on 1/11/01 14:14, Sean Penney at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > There are over 200 Windows-based computers on the school's network, and > this is first time that I have been successful in convincing someone > with a chequebook to buy Macintoshes. > > It is very important that the introduction of 5 iMacs to our school > environment happen smoothly. I'm sure that iMovie and built-in FireWire > will delight all. > > What I'm concerned about is high school students having so much access > to the System Folder and such that these five computers might not be > running smoothly for very long. > > What do you suggest to eliminate the threat of users changing settings > and stuff on our new iMacs? Keep a burned copy of trustworthy System > Folder handy at all times? > > Is there software to restrict users access? I've never explored this as > I've never needed such a beast on my Macs at home. > > Can someone suggest some resources that discuss this type of situation?
With both OS X 10.1 and OS 9.2.1 you can prevent unauthorised users from accessing any application or OS-related files. You'll get both OS X 10.1 and OS 9.2.1 installed on the machines (choose which OS you want to boot in the StartUp Disk control panel). One problem is that if a student brings in a bootable CD-ROM and boots up that way they'll be able to access the system through the "back door". If you decide to run OS X you'll have good control over what students can and cannot do to the OS, and they'll *never* be able to get at OS X operating system files or application files to muck things up. If you run OS 9.2.1 (as someone else mentioned) you'll find that it has pretty decent (multiple user) user control software built in that will allow you to restrict access to *running* certain applications and accessing files in designated folders -- a great improvement over what was available before. In both cases you could even provide individual users with logins or give different classes separate logins (or however your school does it). BTW you'll probably find that under OS X the iMacs connect to your existing Windows/Novell servers seamlessly (and, you could always install Sharity if the built-in OS X networking doesn't connect) (OS 9 doesn't have that kind of interconnectivity unless your server supports AppleFileSharing). Eric. -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
