"Microsoft Windows XP Shared Computer Toolkit (SCT)" (News)

Author:  Matthias Reichle
  

Created:  3/22/2007
Last modification:  3/22/2007

Categories:  Security, Tips and Tricks, User Management
Affected Products:  Windows XP

Description

  1. Description
    Microsoft has published a completely free solution to manage shared computers running Windows XP SP2 which is called Shared Computer Toolkit (SCT). The SCT is a compilation of tools which minimize administrative effort in schools, libraries, internet cafés and other public places.

  2. Overview
    Basically the SCT consists of the following parts:
    • Windows Disk Protection
      Windows Disk Protection ensures that every change made to the system is discarded through a computer restart. This tools helps protect computers from malicous software and spyware. It is possible to make exceptions, to let Windows Update and the update process of your antivirus product continue to work.
    • Profile management & user restrictions
      The user rights like file access, which software the user is allowed to run or at what time to computer may be used can be restricted with an easy to use interface. There is a possibility to create privileged user account, which are able to modify the filesystem permanently or possess other special rights. There is no need of Active Directory to perform all of these tasks.
    • Commandline tools
      The commandline tools offer enhanced settings for advanced administrators. For more information about using the commandline tools, Microsoft offers the downloadable SCT handbook.

  3. Summary
    Using this tools computers in public places like classrooms can be made more reliable and secure. With Windows Disk Protection in cooperation with user right restrictions the risks based upon unknown users and unwanted software can largely be eliminated.

    Use Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit now like others, minimizing your management efforts regarding computers in public places!

  4. Further links regarding SCT:

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