Windows: System Policy Editor

By Stacey Anderson-Redick

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565926498
• ISBN13: 9781565926493
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 545 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great for troubleshooting

I have been trying to use system policies on our Win98 systems for several months with some success. This book helped me to not only improve my existing Win98 policies, but to solve some very annoying problems. The troubleshooting pages were very helpful, as was the chapter on other ways to increase Win98 security. Hopefully there will be a second edition including Win2k before I'm ready to upgrade our systems.

Ever wonder why you might be a user on your own machine?

To tell the truth, I have only browsed this book. But, if you are like me and have ever wondered what the purpose of the password is on a Windows 95 or 98 computer, this is the best place to start learning. The only other place I seen this discussed is in the Microsoft Windows 95 Resource Kit, a huge 1300 page volume. The book is mostly oriented around a computer running Windows on a network. If you are the only user, your concern is with a "stand alone computer" application which Stacey Anderson-Redick does address.

Excellent Writing

The strong part of this book to tell the reader the security holes of System Policy Editor itself. If anyone knows the hole he knows how to secure the network. Due to System Policy Editor's limitation it needs to use third party software, the writer suggested.The week part is, the writer suggested something in one chapter and the same thing to other chapter. Duplicate suggestioning. First few chapters details the System Policy and it's implementation. Rest of the chapters details each template files structure. As to implement the policy a Network Admin don't need the unnessary details. It could save some pages and price would drop.Though it's limitation I like the writer's expert writing style and give the book ALL STARS.