This chapter describes how to configure and activate a Local Drive filter. In addition to the Client Drive filter, which regulates access to client drives for users in RD sessions, NetMan Desktop Manager gives you the option of filtering the access to local resources for users working in desktop sessions. This is function was not available to administrators in Windows networks before, except in the form of group policies that prevent access to particular drives. The local drive filter from NetMan Desktop Manager, on the other hand, enables fine-grained configuration of local resource sharing:
•Specific drives. Only certain drives are accessible. The use other drives on the client station is blocked.
•Physical devices. Particular physical devices are permitted for use on the client station.
•Devices categories. Entire categories of devices, such as USB thumb drives, can be permitted across the board.
The local drive filter never blocks never the system drive, even if the system drive is explicitly selected for blocking.
Another important function of the NetMan Desktop Manager local drive filter: You can modify access privileges in local drives at run time; in other words, your changes in current filter settings are effective immediately. This enhanced control of local drive usage can be very useful in, for example, a classroom environment, where it can be useful to permit the use of certain media, such as thumb drives, on short notice and for brief periods.
The following chapters provide details on the Local Drive filter:
•The chapter entitled "Create a Local Drive Filter" describes how to create a Local Drive filter.
•See the chapter entitled "Editor for Local Drive Filter Files" for details using the Editor for Local Drive Filter Files.
•"Edit a Local Drive Filter" provides details on editing an existing Client Drive filter.
•See "Activate the Client Drive Filter" for details on activating the Client Drive filter globally.