Safe program list?

[jbehrne]

Hi all,

I have several computers running WinXP Pro where the user is a Local Admin (due to several required software packages the user must run as an Admin...). Due to this I keep finding that users are installing unwanted software (games, etc.). Does anyone know of a piece of software that is free that can be used to lock the computer down? Basically, it should have a list of 'safe' programs that the user can run and then everything else would be blocked from running/installing/etc.

Thanks,

jbehrne

If at first you don't succeed, call in an airstrike. - Murphy's Laws of Combat Operations

 

[Scotsdude]

give the users local admin rights to the required program folders and registry keys....thats what I've done in the past.



------------------------------------------------------
Matt
He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy

 

[jbehrne]

Will this block programs that can run from a USB drive (such as Firefox Portable Edition, etc.)? Programs like this are also a big problem...

Thanks,

jbehrne

If at first you don't succeed, call in an airstrike. - Murphy's Laws of Combat Operations

 

[linney]

Do these sort of settings offer a solution?

Using Software Restriction Policies to Protect Against Unauthorized Software

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/rstrplcy.mspx

How To Use Software Restriction Policies in Windows Server 2003

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=324036

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Software Restriction Policies

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824526&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Description of the Software Restriction Policies in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310791&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH