How can Windows administrators set up different security restrictions for different users? Or set one policy for a whole group? Configure desktops for roving users so that any computer they use will have the same look? Or protect a computer if it is unplugged from the network? These are just a few of the questions that Windows System Policy Editor answers.

The Windows system policy editor is a powerful tool for creating and editing local registry values to standardize desktop settings, prevent users from modifying hardware and environment settings, or control or restrict user actions.

Windows System Policy Editor enlightens readers on how to prevent security problems like file tampering, loss of data as a result of accidental system software changes, or users being locked out of their own computers.

This working manual leads the reader through both a Windows systems primer and the more complex aspects of:

• Different types of system policies, what they control, and how to modify them
• Installing the policy editor and creating the policy file
• Setting default workstation security
• Understanding the administrative files
• Security issues
• Troubleshooting
• The differences between the Win95 and Win98 policy editor
• Procedures for stand-alone computers as opposed to networked computers

Computer security on publicly accessed computers poses unique challenges, today more than ever before. This book is for anyone who's in charge of administering workstations in a school, library, office, or any environment where increased security would be invaluable.