[Shu-cdromlan] Re: default save to A:

[Kirk VanOoteghem]

I also use a batch file to accomplish this...and I also have it do
a few other things to refresh Netscape and ensure our patron's
privacy.  Below are my batch files (between the lines) if anyone
is interested.

The first batch file, below, is located on the PC hard drive.  It
is invoked from a .pif in the startup menu AND from a .pif on the
desktop labeled "Netscape."  This way Netscape gets refreshed
every time it is closed and relaunched by the users.  Notice this
batch file calls another one on the server AND then launches
Netscape.  If the computer can't connect to the server for some
reason, it will still launch Netscape.  This is also helpful if I
want to change what the batch file actually does....I only have to
change it once on the server.

The second batch file, below, is on the server along with our
default bookmark.htm and prefs.js files.  Of course if I want to
change the prefs or bookmarks on ALL the machines on our
network...I only have to replace to ones that are copied from the
server.  This batch file also deletes the cache, cookie file, and
history (which is very helpful with sites like Yahoo! Mail that
can save your username and password as a cookie).  Of course, I
have both batch files set so that they close automatically and run
minimized.

We also use WinSelect (www.winselect.com) to disable certain
functions in Netscape and lock down Windows on our public Internet
machines.  This is also networkable so only one machine needs to
be tweaked and the changes affect ALL machines.  This is working
great for us.  It also allows you to limit where files can be
saved.  I have ours set so that patrons can ONLY save files to a:\
and d:\ (which is the zip drive).  There are some other features
in this program that are helpful for security and patron
usability.  (NO, I don't have any interests in the company other
than the fact that I like their product and think it works well).


Our public Internet stations are virtually maintenance free since
users cannot make any lasting changes on them.


First batch file...
----------
@echo off

call g:\startup\netscape.bat

C:\PROGRA~1\NETSCAPE\COMMUN~1\PROGRAM\NETSCAPE.EXE
----------

Second batch file...
----------
@echo off

rem CLEANING NETSCAPE CACHE
deltree /Y c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default\cache
md c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default\cache

rem CLEANING NETSCAPE COOKIES
del c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default\cookies.txt

rem DELETING NETSCAPE HISTORY
del c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default\netscape.hst

rem REFRESHING NETSCAPE BOOKMARKS
copy /Y g:\startup\files\bookmark.htm
c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default

rem REFRESHING NETSCAPE PREF FILE
copy /Y g:\startup\files\prefs.js
c:\progra~1\netscape\users\default
----------

--Kirk




---
Kirk VanOoteghem
Microcomputer/Systems/Network Analyst

Ball State University Libraries
Muncie, Indiana 47306

phone: 765-285-8032
fax:  765-285-1096
email:  kvanoote@gw.bsu.edu


>>> W.Alexander@sussex.ac.uk 10/18/00 02:55AM >>>
Mary,

I have NT 4.0 Pcs and did lock the js files in communicatot
(4.75) which caused a gpf when netscape
was closed down.

What I do now is have a simple batch file invoked in the startup
folder that overwrites the js files
before communicator starts. Doing it this way ensures
consistency, allows users to make temporary
changes and avoids gpf faults.

regards,
William