If you have ever managed shared access computers, like computers in schools, public libraries, Internet cafes, kiosk machines, etc, you probably know how hard it is to keep the computers running in the long run, as well as keeping the security level high and up to date, without too much work and “hands-on”. What we need is a solution that protects hard disks from unauthorized changes – as some changes are required (ex. updates) and others are not (like when kids - and others - change the desktop layout, Start Menu shortcuts, system settings and worse).
Maybe you, like me, have tried hardware solutions with hard disk controllers redirecting writes to the system/boot partition to a hidden partition which is then “flushed” at every reboot. This is a very good solution; however we do face a problem when updating the computers, ex. Windows Update, Office Update, antivirus signature updates, etc. In this case the computers must be booted in “manager” or “admin” mode before we can perform any changes. Protect Public Computers with Windows SteadyState, Part 1
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