IT Folk: need opinions on browser install for computer illiterate hicks

[fbrdphreak]

So I support a small agricultural dept on campus and any person here who touches a computer is a complete fvcking moron in regards to computers. For instance, here is the state of one of the laptops I maintain:

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fbrdphreak/spyware.jpg

Well initially I loaded Firefox on the laptops so once I cleaned 'em up they would stay cleaner than with good ol' IE. But as I'm making another round on the laptops and updating them, I'm wondering:

Would it be better to keep FF and upkeep it with the new versions

OR

Keep IE but load that Javacool program that helps lock IE up tight. I hear it works well and I've used it, but not in a situation where I can test its effectiveness.

FYI I also have MS Antispyware running and campus-standard Symantec Corporate Antivirus.

I'm looking for the solution that will keep as much spyware sh!t off these machines as possible while requiring as little maintenance as possible. TY

 

[mzkhadir]

picture link does not work.

STOP visiting, downloading Pr0n, other stuff you dont need and you wont get spyware.

Get Adaware, Norton, McAfee to protect you and you will be good with IE.

I use both and I prefer IE and I dont get spyware.

 

[sniperruff]

FF is safer.

 

[Captante]

Voted FF by mistake (and I use it & Opera almost always), but for the average user I'd say stick with IE & save yourself a lot of trouble.

 

[SilentRavens]

Stick with IE because its what the masses are used to. Just use the javecool software, and in combination with scheduled spyware scans you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[krmarks]

I would go IE as most of the users will be familiar with the interface. It has a lot of 3rd party administrative tools to keep it patched and clean.

 

[Anubis]

id go with something like maxthom, which is IE but has soo much more built into it

or just make them all run on a Limited user accnt

 

[eelw]

Yeah, just lock down what sites can be visited by the users.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I'd run them on a limited user account, but then the random faculty/staff that uses the computers (who are also morons) will complain if they can't install something "they need." I'm looking into getting permission to lock all their asses out like that tho

I think restricting sites would be too time consuming and restricting for them. I work like 10 hours/week doing this crap, I don't have that much time

I think a limited user acct might be the way to go, because I'm pretty sure its not just an accident that they get spyware. The really bad installations (like the one in the pic) have Free Ipod and click to surf sh!t installed, so I'm sure these morons click on these purposefully :roll:

On the machines that I cleaned up & put FF on tho I have yet to see spyware, so perhaps that is a good sign. Time will tell

 

[imported_Phil]

Disable ActiveX entirely and restrict Internet Options with a GPO.