How can I kick guests off my iMAC?
July 12, 2011 7:35 AM Subscribe
Where can I find software to limit the time that random people will be on a free iMAC?
I work in a hotel, and we allow our guests free use of our iMACs. I need some type of software that will allow x minutes of use before auto restarting. It should also display some kind of timer before ending the session.
I have already installed a product called Deep Freeze, that resets any changes made to the mac.
I would think libraries and schools may have something, but have not called any. Google only returns products for parents.
I work in a hotel, and we allow our guests free use of our iMACs. I need some type of software that will allow x minutes of use before auto restarting. It should also display some kind of timer before ending the session.
I have already installed a product called Deep Freeze, that resets any changes made to the mac.
I would think libraries and schools may have something, but have not called any. Google only returns products for parents.
And the search term you may want to use to do further searching is internet kiosk software.
posted by inturnaround at 8:02 AM on July 12, 2011
posted by inturnaround at 8:02 AM on July 12, 2011
You could probably do some stuff with group policies but yeah your best bet seems to be going with a kiosk mode on the mac.
You likely want to limit what they can do anyway, a kiosk mode that limits access to a few key apps and blocks access to others should avoid any sort of maliciousness on the part of bored guests.
posted by vuron at 8:07 AM on July 12, 2011
You likely want to limit what they can do anyway, a kiosk mode that limits access to a few key apps and blocks access to others should avoid any sort of maliciousness on the part of bored guests.
posted by vuron at 8:07 AM on July 12, 2011
Parental controls. Already built into the system -- it gives a warning when the time is up and then kicks them out, and they are unable to log in until the next day. Make multiple guest accounts and direct guests to pick another one if 'Guest A' acct is unable to log in.
Some people may get kicked out and then just log into another -- but for most, it will be disruptive enough to curb that. And the people who were going to abuse the system will find a way to do it anyway.
Lastly, is there a notice that says "We kindly request guests to limit their time to (20 minutes less than Parental Contols will kick them off) if at all possible. Thank you for your consideration."?
posted by MeiraV at 8:36 AM on July 12, 2011
Some people may get kicked out and then just log into another -- but for most, it will be disruptive enough to curb that. And the people who were going to abuse the system will find a way to do it anyway.
Lastly, is there a notice that says "We kindly request guests to limit their time to (20 minutes less than Parental Contols will kick them off) if at all possible. Thank you for your consideration."?
posted by MeiraV at 8:36 AM on July 12, 2011
Oh, and it also deletes everything they've done -- any files downloaded, etc, when it kicks them out.
posted by MeiraV at 8:37 AM on July 12, 2011
posted by MeiraV at 8:37 AM on July 12, 2011
Sorry to thread-sit, but I reread your question and thought it would be useful to add that, although it's called "Parental Controls" -- it doesn't have to be parental in the sense that you can choose or NOT to limit websites, applications, etc. They wouldn't be able to change major system settings without an admin password, but considering they're probably just surfing and checking email, there's no reason they would ever even know of the 'parenting'. I have an account set up for my 13 yr old son with some limitations, and then a Guest account set up for any friends who stay at my house -- they can behave as if it's they're own computer and when they log out, any thing they've done is deleted.
Ok, shutting up *now*.
posted by MeiraV at 8:45 AM on July 12, 2011
Ok, shutting up *now*.
posted by MeiraV at 8:45 AM on July 12, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by inturnaround at 8:01 AM on July 12, 2011