I am not sure that group policies can do the same thing as SteadyState. There are features in SteadyState that I am sure are accessible through Group Policies, but the actual "Hard Drive Locking" I believe requires extra software such as SteadyState.
I have also seen a couple of references to cost. I show SteadyState is Free with a valid XP or Vista OS license. So the only cost would be time to administer. I also agree, if there was a enterprise console this tool would be much more valuable. From: Frerichs, Chad Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 11:46 AM To: info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us Subject: RE: [info-tech] steadystate I am thinking that is why Microsoft advised not to use it on a large number of machines. They suggested instead to do some of the same things SteadyState does with group policies. I wish I could find that article because it detailed those group policies, but I do not have time right now. Chad Frerichs Director of Technology Okoboji Community Schools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Koenck, Chris [mailto:chris.koe...@estherville.k12.ia.us] Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 11:35 AM To: info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us Subject: RE: [info-tech] steadystate I have used it in one of our computer labs. It worked as advertised, but I didn't like the fact that there was no Management Console. Each machine had to be "unfrozen" manually to apply updates, patches, etc. Maybe they have improved it since this was a couple of years ago. If it had a Management Console to unfreeze all computers in one shot, then it would definitely be worth the money!! I guess it depends on how often you want to patch and update your computers. It is a great way to make them oblivious to any changes made during a day. One reboot and all is well again. Chris Koenck Network Specialist Head Wrestling & Boys' Tennis Coach Estherville Lincoln Central CSD 712-362-8404-office 712-380-2337-cell From: George Tuttle [mailto:georgectut...@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 9:09 PM To: info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us Subject: [info-tech] steadystate Techs: Has anyone used Microsoft Steadystate to lock down computers? Works with XP. It's free so I'm wondering if that's still to high of a price! George
