SteadyState software not available for Windows 7

If your library, school or Internet caf‎é uses SteadyState, Microsoft's free application to help keep public access computers safe, the wizards of Redmond apparently decided not to update the free software for use with Windows 7. WindowsSecrets.com has the full write-up in the current edition of its newsletter. Some SteadyState users plan to stay with Windows XP or Vista so they can continue using SteadyState rather than spend money that's not in their budget for commercial 3rd party applications. The article mentions that one individual on the Microsoft SteadyState forum was "able to install SteadyState on Windows 7 systems by using the new operating system's Vista or XP compatibility mode. But at this time, it's not known whether all features — particularly Windows Disk Protection — will work."

The article also includes several common sense guidelines for people who occasionally use public PCs and Wi-Fi networks.

I remember that during Hurricane Katrina, a number of the emergency computer stations were established in refugee facilities for evacuees to contact relatives or search for other family members. The temporary computer stations booted from a Live CD without access to the local hard drives. Users accessed the Internet for email, browsing and any applications added to the Live CD. Even if a Live CD "wandered off," it was cheap enough to make a few spare copies that were easily replaced. That seemed fairly bulletproof at the time. Linux systems, like Windows, can be set up to run in "guest" mode with password required administrative access and limited access to local storage or other changes. With some 77 million Americans using a library computer or a public Wi-Fi access to reach the Internet last year, as reported in the article, it may be time to look for other, less expensive, options for schools, libraries and government facilities.