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Ask Slashdot: Ubuntu Lockdown Options?
First time accepted submitter clava writes "We have a desktop Java testing application that is going to be administering tests to students on lab computers running Ubuntu 10.x. These computers are used by the students for other purposes and we're not allowed to create special users or change the OS configuration. When the testing app is launched, we need to restrict users from exiting the app so they can't do things like search the internet for answers or use other applications. Is there a good way to put an Ubuntu machine in kiosk mode or something via our application and have exiting kiosk mode be password protected? Any ideas are appreciated."
Pull out the Ethernet connection. TADA!
Firstly the submitter didn't say if this was a programming exam, or what it was. It could be a test on memorising the capitals of African countries.
But more importantly is that allowing access to the internet doesn't just allow things like documentation, and other resources I might have in the workplace, but might allow me to ask my friend to email the entire solution, or even send the question to a guy in India and get the solution back for a fee. It's a comprimise between testing some memorisation and in the cases of some students, testing nothing at all.
Hey, asshole. Ever occurred to you that, given clava's high UID, he/she isn't a geek and don't know enough of Linux/technology to do this? Look at how this question was redacted: it's obvious that he/she is not in control of the system, and is looking for some info here, where people with knowledge gather. Just answer the question if you can help and don't be pompous.
I rarely respond to comments. Also, don't ask for clarifications: a brain and Google are faster, believe me!
If you ask me, you don't really need to prevent users from doing those things. You just need to tell they're not allowed to, and then have your java app detect if those things have occurred and then take action from there. By "take action," I mean that you could either (a) make some kind of notation in the database so that you can penalize them, or (b) send an SMS message or email or something to the test administrator to alert them of the situation so that they can walk over and determine if the student is attempting to cheat.