Hey All,

So I have 2 computers that I need to have open to public use. Obviously I want the user accounts to have extremely limited functionality, but there are also a few other things that I would like to add into it.

First, I'd like a message at log in that would inform the user that they have 5 minutes (or whatever) before they are automatically logged off.

Second, I'd like to have the browser highly limited on domains that it can access. In fact, I'd like to make it like 3-5 domains that it will allow.

It's kinda like a kiosk setup, but without any custom program/shell... like a library computer with a few more limits.

Anyway, if anyone knows of either a free software that can do this for me, or how to set it all up (or a reference list of how to do it), I'd be fantastically grateful.

-KyleActually if you are using XP, then Microsoft actually offers a program called Steady State. Install on an admin account and you can control the other accounts on the PC. Disable software install, create opening messages, set time limits, disable usb and way, way more.

Just do a search for Steady State and you will find it available for download and the manual is still on Microsoft's website. Although if you are decent with PC's you can figure it out pretty easy. You can also o a quick search for Steady State Alternative for other options.Question.
You said about 5 web sites. But Web sites link to other web sites. Do you want that?

Also, do you really want dynamic content? Could you not just download the pages you want and nerve them to people?

How you talked to a Librarian to learn how they do it?
Chrisxs5 - Thanks. I'll have a look at that. I'm definitely not bad with computers... so yeah. I was thinking about writing an autohotkey script or something but figured I'd check to see if there was a less intensive way of doing it. So thanks.

Geek-9pm - Honestly, linking would have to be fairly limited. Most of the links would be reference links. So I could probably say enable the links on the first window, but not any subsequent windows. Also though, I will probably cache/download most of the content so that other domains don't become an issue.Some schools, public libraries and internet cafes use special software filters to prevent people from going to unwelcome web sites.
The GENERAL term is called "Content Control"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content-control_software
You have to buy it from someone who has already done the work. It is not easy. The software has to have a database of places that are allowed.
Quote

Content-control software, content filtering software, secure web gateways, censorware, web filtering software, content-censoring software, and content-blocking software are terms describing software designed to restrict or control the content a READER is authorised to access, especially when UTILISED to restrict material delivered over the Internet via the Web, e-mail, or other means. Content-control software determines what content will be available or perhaps more often what content will be blocked

Or you could simply use a Hosts file...

I thought hosts was for just redirection of a few items.
Please elaborate. Can you use a hosts file so that only a few sites will be shown. If so, how?  Curious minds need to know.

Chrisxs5 - looks like steady state is going to be the ticket. Just testing it now, but it look's like it's got exactly what's needed!

I wasn't aware it didn't like FireFox...