Re: Public-Access Computer Security

["Doris Munson" <dorism@xxxxxxxxxx>]

We use Fortres.  It allows us to specify that patrons can only download to floppy or zip disks.  Patrons do not have access to the hard drive or network drives.  Also, we only allow access to programs that have an icon on the desktop.  The Start menu only accesses the shut down option. 

 

The college also uses Centurion.  We decided to stay with Fortres because library staff are less likely to be in the position of being "computer police" and can focus on helping patrons find the information they need.

 

Doris Munson

Clackamas Community College

>>> greatpl@xxxxxxxxxx 03/18/03 12:28PM >>>

3/18/03

Hi Everyone,

This is slightly off-topic as it involves public access to the internet, but I hope someone an help.  We are trying to devise a public-access computer security policy.  Problems arise when we try to balance network security with the public's desire to have complete access to the internet and the ability to download every file they see.  Due to an onslaught of viruses and the the incredible amount of time debugging a computer entails, our network administrator has been increasing security on the pcs, therby limiting, to a certain degree, the ability of our patrons to download certain files. We would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has already walked this tightrope, and has come up with a security policy for public access pcs. Thanks in advance.

Janet Fine

Great Neck Library

159 Bayview Avenue

Great Neck, NY 11023