The CC Reporter is an application that reports on the hardware configuration of a computer. It tells us what hardware is included in the computer, what is connected to the computer and the manufacturer and the current settings of the hardware (for instance CPU clock speed and hard drive size).

The primary purpose of the software is to confirm that the hardware is working and is "Internet-enabled". This allows us to inventory the capacity of access sites and to report on any additional services that may be available at the site to the general public. The CC Reporter requires the use of the WMI component from Microsoft to work. This component is included as part of the default installation of Windows ME, 2000 and XP. However, Windows NT and Windows 9x machines require that this component be installed separately, which we complete when we install the CC Reporter.

The CC Reporter reports to our servers once weekly over the standard HTTP (web) port creating an historical record of the capacity of a community access site.

Deep Freeze is software that prevents changes to the settings of Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP computers by unauthorized users. If an unauthorized change is made (software added, or files saved) the system will be restored to its original configuration the next time the computer is restarted (every 24 hours by default).

There are special measures required to operate and manage a Deep Freeze - enabled computer. Users are not able to install software or change system settings without first disabling Deep Freeze. Once the new software has been installed or system settings have been changed, the computer must be re-enabled to "freeze" the new settings and protect the computer again.

The version of Deep Freeze offered to CAP sites through Community Connections has been pre-configured in a manner that we expect will provide the most security possible for the intended use of the machines - public Internet access. Machines protected with our version of Deep Freeze do not rely on a single password for each station - the password is unique each time you want to disable or re-enable Deep Freeze. Also, we have set aside a small block of the hard drive for public use. The virtual T: drive is a space of up to 2047 MB where the public can store files that you do not want to erase, in the event you need to disable Deep Freeze.

• For assistance with Deep Freeze, call 1-866-445-2555.
• For information about the company and its other products, visit www.deepfreeze.ca