----------------------------Original message---------------------------- We are facing the prosaic problem of protecting a PC and its contents. In this case it is a desktop GIS-dedicated IBM PC hardware, software and the project files made by students. Wanted is a way to allow legitimate users full access to our equipment and their projects during all hours the library is open -- including weekends and evenings. I hope to learn what are the common, inexpensive, easily standardized, non-staff-time-intensive methods of protecting equipment and files. If your library has PC security experience and you can help, please read on: The GIS PC is situated in a public area, in partial view of the circulation desk. When library users suggest a need of GIS, a reference specialist interviews the user to determine which GIS/map data, if any, is best for the need, and gauge how much assistance the user will need to get started. The user is introduced to the directory stucture and file management system on the PC and allowed to take as much time as needed over the weeks and months. Lately, three to five students and one or two staff/faculty have shared time on the GIS PC each quarter. Our library student hourly workers cannot recognize all "approved" GIS users by sight, and may be pressured to allow uninitiated library users to use the GIS PC without our interview and PC use instructions. What mechanisms have worked well for others in similar situations? We are considering disconnecting the keyboard and charging that to users at each use; installing a password gateway; relocating the PC in a staffed area (arrgh). Any good experiences and advice -- Thanks! Sincerely, JK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joseph K. Herro Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections Mitchell Building mc 2210 Stanford, CA 94305-2174 [log in to unmask] 415.725.1103 tel 415.725.2534 fax --------------------------------------------------------------------------------