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Question

How do I block software downloads & installs on Windows 7 PC

Jan 14, 2015 10:03AM PST

Hello and greetings from the Sooner state! I am embarrassingly seeking your advice and guidance on a topic I should have a solution for given my background as a certified A+ Technician and Cyber Security Technician in the United States Air Force. The issue is this, my son continues to find ways to download and install malware via video games or uncommon search engines, something else he has managed to do... To this date I have ensured that he is logging on to his computer utilizing a Limited User Account, I have locked down his machine utilizing a combination of iolo System Mechanic, Microsoft Family Safety (my primary parental control software), Microsoft Security Essentials none of which block the installation of software at the Limited User level. If you look at the Top 3 Parental Control suite of software there is nothing that includes such a utility as part of their software package that prohibits or bar your kids from installing software on their own. I know that a Limited User is supposed to be restricted from installing any software but this isn't the case with my Son. What would your best advice be for me in this situation? Again, I should have this info down pat yet I do not (that's what retirement does to you, LOL)... Many thanks in advance for your help! Peace!!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's a PC.
Jan 14, 2015 10:11AM PST

Such a lockdown is counter to a Windows PC design. If you give me physical access then I can get around almost every system so far.

Have you considered forgoing a Windows PC and putting them on a tablet?
Bob

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That is not the solution I was looking for.
Jan 14, 2015 10:55AM PST

Thanks Bob for the kind reply... I wish I could implement your solution. However, it is not an option at this time as he will need this PC for a few more years while he finishes elementary and middle school and nearly 80% of the e course content is windows based. So we're stuck there. I really wish I had the disposable income to acquire the assets I need to install my own network at home and get Active Directory up and running. I know I'd be able to lock it down really good with that. But that's a dream and not cost effective at this point. I'm hoping to find a reputable brand with an off the shelf piece of software that does what I am looking for. It has to exist I'm just looking in the wrong spot maybe?!? Thanks again for the reply...

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The topic of parental control software is well done.
Jan 14, 2015 11:06AM PST

Keep in mind that too often folk explode over the lack of control a Windows Personal Computer gives the parents. The "personal" angle is so engrained in the PC that folk often find it hard to believe, some just flame on about it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/set-parental-controls#1TC=windows-7 covers some of this but http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_controls#Methods_to_bypass_parental_controls leverages basic weaknesses in the PC design.

Here's a list of Parental Control Software. As you can guess, each have weaknesses and a school kid will have an army of friends to help them get around almost all of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_content-control_software_and_providers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K9_Web_Protection notes CNET reviews but be sure to avoid that download.com site.
Bob

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use linux
Jan 15, 2015 6:51AM PST

unless the kid needs specific software that only runs in windows, I would suggest putting linux on the computer. There is parental control software for it and it will be harder to find friends to help bypassing it. You really do not have to worry about malware.

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Answer
I see Iolo System Mechanic.
Jan 15, 2015 7:12AM PST

That needs to go. I wouldn't have that anywhere near my machine.
Dafydd.