DJ’s

I recently attended a webcast held by Websense’s Chris Mitzlaff.  The webcast highlighted Websense’s Client Policy Manager.  The product restricts launching and installation of unauthorized software. It seems to be a great tool to stop blended security threats. CPM helps protect computers from being hacked

One cool feature allows the creation of a software set based on your current inventory. Lets say I use a patron internet PC as my base inventory for one group of computers.  After running the CPM against the PC, you can apply a policy that only allows the software currently on that PC to launch.  All other apps will not be allowed.  I could then apply this policy to all patron internet PCs, since they are all the same build.

Someone attending the webcast asked if users could deactivate the Websense software on the client.  The client services cannot be stopped by a user, and the user can’t use End Task to deactivate the software.

A feature exists called Express Lockdown.  This can be used on the occasion when you hear of a threat, and you’re afraid you can’t apply the patch to all PCs and/or servers in time to be protected.  It was also mentioned that there is often lag time between the instance a virus is discovered and the time the anti-virus company can release a definition to secure computers from the threat.  So, if you hear of a threat, you can highlight the entire domain and select Express Lockdown. At that point only the software currently on the PCs can run – nothing else.

Real-time updates can be downloaded instead of waiting for a Websense database download every 24 hours. 

There is a CPM client that must be installed. This installation can be done via a push.  Websense also provides a remote installation tool.

This was a very good webcast.  There were no slides. The entire webcast was hands-on with a lot of interaction with the attendees.  CPM seems to be a great tool.  Blended threats are one of the primary causes of PC failures.  Often the PCs are so trashed with malware/spyware that they have to be rebuilt.  CPM could also help ensure computers (PCs AND servers) are not hacked using malicious software

Here I am in DC – finally!  CIL 2006 starts tomorrow with the keynote at 9am: Search Engine Report. I will attempt to blog all of the sessions – ha- lets see if I really have time for that.  I’ll do my best.

What time is it? It’s 5:21am…too darn early, and I’m in the airport.  Free WiFi is a life-saver. It was 10 degrees and snowing lightly when we got here.  Flight boards in 20 minutes.  Lets get this show on the road.

Well, I’m finally packed.  Hope I don’t run into any snags with the weather.  Flurries forecasted in Chicago and snow in DC. My plane leaves at 6am (yes, I’m insane for booking that flight – night owl that I am), so goodnight.

Hi, I'm D. I work at Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs, CO in the end user support arena (computer support). I've worked here for over 5 years.

My first IT experience was in a healthcare environment at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx where I worked for many years as a computer support specialist and server admin. When we were outsourced by Omnes-Wireless Cable (subsidiary of Schlumberger), I was hired to work with their IT team as a server administrator and then project engineer. Our client base was 10,000+ users, 5,000+ PCs, and over 150 servers.  We served UTMB's business departments, the hospitals, clinics, police department, poison control center, medical school, nursing school, medical library, and school of pharmacology to name a few.

 I am an MCP+I, MCSE and CNA.  I've also taken quite a bit of Microsoft course work and have been to Sniffer Universit (OK, you're really a geek if you know about Sniffer Univ)

So, my term of just over 5 years with the Pikes Peak Library District has been dealing with a very different environment.  I am still learning new things about the librarian's world after 5 years. I guess that is a good thing.  Never stop learning!

 PPLD is a district of 12 libraries and 2 bookmobiles. We serve a population of nearly 500,000. We've been recognized by the Colorado Association of Libraries for "Exemplary Library Services to Ethnic Populations," in 2004 we were noted with "Outstanding Website," and have received recognition for our Summer Reading Programs.  I'm proud to support our goals and services we offer to Colorado's El Paso County residents.

Speaking of support –  I am attempting to use and support new technologies to improve our library services. And, even though blogging is not really 'new' – I guess it's fairly new to the library world. So, it's was about time I started blogging. I need to get with it!

I'll be attending a Computers in Libraries Conference this week in D.C. and will be blogging my experience. So, enjoy!

I look forward to reading your comments!