My guess is, if these kids are anything like the kids my wife teaches, the biggest problem is that they download files and install them, things like games, etc. Or they play them online in flash based environment, which you had mentioned.
One way to limit this is to put a router in place inside the lab. If all the computer lab computers get network (and internet access through the router) then you can limit what they can access from there. yes, there are ways around it, but it will cut out alot of your headaches, and it's reasonably cheap. You wouldn't even need alot, probably a $100 or so. that way you don't have to worry about locking down the rest of the network, or dealing with internet restriction software that is based on user name, and affects the total network. the room would have it's own restrictions, and you can easily control the list so you can add sites that you find the kids using.
Other than that, and making sure the limited account doesn't have sufficient privileges to write to various things (like the registry), you will be in good shape.
As for the "install linux" suggestions that have been made. I use it and it's great, but I don't think it's the right tool for this situation. sadly enough part of using a computer in a lab like this is to make sure that kids who don't know how to use one can learn, and whether/. likes it or not, the majority of the desktop PC's run Windows, so it's best for them to at least be functional there.
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My guess is, if these kids are anything like the kids my wife teaches, the biggest problem is that they download files and install them, things like games, etc. Or they play them online in flash based environment, which you had mentioned. One way to limit this is to put a router in place inside the lab. If all the computer lab computers get network (and internet access through the router) then you can limit what they can access from there. yes, there are ways around it, but it will cut out alot of your headaches, and it's reasonably cheap. You wouldn't even need alot, probably a $100 or so. that way you don't have to worry about locking down the rest of the network, or dealing with internet restriction software that is based on user name, and affects the total network. the room would have it's own restrictions, and you can easily control the list so you can add sites that you find the kids using. Other than that, and making sure the limited account doesn't have sufficient privileges to write to various things (like the registry), you will be in good shape. As for the "install linux" suggestions that have been made. I use it and it's great, but I don't think it's the right tool for this situation. sadly enough part of using a computer in a lab like this is to make sure that kids who don't know how to use one can learn, and whether /. likes it or not, the majority of the desktop PC's run Windows, so it's best for them to at least be functional there.