Dear All,
This is a technical query that may be of interest to library systems
staff.
We need to provide open (i.e. authentication free) access to our Web
based OPAC from a large number of relatively low grade PCs (i.e P100s
with 16Mb memory) to enable users to consult the catalogue rapidly at
the shelves. Whilst access to the catalogue is required, no access
beyond to remote URLs (which may be present in the OPAC) can be
permitted without authentication, to satisfy regulations.
Of course this is an everyday scenario and many good solutions are in
place involving software (e.g. Centurion) or firewall/proxy solutions.
I wish to ask a naive, speculative question. Can this be achieved
reasonably cheaply, securely and simply using a combination of NT
workstation, IE 5.5, the IE Administrators kit and removal of all
local DNS information on the PC and use of the PC's hosts file?
NT is configured to remove access to all but IE which is stripped down
by the Admin kit so that the toolbars, location bar etc are removed
with only the 'home' button remaining whilst in addition, the
application cannot be shut down. The local DNS information is removed
and the appropriate information configured in thew PCs hosts file
(e.g. gateway address, OPAC server address etc).
Any normal URL cannot be resolved without the PC being pointed to a
DNS server and with no location bar to enter any numerical IP address,
access is limited to the OPAC.
Or is it? Is this too simple?
I await to be corrected and relieved of my delusions.
Thanks,
Graham Howorth
Electronic Services & Systems Manager
University Library
Anglia Polytechnic University
Queen's Building
Rivermead Campus
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford CM1 1SQ
Phone/Fax: 01245 493131 ext 3145
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
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