------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Internet Explorer Administration Kit README Version 4.0 BETA: September 1997 ------------------------------------------------------- (c) Copyright Microsoft Corporation, 1997 http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ieak NOTE: This is a preview release of the IEAK and is intended for review purposes only. Packages built with this version may not be completely stable and ready for distribution. Please refer to the README.TXT that is installed with Internet Explorer 4.0 for the most current information on shell and browser issues. ------------------------ HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT ------------------------ For best viewing of this file, click Word Wrap from the Edit menu, and maximize the window. To print this file, click Print from the File menu. -------- CONTENTS -------- WHAT'S NEW FOR IEAK 4.0 -Active Setup (plus single-floppy install) -Security Zones -Webcasting Customizations -Active Desktop Customizations -Improved Browser Customizations -System Policies and Restrictions Management -Profile Manager -Code signing tools GENERAL SETUP REQUIREMENTS AFTER YOU RUN THE IEAK WIZARD FUTURE PLANS -16-bit packages KNOWN ISSUES -------- WHAT'S NEW FOR IEAK 4.0 ======================= ACTIVE SETUP ------------ Active Setup provides some distinct advantages over previous installation methods. The Internet Explorer suite is broken up into components and each component can be downloaded separately. In the case of a broken connection or transfer error, Active Setup will be able to, in most cases, pick up where it left off. This implementation also provides for components to be dynamically updated. The newest components can be downloaded from Microsoft sites and then provided for your users. The IEAK will also create a single-floppy install package for ease of distribution. For a full explanation on how Active Setup works and how to configure and customize it, refer to the help documentation. SECURITY ZONES -------------- Internet Explorer 4.0 adds a new security feature called Security Zones. Security Zones break up the Internet and Intranet sites to allow for greater managability. Four default zones are included with Internet Explorer 4.0: Intranet, Trusted Web Sites, Internet, and Untrusted sites. Different security settings (high, medium, low, or custom) can be applied to each of these. The IEAK allows the corporate administrator to preset these settings. Additional security enhancements include customizable Content Ratings, Site Certificates, and Autheticode Publisher Certificates. The IEAK 4.0 includes the updated Authenticode 2.0. WEBCASTING CUSTOMIZATIONS ------------------------- The IEAK allows customizations and restrictions of Internet Explorer 4.0 webcasting functionality including Channels, Software Distribution Channels, and subscriptions. ISPs and ICPs have the ability to add one channel or channel folder and delete any competing channels. Corporate administrators can completely customize Channel Bar. Software Distribution Channels allows ISPs and Corporate Administrators to provide automatic updates of software through the CDF format. For more information on webcasting technology visit http://www.microsoft.com/ie. ACTIVE DESKTOP CUSTOMIZATIONS ----------------------------- The new features of Internet Explorer 4.0 are fully customizable via the IEAK. This includes Folder Webviews, Desktop Components, and Desktop Toolbars. These settings may also be locked down so the end-user can not change them. IMPROVED BROWSER CUSTOMIZATIONS ------------------------------- All of the previous browser customizations from the IEAK 3.2 are still available while the following have been added: custom user agent string, browser toolbar background, and unlimited links (formerly only 5 "Quick Links"). SYSTEM POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS MANAGEMENT ------------------------------------------- In both the IEAK Wizard and the Profile Manager, corporate administrators have the ability to manage system policies and restrictions via an easy-to-use interface. Some of these restrictions include Active Desktop and shell feature lock-downs, and also component settings such as preventing users from placing calls from NetMeeting. PROFILE MANAGER --------------- The Profile Manager has expanded the capabilities of the INS Editor and now includes a tree-view pane that allows for easy access to all the options available in the wizard. Each option can be reached quickly and the interface for making changes is as simple as the wizard. The Profile Manager also has incorporated the System Policies and Restrictions management capabilities that are available in the wizard. CODE SIGNING TOOLS ------------------ The package created by the IEAK wizard must be digitally signed in order for your end-users to be able to install it. Tools have been included in the Resource Kit to allow you to do this. All .CAB files, as well as IE4SETUP.EXE, that are in the destination directory must be signed with the tools provided. For more help on digital signatures, refer to the help documentation. GENERAL SETUP REQUIREMENTS ========================== Before you can use the IEAK, you must install Internet Explorer 4.0. Before starting the wizard, calculate how much disk space is required for the components you want to install. If you plan to install all the components of the Internet Explorer Suite, then you will need approximately 50 MB in the Program Files folder and 50 MB on the destination drive. For more information on the size of Microsoft components, refer to the help documentation under the References heading. AFTER YOU RUN THE IEAK WIZARD ============================= After the wizard has built your custom packages, you will need to make sure your users are able to access the created package. NOTE: Again, since this is the first release of the IEAK, it is not suggested you make the customized packages available to the general public. FUTURE PLANS ============ 16-BIT PACKAGES --------------- The IEAK currently does not build packages for 16-bit platforms. A future release of the IEAK will provide a separate application for this customization. The 16-bit IEAK will be released soon after the final release of the 32-bit IEAK. KNOWN ISSUES ============ -Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK) will not be available until October. This limits the IEAK to importing Beta CMAK Profiles. -5C DBCS characters cannot be used in filename edit fields. This will be fixed in a future release. -If using Automatic Configuration with an .ASP file, the MIME type on the server must be set. -If using a UNIX FTP server, you must rename your branding.cab to BRANDING.CAB (all capital letters).