Faronics Deep Freeze Reviews

The ability to wipe session data and essentially restore machine to a clean status.

I would like some more audit capabilities built in but I use other software for this.

Deep Freeze is a unique tools that is valuable for quick assurance that a device is clean and restored back to its initial state. And it does it well.

We use this for public kiosks and need to be sure that we protect users and the system. Being able to essentially restore to a clean image after each session is great.

Deep Freeze takes a snapshot of the computer it's installed on, saves it in a partition, and restores that snapshot every time the computer is rebooted. This is a godsend for school computer labs, and any other situation where users might cause destruction to the OS, such as accidentally downloading malicious files or changing configurations they're not supposed to. One quick reboot and the computer is restored to its former glory.

There are four components to the system: the Seed, which prepares a unit to receive Deep Freeze, the Workstation client, which is installed on PCs to be managed, the Configuration Administrator, which allows you to set policies for your clients, such as when they get Windows Updates or when they shut down, and the Enterprise Console, which is installed on a network server in order to manage clients.

The Seed and Workstation Client need no explanation, they're a simple and quick install like any other executable.

The Enterprise Console is simple to use and understand, and has a lot of other options such as Wake on LAN support, Windows Update, and remote launching apps on the client.

The Enterprise Console frequently refresh and it's easy to lose your place in the list. This has been a problem in several version and drives me a bit nuts to be honest. Also, their Wake on LAN solution is a bit hit or miss so if a client is offline or not able to contact the Deep Freeze server, you have basically no control over it.

For years, we have used Deep Freeze in K-12 computer labs to provide always-ready computers that are easy to use and easy for us to maintain. Once the Seed and Workstation Client are installed, the PCs automatically report back to our server, and we can push Windows Update maintenance periods, automatic shutdown schedules, and even create a "Thawspace" so that our testing software can run off the local hard drive and be unaffected by Deep Freeze's rewrite after every reboot.

Despite the concept, Deep Freeze really doesn't slow down a unit much if at all. Reboots even occur about as quickly as they would without Deep Freeze installed, and any slowdowns are well worth not having to constantly re-image our computer labs.

The software is simple to use and gets feature updates regularly. You can make a hidden thawspace (with Data Igloo, that is included) and redirect windows logs or registry keys for software that needs to dynamically update for licensing purposes.

Security is great with this as a reboot clears any data or changes left on the machine.

The software also allows you to manage your PCs by shutting them down and turning them back on to save on power usage. You can also send automated messages to users and setup times for windows updates to run. Windows Update features now know if the system is in a pending reboot state after getting an update and will reboot the PC before the maintenance interval.

There isn't much I don't like that hasn't been addressed with updates. It is necessary to keep maintenance as every windows feature update may cause issues. You may need to delay feature updates and upgrade the console before your client PCs, but this is really a Microsoft issue and they have done a good job keeping up.

If you are not using Virtual Desktops, this software is a must have.

The problems is computer lab PCs must be protected from unwanted changes and the benefit is a great management tool.

It is simple to use and just works when you need it!

The price can get expensive when you have more than a few stations.

It is worth the money if you have remote sites that you need to "control" and not worry about.

We have several lab PCs that are "abused" my users and this locks them down.

this product makes managing multiple PC simple. if your setting up a classroom or lab machines or training room this is a no brainer. this allows you to maintain consistent performance without any additional tasks other than to reboot the machine.

Dont get the standard version as this makes windows updates tedious. if you upgrade to enterprise this will automate patching

upgrade to enterprise as the basic version doesn't include the ability to automate windows patches.

we are using this in a training room environment and in open use machine for the public. Before buying this maintaining these machines was difficult and had constant complaints about the machines being slow.

Reboot and all is reset back to your chosen state of operation.

The configuration was a bit tedious but well laid out, small icons for older eyes.

Student computers in Labs and libraries and loaner devices.

I like that when a user has an issue or downloads a virus or deletes anything pertaining to the OS that if I restart, it is a clean slate! Also if our students decide to place their homework or anything on the desktop, it is gone the next day or restart.

The enterprise console is a little picky at times on waking computers on LAN, but that could be our network making it an issue.

We can implement restart schedules on computers to wipe out any changes a student has made on the computer or homework that they saved that they are not supposed to. If something breaks, we just restart!

I enjoy the fact that they have done several updates in the recent past to improve the functionality of the software.

I wish the cloud service was grandfathered in with older customers, rather than an add on service.

We are able to lock down our school labs and keep users from modifying.

When using this software you can easily create a working setup and just reboot or have the user reboot if anything is changed (including malware). After reboot you are back to the original working setup.

Due to the nature of the software it can be difficult to administer remotely.

Public computer setup, i.e. - in conference rooms, is implemented this way so that the machine does not have to be constantly reimaged. The other benefit is that one does NOT have to worry about most malware infections.

While trying to install a new product from internet, unknown and unwanted tools are also installed may be of our unawareness or ignorance, so i always try to install it with Deep Freeze. Once it works as i desire, then i boot thawed. Then reinstalled... a great facility.

1. Prevents all unsafe installations.

2. Best protection from viruses

3. The best for data recovery

4. Worth a lot more than the price

5. Very handy and easy to use

6. Unique security option

i think i like this most and a bit difficult to find dislikes, but still i would like to mention few. we need to take care and be conscious about the frozen or thawed condition is active otherwise ....

1. Saving a file in a frozen drive and reboot. we should remember to relocate the file to an unfrozen drive, otherwise we will loose the entire file data.

2. Any driver installations may will not work if installed in frozen condition.

i feel every PC need this now a days. As it is very easy to use and learn about what it does i suggest everyone to use it for the most safe and secured use of your PC.

Many to explain in brief but still i will put some of them.

1. My staff cannot install unwanted apps.

2. None can delete my crucial data

3. None of the file get corruputed

4. No need to do regular software maintenance

5. No antivirus required

6. Performance of the system remains the same always

7. Settings and notifications can never change by any other users