Computer Security: Get More Control & Restrict User Access

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to gain more control over computer user access and restrictions, particularly focusing on operating systems like Windows and Linux. Participants explore methods for limiting user capabilities and managing permissions, as well as addressing a side question regarding the definition of gigabytes in marketing terms.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for control over user access, asking about the possibility of restricting program access with an override password.
  • Another participant suggests that if the user has Windows NT, 2000, or XP, they can set user rights to control access to files and programs.
  • It is mentioned that using system policies can help lock down the system, though this is noted as a complex topic requiring further research.
  • A participant explains that computer manufacturers may round numbers for storage capacity, leading to discrepancies in how gigabytes are represented.
  • One suggestion is to set user accounts with limited permissions to prevent access to important system functions.
  • A participant highlights that Linux offers total control over user access but requires proper knowledge to manage effectively.
  • Novell is mentioned as a tool that can help manage user access in a network environment, allowing for detailed control over user permissions and monitoring.
  • Participants inquire about the operating system in use and the number of computers to be controlled to provide more tailored advice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential methods for controlling user access, but there are varying opinions on the effectiveness and complexity of different operating systems and tools. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for specific situations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific details about the user's operating system and the number of computers involved, which may affect the applicability of the suggestions made. The discussion also reflects differing views on the marketing practices of computer companies regarding storage capacity definitions.

StephenPrivitera
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I'm a control freak. So I need to know - how can I have more control over my computer? I want to place restrictions on what users can do on the computer. For example, is it possible to make certain programs inaccessible without an override password? The only reason I ask is because once I was on a school computer and tried to load Windows Explorer to fix a problem and the computer wouldn't let me. How can I do things like that?
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Entirely unrelated question - sorry - but it didn't deserve its own thread. Are computer companies purposely screwing me over when they claim that 1GB=1 billion bytes? I thought 1GB=230bytes!
 
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Originally posted by StephenPrivitera

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Entirely unrelated question - sorry - but it didn't deserve its own thread. Are computer companies purposely screwing me over when they claim that 1GB=1 billion bytes? I thought 1GB=230bytes!

I guess they do it on purpose. I've noticed that the companies that produce HDDs do that all the time probably so their HDDs appear bigger than they are. Or maybe it's too complex for the marketing department to raise 2 to the power of n. What can I say - life is not fair...

As for the main question, if you have WinNT, Win2000 or WinXP and you are the one that installed the system on a computer you can set user's rights to read, write, execute anything on that computer.
 
Depending on your OS, you can also use policies to lock the system down. That is a complex topic, you would be better off searching windows help for "system policies" or "policy editor".

As I understand it, computer mfcs just round out the numbers. IE, 1024kb = 1mb, but an mfc would just say 1000kb = 1mb. Makes a big difference with bigger numbers, obviously...

By the way, one thing you can instantly do to help with users screwing around on your computer is to set their account as a user account, as opposed to power user or admin. That will prevent their accessing important system functions, for the most part.

Happy configuring!
 
Well, depending on your OS, there are many things to do.

Linux provides you with total control over every aspect of your computer and people who login to it. The problem is learning how to use it properly.

You should be able to do everything you need with a newer version of windows, 2000, XP, etc. I'm not really sure if Me, 98 and such had that ability without some program like Novell.

Novell makes life really easy if you take the time to read up on it properly. You can limit things such as when a person has access to what, and for how long. You can give them certain areas which they may store personal files, and monitor everything they do. Novell is more for a network environment though.

Would work good in a situation like Main computer in bedroom, kids each have a pc in there rooms. You could control both the 2 pcs from your main pc.

If its a single computer follow the above advice and research windows policys. I'll get some more info for you if you don't figure it out before I get a chance to.

Some usefull info for us would be:

What kind of OS are you using?

How many computers do you wish to control?

If more then one, what OS are they using?
 

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