Alternative to Deep Freeze or Steady State

[PJOMara]

I want to set up a Linux lab in a Jr/ Sr high school and I need a Linux equivalent to Windows Steady State or Deep Freeze (or similar). I've searched and found nothing.

Is additional software necessary or is this something built-in? If yes, how do I utilize it?

BTW- I'm planning on using ZenWalk on the laptops and Ubuntu or Fedora on the desktops.

Thank you in advance for any and all help.

[reed9]

Deep Freeze is available for Linux. The site says they only support Suse Enterprise Linux, though.

There is also lethe, which is specific for Debian, but may work on Debian-based distros like Ubuntu.

[reed9]

Out of curiosity, what is your end goal?

You could also achieve something like this using only live CD/USBs. Or doing a frugal install of something like TinyCore Linux. Or using file permissions to limit access.

[PJOMara]

My end goal is a lab of computers with Internet access, preferably but not necessarily wireless, OpenOffice (or similar), printer access, and other applications as necessary.

As far as access, I want the students to be unable to change settings, move/ delete files, change desktops, change/ delete printers, etc. Basically, I want the computers protected from the curious, malicious, and careless.

[reed9]

All of that is easily accomplished using user groups and permissions.

Here is some basics:
Managing Ubuntu Linux Users and Groups - Techotopia

[PJOMara]

I've explored the users and groups permissions and read the guide you cited in your last post but I still do not see how to accomplish several of the tasks I noted. For example, preventing changes to the desktop icons/ background or restricting the ability to save files on the hard drive.

Thank you for your help.

[reed9]

For example, preventing changes to the desktop icons/ background or restricting the ability to save files on the hard drive.

Just remove write permissions for the user. All configuration files are stored in the user's home directory. If they can't write to it, they can't save anything or make changes.

[heylexi1]

As a longtime user of windows I have just started to test the waters of linux out. I originally stumbled across this "operating system" (if that is what you call it) when I was searching for an easy interface for my grandmother to use. I wanted Easy Mode for Windows XP but I can't find the download anywhere. So I have come to the decision to (perhaps) purchase an asus eee with linux.

Now here comes the part that is relevant to this thread. I had also planned on using steady state to lock the computer down. Why don't I just adjust everything, as all the other comments indicate...

Too time consuming!! Please just let me know if there is software available to do it for me. Thanks.