Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are disclosed for providing a lockeddown client environment in a client-server architecture of a computer network. In the method, an asset database is checked via the computer network to validate settings for configuration of the personal computer. The personal computer is booted using a personalized network boot disk for a user. The asset database contains information about the configuration of one or more personal computers. If the settings are validated, a lockeddown environment is built for the personal computer. The operating system and hardware drivers installed on the personal computer are dependent upon the asset database. The operating system prevents unauthorised modification and bypassing of the operating system. Preconfigured application software is installed on the personal computer dependent upon the asset database. User data can only be stored remotely at a server via the computer network.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are disclosed for providing a lockeddown client environment in a client-server architecture of a computer network. In the method, an asset database is checked via the computer network to validate settings for configuration of the personal computer. The personal computer is booted using a personalized network boot disk for a user. The asset database contains information about the configuration of one or more personal computers. If the settings are validated, a lockeddown environment is built for the personal computer. The operating system and hardware drivers installed on the personal computer are dependent upon the asset database. The operating system prevents unauthorised modification and bypassing of the operating system. Preconfigured application software is installed on the personal computer dependent upon the asset database. User data can only be stored remotely at a server via the computer network.