[Visualpython-users] NY High School python ban - workarounds

[Donald_Gaffney <ga...@ph...>]

Hi all,

The high school nonsense regarding open source software has been well covered.

If you're interested in considering work-arounds, you might try running vpython
off of CDROM; I'm not positive this works, but it seems like such a thing was
reported here recently complete with an autorun.ini.

If you can boot off of CDROM you're in even better shape since you can run any
number of "Live CD" linux distros. If you *can* actually run a bootable cd in
your labs, your admins should either be replaced, vigorously retrained, or
graciously thanked.

While there are a number of technical remedies for locking down Windows 2000/XP
workstations, I think the most effective tool is the school's "acceptable use"
policy. If a user damages a system with malicious intent they should, without
exception, face the full brunt of your disciplinary code and possible criminal
prosecution. To that "stick", you add the "carrot" of educating, stimulating and
rewarding the most clever hackers/gamers/etc. With a clear policy and early
identification of talented/problem students there ought to be little trouble
with even a fully open lab. Of course, I've only applied these principles to
college students, maybe high school students are more difficult. 

Don