Steady State

[AO3]

I have a client that runs a cyber cafe. They want to be able to reboot a cpu after a client is done using the cpu. In order to return it to a default state. This way any changes to OS, virus, etc... are removed. I know Steady State is one program that will do this. Does anyone know of any other programs? Client is running Win xp.

Edited March 18, 2008 by AO3

[AO3]

Also, looking for freeware.

[rendrag]

most of the solutions i found cost money except for the MS software. is there a particular reason you don't want to use steady state, or are you more interested in just seeing what's out there?

[PC_LOAD_LETTER]

AFAIK, the only options available that will do that are DeepFreeze or steadystate. steadystate is good stuff its kinda like a very basic version of Deepfreeze with a 'Group policys for dummies' interface as a bonus. for a small cafe setting, Steadystate is the best option. If you are going to scale up past 30 workstations deepfreeze has a few features that will help.

the only other option that comes to mind would be using a linux+vmware+Xp type situation but unless youve got a linux guru hanging around, setting one up might be overkill.

[Tarun]

I've never actually used this program (ShadowSurfer), but it is still free:

http://www.msfn.org/board/ShadowSurfer-free-t80337.html

Stop pop-ups, spyware, viruses and unwanted internet cookies before they ever need to be removed. While other utilities can only try and reverse or remove unwanted software changes to your computer, ShadowSurfer™ stops them before they ever become a problem! Plus with ShadowSurfer you can surf the net with complete privacy -- no tracks left behind.

ShadowSurfer ShadowMode™ provides a safe computing environment by creating a virtual twin of your PC. Restore the pre-ShadowMode state of your computer no matter what changes have occurred.

[uid0]

There is also Returnil, although it's only free for personal use:

http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/

[AO3]

Thanks for the ideas. I was just looking for what else was out there. My client sets up cafe's during shows at conventions. So they are only running for 3 to 7 days. He all ways has problem with someone downloading a program or file with virus or spyware. That then causes the computer to run slow or crash. And no I can not lockout the users. People still need to legit download a file they left at work etc... It looks like useing steady state to lock the system down will be the best way to go.