Offering secure public Web access is not as simple as it may seem. As the IT manager for a mid-sized public library, it is turn out to be obvious to me that creating a secure network of library workstations for use by the public is more important than ever before. Program administrators have the responsibility of protecting the library’s networks and systems, whilst making certain quality and speedy provider to all patrons. Offering public Web access requires a dynamic security strategy that is constantly beneath revision, taking into account the technical modifications of the occasions. Traditionally, the software program options accessible for help in this regard come at a substantial cost, often forcing libraries to invest 1000′s of bucks securing their computer rooms.

Sold per module or license, many of these software program solutions provide a variety of features, but often fall short of actually securing the workstation. Plagued with balance issues, it is not unusual for many of these security solutions to crash and leave an administrative-degree desktop open for public use. After test-driving a seemingly endless quantity of pro-active safety software program packages, the PC’s I administrate had been nonetheless accumulating spy ware, browser hijacks, and tracking cookies on a daily basis. That is, till I arrived across the completely totally free software program solution that actually does what others claim to — tightly secure any and every Windows 2000/XP Professional workstation.

The Public Access Computer Safety Tool is a total software program security program created by, and offered freely via the Bill &#038 Melinda Gates Foundation. Created for any public access computer that runs Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, it helps keep workstations secure by restricting public access to the device, and creating customizable profile environments to meet patron needs, with out compromising the ever-important administrative access to the terminal.

So how does the Public Access Computer Safety Tool function? By using 3 separate layers of pro-active security restrictions (program restrictions, profiles, and profile restrictions), patron access is limited to a desktop completely configurable by the Administrator, and locked down at the policy degree. This outcomes in a computer atmosphere that performs flawlessly, despite the &quotheavy use&quot element that’s turn out to be synonymous with the public access computing world.

After installing and configuring the Public Access Computer Safety Tool on our library’s 10 public access Web devices, the days of spy ware, instant messengers, and search bars are now behind us. I am assured our public access terminals are now correctly secure. Stability is not an problem any more the operating program itself is reconfigured to disable access to sensitive parts of the device. There is absolutely no way for patrons to intentionally or accidentally disrupt the functioning of the computer, as they are limited to the software program we have given them access to.

Greatest of all, libraries on the tightest of budgets can use the Public Access Computer Safety Tool for every public access terminal in the creating, and not owe a single dollar. The software program is completely totally free and requires no license/registrations. As an IT administrator, if you are purchasing about for public access solutions, I recommend you check out the Public Access Computer Safety Tool. Additional info and links to downloading the tool at accessible at: http://www.pacomputing.org/PACTool/pactoolhome.aspx.

Jim Frank is the Head of Computer Solutions for the Berwyn Public Library. He can be reached by emailing jiminberwyn@gmail.com. A support forum for the Public Access Safety Tool can be found by going to http://www.securepc.org. (Note TO EDITORS: This write-up may be edited for publication in your newsletter or on your website, but must include the author’s title, and the title of the write-up.)