security with multiple users of Win98SE

[docdrew42]

We have a baby sitter who wants to use our computer to go online and check her e-mail. Is there any way to set up the OS such that she could be given access to Internet Explorer but not have access to any other programs or files on the hard drive? Thanks.

[sleddog]

I stand to be corrected but I think what you ask is impossible. You can fiddle with Windows 95/98 and hide or disable various aspects of the OS, but you cannot provide the level of security you want. For example, just type C: in Internet Explorer's address bar. Real security depends upon a filesystem that supports ownership and permissions -- like NTFS and Linux ext2.

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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[tjaymadison]

Even if you set her up with a separate user profile, it doesn't take too much to get around it -- just boot from a floppy.

[rmac]

Win 2k will do it

[mjc]

It is possible in Win98, but it involves a lot of modification of the registry and some of the restrictions would be global, not just for the current user. All in all the effort spent trying to modify Win98 probably isn't worth it, you wouldn't be happy with end result. There are a couple of third party programs that can do what you want. The first one that comes to mind is KidDesk by EdMark (http://www.edmark.com/). I have been using the lite version for a while now and it fairly easy to use. The full version does enable you to configure Internet access and other things the lite version doesn't.

With it you would have to change the boot order in BIOS to C: (hard drive first) then A: and probably password protect the BIOS. I think that also has its own browser (not sure though).

With all that I think that is about as safe as you can get without going to an OS that was designed for the business world and places a high priority on security, like Win2k....

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Does Bill Gates use WindowsME?

[docdrew42]

Thanks for the replies. I searched for third party programs and found one called bProtected 2000. I downloaded a trial version and have been playing around with it. I think it will do the job. If you've heard anything negative about this program please let me know.

[KenE]

Panda Software also has a security program that may do the trick. I have never used it but do use their anti-virus, with which I am very pleased.
www.pandasoftware.com (http://www.pandasoftware.com)