Win XP Home Security

[Newton]

I have never seen the professional version, but I am interested in computer policies on a Win XP home machine.

We have a public LAN in a cafe for gaming etc, So XP seems like the right way for us to go, but right now (win 2000) I can remove users access to control panel etc. Its making maintaining the network a lot easier!

Gaming is a big part of what we do, and from what I have read Win XP really brings gaming to NT kernal...but

Does XP Home have policys?

Would I be able to accomplish the same effect another way?

PS I havent even clicked on XP yet, so sorry if my Question is really stupid.

 

[jsauce]

If you are looking to continue with the same type of Windows Security you have now I would not suggest the Home Edition. It really isn't meant for any real type of security.

Home edition: Lacks file encryption, remote access and integration with Windows 2000 server. Shared folders on a LAN can only be set to either public or private with the Home edition. In contrast, the Professional edition allows shared folders to have their own individual passwords.

I would suggest that you pay the extra $100 for the Professional version it really is much better. John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com

http://www.magicguild.com

Certified Technician

 

[MarcVS]

As far as I can see, this is only possible when XP Pro is on a domanin, not as a standalone. Then the security is the same as the home edition...

Or am I overlooking something?

Marc

 

[Sithl0rd]

I would like to mention that MarcVS post is incorrect. When you run Win XP Pro in a standalone mode, it still has the same security features as it running on a domain. But when running as in standalone mode, Windows hides most of the security features thinking users wont be using them in a standalone situation, but they can be reactivated, through Control Panel settings.

 

[Newton]

well its kinda weird...

the home edition is supposed to not support logging onto a domain, probably so Microsoft can sell the prof version otherwise really you would only ever need client machines on home xp...I understand that part.

but what I want to do is a stand alone environment. On win 2k I can use group policies (via domain controller) OR I can just set up policies on that machine, my understanding was this had nothing to do with the domain controller.

I have tried to accomplish this on home XP, but I see MS has removed stuff, I cant add it under mmc snap ins.

I dont have a domain controller its all peer to peer, does anyone know another way to make it so users cant install viruses and screw around on home XP machines for public use?

TIA

 

[Sithl0rd]

I have not used or seen WinXP home edition but according to Microsoft's web site, Home Edition doesnt support quite a lot of security features that Win2k Pro & WinXP Pro support. Have a look at

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp