There Is No LockIt98
Kenn's
19990905: There Is No LockIt98
September/1999
Tech
Notes
Tech Note #5
The new version of LockIt95 is compatible with Active Desktop, and in fact provides better security with Active Desktop than without it. Some technicians - noting that LockIt is installed on the new workstations - have been looking for something called "LockIt98". There is no LockIt98, and unless someone contacts Warren W and provides major funding I don't expect there ever will be. The biggest compatibility issue between our previous implementations of LockIt95 and Windows 98 was the Active Desktop issue and that is now resolved.
The latest implementation of LockIt95 works with all versions of Windows 95 and Windows 98. If you wish to contact me with problems or suggestions regarding LockIt95, make sure you are using the latest version, as I do not support previous versions.
Noticeable changes include:
- All start menu shortcuts must be under the Programs submenu. Internet Explorer 5 bypasses one of the active desktop policies for context menus in submenus at the root of the start menu, so those menus are now disabled.
- The unlocking routine looks and "feels" a little different. There is now a progress bar which tells you what is happening during the unlocking. Also, when complete, instead of opening a folder with the Teacher Application shortcuts, the shortcuts are placed directly on the desktop, after refreshing the screen.
- The way the "permit current applications" routine works also "feels" a little different. It, too, uses a progress bar which tells you what is happening.
- The start menu also refreshes, giving you access to the Run... command and Settings.
- There are additional routines available for updating start menus on the workstation, and from a central share. The menu synchronization routine allows you to quickly update all users' start menus stored on the hard drive. The auto-update routine allows you to copy in shortcuts from a subdirectory of the NETLOGON share of your NT server. Both routines allow you to choose whether you wish to add to existing menus or replace them.
- The Domain Supervised level of user is now like the fully-locked user, except: 1) white background, 2) no wallpaper, 3) access to "preferences", 4) access to "properties", and 5) access to applications not listed on the start menu. Although this level of user still has the "look" of a locked user, a talented user will quickly observe that the system is unlocked in many important ways. Therefore, I do not recommend this as a school-wide solution. It is intended for classes which require access to programs which use properties and preferences windows, or which run applications that launch other applications in a nonstandard way.
DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.
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2001 June 9 |
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