For many corporations there exists a business requirement to deploy a computer that offers a limited feature set—such as an administrative machine that needs to be simplified, an information kiosk that has a dedicated role, or a production line computer that has a mission-critical function. Limiting a computer’s functions is an important part of protecting a computer’s purpose. Having fully-functional computers placed in environments where only limited-functionality is required serves not only as a distraction to user productivity but also a threat to business operations. For example, users should not be able to browse the Internet or access system settings on computers that are critical to business operations—such as kiosks, point-of-sale machines, and production line systems.

Unfortunately, until now the only way to limit a computer’s features has been through complex and time-consuming Group Policies. Since not all organizations have a Group Policy ‘expert’ available, computers are often deployed in a fully-featured state.

Protect A Computer’s Purpose

WINSelect ensures that computers are used for their determined purpose by enabling IT administrators to easily tailor the operating system and application functionality to only include the features required. Using WINSelect makes it possible to create limited-access or ‘simple’ machines that are perfectly suited for kiosk environments or administrative machines. Users benefit from a simplified interface, and IT personnel are ensured that computers are not becoming cluttered up with files or browsing activities that distract from a system’s role.

Influence User Activities

WINSelect brings a level of enforcement that often does not exist in unmonitored environments—such as the ability to restrict user access to applications, websites, system settings, and application functionality. Popular applications such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox can all be customized to influence user interaction. IT administrators can even limit session lengths to ensure a ‘no loitering’ policy on computers, and restrict user access to storage devices and printers.

For libraries it is essential that some of the computers deployed only offer a limited feature set—such as catalogue computers used to find books and media, and administrative computers uses to check books in and out. Limiting a computer’s functions is an important part of protecting a computer’s purpose. Having fully-functional computers placed in environments where only limited-functionality is required carries the possibility of computers being used by users—whether they are patrons or staff—in a distractive or inappropriate way. Unfortunately, until now the only way to limit a computer’s features has been through complex and time-consuming Group Policies. Since most libraries do not have a Group Policy ‘expert’ available, computers are often deployed in a fully-featured state.

Protect A Computer’s Purpose

WINSelect ensures that computers are being used by patrons and staff for their determined purpose by enabling administrators to easily tailor the operating system and application functionality to include only the required features. Using WINSelect makes it possible to create limited-access or ‘simple’ machines that are perfectly suited for library environments by only allowing users to access the features, applications, and websites that are required. Users benefit from a simplified interface, librarians don’t need to worry about monitoring a patron’s computer use, and IT personnel are ensured that computers are free from application and web browsing activities that distract from a system’s role.

Influence Student Activities

WINSelect brings a level of enforcement that often does not exist in unmonitored environments—such as the ability to restrict user access to applications, websites, system settings, and application functionality. Popular applications such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox can all be customized to influence a library patron’s or staff member’s application and browsing habits. IT administrators can even limit session lengths to ensure a ‘no loitering’ policy on computers, and restrict user access to storage devices and printers.