Instructional Technology
Conference 2005
Proposal #28
Title:Improving Computer Lab Stability and Availability With Faronics' DeepFreeze
Name: Jason Caudill
Audience Level: All
Audience: instructional technology specialists, lab directors
Length: One Hour
Abstract:
DeepFreeze is a security software package that minimizes the impact of user changes to a computer. In a public computer lab situation, this minimization of user impact on the machine can greatly improve system stability. The constant struggle with public computer labs has always been to balance security with functionality. The use of DeepFreeze can in many ways achieve both goals; users have sufficient privileges to use the computers and the system is secure from malicious use.
Description:
DeepFreeze is best suited to stable lab environments. There are different installation options and levels of security possible depending on the software's configuration and these options should serve to fit a variety of lab environments.
The basic functionality of DeepFreeze is based on the use of a virtual partition. Each time the computer restarts, DeepFreeze erases the old and creates a new virtual partition. This partition is where all user activity is recorded and executed. As such, the permanent configuration of the computer is not affected by user activity. In the event a problem occurs, the machine simply needs to be restarted to reset itself to its original configuration.
Using DeepFreeze in the lab environment poses some interesting challenges for the system administrator. The two primary examples of this are how to manage windows and virus definition updates. If new data is written to a hard drive partition protected by DeepFreeze, the data is erased the first time the computer restarts. Additionally, there is the question of where users can save their files while working in the event of a computer problem. Incrementally saving work very quickly loses relevance if the saved work is erased in the event that the computer has to be restarted. Through proper administration and the use of related security settings it is possible to work around these challenges and integrate DeepFreeze as a valuable part of lab management.
Finally, DeepFreeze gives instructors the freedom to allow students to experiment with new software on computers without the fear of damaging a computer's functionality. When properly utilized, DeepFreeze can allow for experimentation in classes without making any permanent, and potentially damaging, changes to lab machines.
The impact of DeepFreeze on the use and maintenance of a computer lab is immediate. Systems require far less hands-on maintenance time and as a result availability to users increases. Also, computers are of more use to faculty by being stable enough to support experimentation by students. By increasing availability and decreasing maintenance time, overall efficiency of the operation can be increased for a very small initial investment in software.
Session Type: Lecture/Presentation
Contact information/affiliation:
Doctoral Student in Education, concentration in Instructional Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
790 N. Cedar Bluff Rd. Apt. 414
Knoxville, TN 37923
Voice: 865.470.8535
E-mail: jcaudill@utk.edu
Equipment: a windows computer connected to a digital projector and a screen for the projector