How to Control Student Computers
Computers are very effective learning tools for young people from kindergarten through college, but it is important for anyone setting up a computer lab to protect their students and equipment. A number of tools exist on the market to protect computer equipment and prevent access to unauthorized websites and applications.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Set up an account for each student using the computer lab. Click on the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel" from the menu. Double-click the "User Accounts" to start creating the new IDs.
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2
Double-click "Create a new account" from the menu and type the student's name. Click "Next" and choose "Limited" for the account type.
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3
Install a quality Internet filtering software package on each of the computers in the lab. Make sure the settings on the filter are age-appropriate, based on the ages of the children or young people who will be using the PCs.
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4
Protect the password for the administrative accounts on the computer. Admin passwords should be memorized and never kept in written form. It is also a good idea to rename the built-in Administrator account to something like schooladmin. Renaming the account will make it that much harder to crack.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Net Nanny is a popular Internet filtering software package for younger children, while McAfee's Internet security package is a good choice for older kids and teenagers.
When installing an Internet filtering package, make sure you choose one that can be customized to your needs. For instance you will want to block peer-to-peer file-sharing sites to protect the school from prosecution in the event students use school equipment to steal copyrighted material. But you may also want to block websites like iTunes to prevent students from downloading songs when they should be focusing on their studies.
Administrative accounts have full access to the computers, as well as the ability to change settings and install software, so make sure you keep those accounts safe. If you believe the password for the administrative accounts has been compromised, be sure to change them at once.
Use a complicated password that will be easy to remember but hard to guess. For instance a fan of Mexican food could choose a password like !8The2#T@C0 (I ate the 2 pound taco). This is a strong password that would be difficult for students to guess.
