Deep Freeze — Retaining User Data

Keeping desktop computers running in public-access computing environments is no easy task. From users making accidental or malicious system changes to system threats such as viruses and malware, there are a large number of exploits that can leave workstations in a non-functional state. Many system administrators are applying reboot-to-restore technology to maintain their workstations, but are finding that the ability to save user and program data is sometimes required.

There are several ways in which user and program data can be retained:

• Unprotected Partition—By creating a second, unprotected partition, users can easily save their work to the hard drive while the system partition remains Frozen.
• ThawSpace—A ThawSpace is a virtual partition that resides on the system partition. Data stored in the ThawSpace remains across restarts, even though the hard drive only has one true partition.
• Network Drives—Storing data on network drives is an easy way to retain information across Frozen computer restarts, however it does require network connectivity at all times.
• Mapping—Redirect folder requests to another volume via mapping.
• Junctioning—Redirect file or folder read and write requests via symbolic links.

Detailed instructions on how to implement the methods listed above are available in the Deep Freeze - Retaining User Data White Paper. Faronics’ Technical Support department also provides complimentary support for any of the methods listed above to customers with valid maintenance packages.

Frozen and Thawed partitions can easily exist on the same hard drive