There are three places in Windows Server 2003 where you can configure Internet Explorer
policies. Some say that there are over 700 policies in Server 2003, it
feels like there are 200 just for Internet Explorer. Here are the three sections
which specialize in IE, they are listed in my order of importance.
The internet explorer is ripe for Microsoft Group Policies. This section has a good
mixture of policies which lock down the user, coupled with policies to
spoon feed them with sensible defaults. For
example, controlling the proxy server and setting their home page.
Guy
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This GPO section is just cosmetic. Perhaps it's worth the effort
configuring if you are a large company or wish to impress your users or
customers. Guy's advice - ignore.
Most intranets will benefit from controlling the proxy server IP and
ports. Use a Microsoft Group Policy to centralize these TCP/IP numbers. Guy's advice - must configure this setting.
Automatic Browser Configuration
Useful for checking for updates. Tricky setting - worth a look,
especially when a new version of IE is released.
Connection Settings
You do not want users fiddling with modem settings, therefore, manage any
connections through a Windows Server 2003 Group Policy. Watch out for a check
box which allows you to delete old modem settings. Guy's advice - useful for
users with dial-up connections.
User Agent String
Used for tracking statistics. Guy's advice - specialist use only.
Here is an Internet Explorer Group Policy for the 'Home Page'. Setting the Search
Engine and online support will also benefit users. Guy's advice - always
set these policies.
Favorite and Links
You may consider configuring these links centrally for all users. Keep the most
important sites near
the top of the users search path.
Mundane, not earth shattering. Worth checking that Outlook Express
is the Newsgroup editor otherwise the defaults will be O.K. Guy's
advice - harmless setting, but you may as well take control and set.
Summary of GPO Internet Settings
There are about a dozen places to check the IE Group Policy settings,
the main settings located in these three areas:
User Configuration, Windows Settings, Internet Explorer
Maintenance (Best)
User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components,
Internet Explorer
Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows
Components, Internet Explorer
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