Managing Mobile Systems

[JDU]

I am trying to manage about 30 laptops which are in the field and seldom come back to homebase (connect to main office network).

I am puzzled on how to control their internet use, manage windows and antivirus updates etc.

Can someone please give me some suggestions on how to accomplish this.

Thanks.

 

[CeD]

I have a similiar situation --- here is what I do:

1) Set antivirus application automatically check for updates on a daily basis
2) Set windows update to automatically download and install updates
3) Add restricted sites to zone 4
4) Employ a good hosts file
5) Strengthen IE -- ie: disable active x, downloads, etc
6) Spybot with immunization
7) Spyware blaster with protection enabled
8) Lightly apply group policies -- can't be too severe because if there is an issue, they most likely cannot come to the office and you do not want to give them instructions over the phone for this type stuff
9) Enable SP2 firewall

If anyone else, has anything to add, I would be very interested.

Thanks!

 

[JDU]

Thanks. I was thinking of setting up a vpn and have them vpn into the network and then go out to the internet through an ISA server. I am not sure about the performance issues that this may cause, since they would have to establish a vpn connection via the internet and then go out back to the internet.

Can anybody shed some light on this. I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.