DVD RW

[wellard]

Is it possible to configure an external DVD RW to write only, thus preventing an unwanted files being place on a PC. Ideally this would be via a serial or parallel port.
I'd then also like to disable the USB ports.

 

[ssddx]

I do believe this begs for the question: why? what are you trying to prevent.

If the proposed users are so untrustworthy perhaps you should rethink giving them access to a computer. you can in theory lock down a pc with programming to be nigh unusable but in practice doing such only hurts any productivity typically.

 

[wellard]

Thanks for the response.
Why? The PC is a stand alone data logger. Users(the customer) have to access the PC to download logged file for analysis later. However they have been using uncontrolled(virus checked) USB drives which have introduced a few nasty virus's. Although they shouldn't do it they still do.

So we want a method that prevents them placing anything on the PC that shouldn't be there

 

[ssddx]

well then i'd say you have three options

you could use a physical lock to prevent access which requires no software installation.. similar to this:
http://www.connectworld.net/usb_port_blocker.html

or you could download and run a program to specifically block usb ports.. such as this:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/USB-Port-Locked.shtml&sa=U&ei=_YlmTaSzNYyt8Abt6ISLCw&ved=0CDEQFjAK&usg=AFQjCNHrzkhhfu4u0JtpY1PbxV-fryyaEg

or disable the ports directly from the bios.
quote:
"TheChas elaborates. "Your best option is to disable the USB ports in BIOS settings. Then, set a BIOS password. Finish up with case locks or other security hardware so that users cannot open the case, and then reset the CMOS memory."
from:
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/disable-usb-ports-to-prevent-unauthorized-data-transfers/5030674

of all of the ideas, the least intrusive is the physical lock (with key) idea. however, if someone fiddles around with it long enough i'm sure they could eventually pull it out.

 

[wellard]

Great thanks for the response. So I can now potentially disable the USB ports but now need another way to download logs.
But the original question still stands.
Is it possible to configure an external DVD RW to write only, thus preventing an unwanted files being placed on a PC.