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Posted

Hello,

How can I set a specific web page as the desktop backgroup for for my users? I have a windows 2003 domain with Windows XP systems. I would like the users to have just access to desktop.

No Start Button

No Task Bar

No Access to "My Computer", "My Network Places", "Control Panel" , "Internet Explorer" nothing!

Just whatever links is on the Web Page that is now their desktop. I would like to do this using Group Policy.

Thanks.


Posted
Does it have to be the desktop? Maybe you can use the kiosk mode of Opera or IE?

Kiosk mode is fine. I can use that. But what if my users figure out that they can press Alt+F4 and close the window? Then they have access to the desktop. I don't want them to save anything or be able to launch any programs. We're spending too much time cleaning viruses and spyware. And too many users are Instant Messaging and watching video and NOT doing work. We've blocked IM, but looking for alternatives.

Thanks.

Posted
Hello,

How can I set a specific web page as the desktop backgroup for for my users? I have a windows 2003 domain with Windows XP systems. I would like the users to have just access to desktop.

No Start Button

No Task Bar

No Access to "My Computer", "My Network Places", "Control Panel" , "Internet Explorer" nothing!

Just whatever links is on the Web Page that is now their desktop. I would like to do this using Group Policy.

Thanks.

If you know how to use group policy then this can be done, my first guess to set a webpage as a desktop background would be to disable the desktop and the have a script that launches IE at startup (of course you setting the home page) you can then configure it so they cant close IE (and have it in full screen) or do anything other than whats needed.

If your new to GP check this out http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...cy/default.aspx and have a play around in a test environment otherwise i dont think you can remove the start button - although you can remove All Programs menu and use GP to tighten it up. Hope this makes some sense :thumbup

Posted
If you know how to use group policy then this can be done, my first guess to set a webpage as a desktop background would be to disable the desktop and the have a script that launches IE at startup (of course you setting the home page) you can then configure it so they cant close IE (and have it in full screen) or do anything other than whats needed.

If your new to GP check this out http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...cy/default.aspx and have a play around in a test environment otherwise i dont think you can remove the start button - although you can remove All Programs menu and use GP to tighten it up. Hope this makes some sense :thumbup

I'm familiar with GP, I just need to know the path of where to configure such things. I can never find anything in GP :angry:

Posted
If you know how to use group policy then this can be done, my first guess to set a webpage as a desktop background would be to disable the desktop and the have a script that launches IE at startup (of course you setting the home page) you can then configure it so they cant close IE (and have it in full screen) or do anything other than whats needed.

If your new to GP check this out http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...cy/default.aspx and have a play around in a test environment otherwise i dont think you can remove the start button - although you can remove All Programs menu and use GP to tighten it up. Hope this makes some sense :thumbup

I'm familiar with GP, I just need to know the path of where to configure such things. I can never find anything in GP :angry:

GP is huge so you need to take your time and read it to understand what it will do otherwise youll get into problems. As a start you can create an OU (Organisational Unit) and attach a GPO to it. Then look at these settings:

User Configuration - Windows Settings - Scripts - Use this to add a startup script if needed or create a script to run IE.

User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows COmponenets - Internet Explorer: This will allow you to customise IE and block features you dont want end users to play with

User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows COmponenets - Windows Explorer: Also may have settings you want to play with i.e. Turn off Windows hotkeys otherwise users may open apps you possibly could have hidden

User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Start Menu and Taskbar: Remove the clock the All Programs list from the start menu etc

User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Desktop: Read this to customise the desktop i.e. disable it so users cant save to it etc

This should help you get a started in the right direction. Keeping in mind you can do this in different ways too it all depends on how you have your network setup and test it on a test PC before rolling it out live, remember you will have different options if you use Vista.

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