The iFIX WorkSpace provides a run-time environment. While an operator is in this environment, you may not want them to:
- Start other applications.
- Switch to other applications.
- Exit from the WorkSpace.
- Restart the computer using Ctrl+Alt+Del.
- Open unauthorized pictures.
- Close the current picture.
- Use the WorkSpace menu.
- Switch to the configuration environment.
- Access the system tree.
- Access the pull down menus.
- View the titlebar.
By enabling environment protection, you restrict operators from performing these actions and provide a secure run-time environment. For more information on setting up a secured environment, refer to the section Restricting Access in the Run-time Environment.
After you configure a secure environment, the iFIX WorkSpace uses your settings as defaults for the run-time environment. You can set up a user account to override one or more of these settings by assigning certain security features to it.
In general, the rights of the logged-in user will override the Environment Protection settings in the iFIX WorkSpace User Preferences. An exception to that rule is the Enable ALT+F4 option. If the Disable Title Bar and Menu option is checked and the Allow ALT+F4 option is unchecked, no user will be able to shut the Workspace down using the ALT+F4 key combination.
IMPORTANT: If you plan to use environment protection when iFIX is running as a service, and you are running on an operating system earlier than Microsoft Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, be sure to add TSFE.EXE to your Windows Startup program group. TSFE.exe is an iFIX application (located in your iFIX install folder) that enables task switching and keyboard filtering when a new user logs into Windows. By adding TFSE.exe to your startup group, you are ensuring that users can log into Windows with environment protection enabled and then operate iFIX in an appropriate, secured environment. Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012 do not require TFSE.exe in your startup group, since they work differently.
TIP: Be aware that you if you disable the WorkSpace title bar and do not allow ALT+F4, it may not be obvious how to shut down the WorkSpace in run mode. This is a security feature. If the shut down ability is desired, you can add a VBA script to shut down the WorkSpace. Refer to the Shut Down the iFIX WorkSpace with a VBA Script section for more details on how to add this script to your picture.
