How do I place an icon for a web link on all the network users' desktops?
Some background information is in order: I managed a Netware 6 network from 1996-2003. I also managed a Windows 2000 Server with Active Directory within the Netware 6 network. I just got hired by a small school district to help manage their network (I am semi-retired). While I enjoyed my time as a network administrator, I left that field back in 2003. Therefore, I have some catching up to do. First, please aim me to the correct discussion forum if there is a better one than this to post my question in. Second, my new employer wants a link to the school library web page to appear on everyone's screen upon login. I am guessing that this should be done through group policies or mandatory profiles. If so, how should this be done. Finally, they would like to lock the screen saver off throughout the (small) network. Is this also a task for Group Policies or Mandatory Profiles? Again, if so, what is the process for doing this? Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. I used the Microsoft discussion forums with great success back in the day, so I know they are helpful.
December 10th, 2010 2:00pm

Hi, If you've any chance of getting them to upgade the domain to 2003 you could look at using Group Policy preferences. They are a really simple solution to many things like placing files on desktops as well as mapping drives based on group membership using a gui rather than having to put oyur scripting hat on ;o) Theres a good overview here ... http://www.gpoguy.com/Portals/0/Group%20Policy%20Preferences%20Overview.pdf Group Policy preferences are fantastic and I really can't recommend them enough ;o) J
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December 10th, 2010 5:31pm

Hello John, You can create an URL shortcut item to desktop by using GP Preferences and use item-level targeting to change the scope of preference items such as network users security groups. Configure a Shortcut Item http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753580.aspx Group Policy Preferences: Understanding and Implementing Item - Level Targeting http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Group-Policy-Preferences-Understanding-Implementing-Item-Level-Targeting.html Security Filtering, WMI Filtering, and Item-level Targeting in Group Policy Preferences http://blogs.technet.com/b/grouppolicy/archive/2009/07/30/security-filtering-wmi-filtering-and-item-level-targeting-in-group-policy-preferences.aspx If you configure screensaver by group policy, domain users will not be able to change the setting. If you'd like to protect the screen saver, you need to enable Password protect the screen saver setting. Group Policy Settings That Can Affect Screen Saver Functionality http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc938799.aspx Customizing the Desktop http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee617164(WS.10).aspx Brent Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”
December 13th, 2010 3:16am

Hello John, You can create an URL shortcut item to desktop by using GP Preferences and use item-level targeting to change the scope of preference items such as network users security groups. Configure a Shortcut Item http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753580.aspx Group Policy Preferences: Understanding and Implementing Item - Level Targeting http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Group-Policy-Preferences-Understanding-Implementing-Item-Level-Targeting.html Security Filtering, WMI Filtering, and Item-level Targeting in Group Policy Preferences http://blogs.technet.com/b/grouppolicy/archive/2009/07/30/security-filtering-wmi-filtering-and-item-level-targeting-in-group-policy-preferences.aspx If you configure screensaver by group policy, users will not be able to change that. Group Policy Settings That Can Affect Screen Saver Functionality http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc938799.aspx Customizing the Desktop http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee617164(WS.10).aspx Brent Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”
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December 13th, 2010 3:16am

Gentlemen: Thanks for your replies. They look promising, especially regarding cc753580.aspx. Your assistance is appreciated. I just got done re-reading books I previously read in 2003 regarding Windows 2000 Server and Active Directory to get back up to speed. I am now reading a Windows 2003 Server book I purchased some time ago. After that I will read a Windows 2008 Server book I recently acquired. Obviously I have a LOT of catching up to do. After that I should be able to ask more focused, specific questions.
January 3rd, 2011 9:55pm

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