes while testing software throughout multiple computer restarts, and then decide whether to discard or commit the changes to the hard disk.

 

That could be useful

 

Russ

[RobC]

When the computer restarts, changes (such as the installation of new programs) are discarded.

 

Hmmm. Looks like a good way to piss off the Technical department. Teach them to moan about my response times when I'm up to my eyeballs!

[zippy]

Hmm.

 

MS seem to be fessin' up to an almighty oversight at the workgroup level.

 

Still, it's all grist to the mill - supports the arg that they're serious about getting their act together. Power to 'em.

 

1 house point.

[Netman]

Have had a quick look and as Russdev rightly says it's obviously aimed at standalones. However, the disk protection tool could be useful to those who have workstations frequently messed up by meddling and could be a free (?) alternative to the likes of Deep Freeze.

It does have a registration process whereby you have to have a .Net passport and answer some questions before you are given a code to install.

[russdev]

also note it is beta and they may charge for it once out oif beta

[Dos_Box]

I just wish they'd release some ADM templates with schools in mind with more drive restrictions (instead of having to add our own), printer installations and other useful 'bits'.