How To Protect Computer Labs From Harmful Viruses

Schools and libraries nowadays have computer labs of their own to complement the learning of their students. Because of the large number of users that use the computer lab, maintaining computer security is a vital issue for computer lab personnel and administrators. A large amount of money is invested in making sure that computer labs are secure for the school and the students to use.

Today, the best way to protect the security of a computer lab is through the use of security software that is tailor-made for networked computers. Here we offer information on security software for computers labs that are available in the market.  

• At Ease for Workgroups - Developed by Apple Computer, this security software is especially designed for Macintosh computers. It allows a user to access a server from any workstation that has the At Ease for Workgroups software installed. The administrator of the computer lab can restrict the network access of users as well as the way they can use the computers. This security software allows the administrator quick access to a user's documents folder using a restricted Finder mode.

• MacAdministrator - This network security software from Hi Resolution Software Inc. is ideal for managing, protecting, administrating, and integrating networked Macintosh computers. This is one of the most popular security software used in computer labs in the education setting. It features server login and authentication, desktop protection, print monitoring and control, and remote administration.

• Deep Freeze - This is a suite of security applications developed by Faronics. It can be used in computer labs that run on the following operation systems: (1) Linux, (2) Mac OS X, and (3) Microsoft Windows. By using a separate partition in the hard drive, Deep Freeze protects the core operating system files of the computer network, while allowing the user to "virtually" configure or add program files to their workstations. However, when the system is rebooted, the original operating system files will be restored in the workstation.

One of the complaints against Deep Freeze is that its level of protection can be bypassed by malicious software installed by a user accidentally or otherwise. Another complaint is that a user can run and boot another operating system from a data drive such as a USB flash drive, CD-ROM, or a floppy drive.  

• Fortes 101 -- From Fortres Grand Corp. comes Fortres 101, security software for public access computers running on Windows. It prevents users from altering the appearance of Windows, download dangerous programs, edit or delete important files, and change printer configurations. It also prevents users from installing and removing software on their workstations. Users of this computer security software praise its ease-of-use and quick customization features. The software is also easy to upgrade.

These are just some of the most popular security software systems for computer labs. Choose one that best suits your security needs and that of the skills of your students. Keep in mind, however, that a computer lab administrator needs to be vigilant in finding new ways to protect the computer lab from new forms of security threats.