custom level security settings in IE

I volunteer at an agency where the computers are used by students and adults for recreation and homework. We want to limit access to the internet so that they cannot download programs, though files may need to be downloaded for homework. We have a combination of Win 95, 98 and ME machines.

I know this must be done in
Internet Explorer>Tools>Internet Options>Security> Internet zone.

 

Hmmm, thanks.

 

Depending on how your internet access is set up, if you can put a proxy server between your PCs and the internet, you can do pretty much what you are asking for.

There is probably some filtering software available for the individual PCs too. I'm not familiar with any but I'd guess it is out there.

Otherwise, PeteC had it correct that without some extra stuff, there is simply no good way to do any filtering/blocking.

I imagine that running a proxy server would allow control over the file downloads and quite a few other problems you probably have but didn't mention.

 

You may not be able to stop the type of files downloaded. But you can use System Policy Editor to allow only certain programs to be run. Any of these not on the list, and they will not be allowed to run, such as program setup files. In other words, they can download all they want, but not install them.
If a file is a text file, and it has a program associated with it, and this program is on the list, they will have no problems.
It is located on the 98 CD at X:\Tools\Reskit\Netadmin\Poledit.
Use Add\Remove Programs, Windows Setup tab, click on Have Disk and browse to that folder to install.
You only need to use the names of the executables of the programs. For example, to allow Internet Explorer, you add in Iexplore.Exe.
If you do not want to install this, click here for direct editing of the registry to implement your policies. RestrictedRun settings are a bit more difficult without the SPE.