How can I restrict computer access?

[onyo]

Im in college and my roommates are cause for lots of bad things with my computer.
Is there a way to limit their users access so they can only use firefox and the internet and not change, uninstall, install, or download anything?

I remember back in grade-school a teachers aide had the computers set up so whenever someone who wasn't the administrator tried do do almost anything, and password prompt came up.

Something along those lines.

Thanks abunch

 

[KSoD]

Make their accoutn a Limited Account. That will prevent them from installing or unisntalling anything. It will also prevent downloads. You would have to find a Group Policy to enforce Firefox though.

What OS?

 

[jcortes]

If it is windows xp professional edit the local group policy you can make it do what ever you want. Just a lot of reading the functions of each option. If you do not have XP Pro use a limited account but thats very weak.

 

[onyo]

I have windows xp proffesional
where is this local group policy located

 

[KSoD]

Start>run>gpedit.msc

That will bring up the GPO.

 

[onyo]

how can i do it so it just affects their user and not mine, and how can i turn off the settings 'on the go' with just entering a fast password. is there anyway to do these things?
thanks

 

[KSoD]

Well they would have to be on limited accounts and you would have to be the Admin account.

To turn it off on the go i dont think there is a way. You would have to grant them access via the Admin account.

 

[onyo]

i tried that and it applied the same changes to my account

 

[KSoD]

If you made changes to the Limited Accounts it should not affect the Admin account.