I am putting together a CD of freeware for library computer users.

For instance, downloading large files are impossible on a library
computer because of the one hour use limit and IE's not resuming
downloads. So I use Win32Get.Exe and a CD-RW. However even that has
problems because some of the library computers have icons in the System
Tray disabled, which is how Win32Get is accessed.

Here is a list of software I'm looking for:
Download Manager
CD Recorder that can handle .ISOs
Emailer for editing offline
Spider for offline viewing of web pages

The software must be stand-alone since installation is impossible. Or
is there a way to fake installation? Can software's .DLLs be put into
the same directory a the .EXEs? If so how do I take apart the SetUp.Exe
to do this?

Will Repair wrote:
I have set up public computers for libraries. It is very unlikely you will
be able to do what you want unless the library in question has very poor IT
support. Most public computers are locked down so what you want to do can't
be done. Allowing things like that opens the computer up for vandalism by
the public user. It is much cheaper to lock down the public computer rather
than troubleshoot them because of programs installed by public users. Public
users also have some anonymity when using library computers. This means
unscrupulous users could use them to send spam, run pasword hacking
programs, or whatever.

--
Kerry

mean executables not allowed on floppy or CDs?

computers with CDs only three can burn ISOs. None allow more than
burning one CD because of some restriction on temp space.
Patrons are allowed only two one-hour sessions, even if half the
computers are idle.

tracking the name of the user.

I'm trying to allow some flexiblity to people who have computers at
home but do not have a 'net connection.
I'm also avoiding any hacks or cracks such as installing software on
the hard drive or booting into Linux.

Will Repair wrote:
I don't allow any executables except from a pre-approved list from a folder
that can't be written to. The list is very short. Internet Explorer and/or
Firefox on most of the pc's. Some have other special use programs allowed.

Do they check for ID? Even that can be faked very easily. Public computers
are always at risk of patrons using them for illegal purposes.

If you allow unkown executables you are vulnerable. I only allow known
executables from folders which cannot be written to. If you allow
executables from a removable drive then they can rename the file so it looks
like an approved executable and do whatever they like after that. I agree
it's a fine line between freedom for the user and control of the system. I
experimented with a more open configuration but was spending so much time
reapplying disk images that the library decided to lock things down so all
the patrons could do was surf. Even that is restricted so that only staff
can install activex. It does generate complaints but their costs have gone
down immensely. What they have implemented is a wireless service so the
patrons can use their own computers. As long as this is outside the firewall
then the patrons can do whatever they want. and the library is relatively
safe.

--
Kerry

On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 15:39:57 -0800, "Kerry Brown"
<kerry@kdbNOSPAMsys-tems.c*a*m> wrote:

Sounds like a pedophile's dream. Hope you left a good URL filter in place.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

Chuck wrote:
They did this after the local municipal government took over the IT support.
I don't know how they've implemented it. I was in on the early stages of
planning it and did point out the perils they might encounter.

--
Kerry