I think people are turning to this product when its not the right solution for them in the first place.

This software works and works well, it is not a replacement for locally managed user preferences (MCX) or a alternative to having a server-client infrastructure, as others have said this fits a very niche and specific area, its not for home users, that's what Apple's parental controls are for, its not for kids or one time users That's what the Apple's Guest account is for.
Apple have implemented a perfect array of utilities into Mac OS X that if your looking at this product hopefully you have already ruled them out and know why your looking at this product.

This is in my view is a 2 scenario product;

1) For a computer residing in a public-ally accessable area.

2) Ensure that the computer is the same every time on reboot.


I have used this at internet cafe's, exam rooms, museums, conferences, trade shows, libraries, shops / demo environments and a few more.

It does what it says on the tin and does it well provided you know what your doing and why.

My use of DF is perhaps not the norm, but not all that unusual or inconceivable. I partitioned my MacBook (aluminum) to install Mac OS X on two separate volumes. The intent was to install DF on one Mac OS X partition and use that as a Sandbox to test software, etc. Installation and setup was a breeze. And, DF did what it said it would do regarding that installation of Mac OS X. However, it also caused several side effects on my other Mac OS X installation (Macintosh HD), ranging from annoying (e.g., wiping out random preferences like Spaces, computer name, etc.) to debilitating (it reduced my only user account on Macintosh HD to a standard account, so I couldn't do anything that required admin authentication. This resulted in my having to completely reinstall the OS). Tech support attempted to be helpful--via a lengthy exchange of email and over an hour on the phone--to no avail. Finally, I threw my hands up and decided to just reimage. I don't think Faronics fully-tested their software in this nonstandard (but highly likely usage, for techs like me) environment. The tech support rep did suggest that they have been having problems with the new MacBook line. My gripe is that they should have tested this realistic use of their software on this hardware that has been out for several weeks now, and alerted customers of any known issues, especially since this is not a beta version.

The final piece to this that frustrated me the most, and thus motivated me to write this review, was an email from the tech support rep. He wrote that he'd brought this to his manager's attention, who closed the ticket because they haven't received similar reports of this problem. C'mon guys! Roll up your sleeves and try to replicate the problem. Don't expect your customers to do bug discovery and be testing beds for your troubleshooting!

Here's what Deep Freeze does: Every time your computer is rebooted, it reverts back to its original state (set when you set up the app). Everything done after that original setup gets deleted (settings, files, etc.).

So, if you're a home user, you do NOT want this on your computer. If you're working in a lab, you do NOT want this on your computer.

An example of when you DO want this is if you're in a library (or some other place where people walk in off the street to use computers). When they log out, the computer reboots and resets itself...deleting anything they've downloaded, installed or changed. It basically removes the problem of security (i.e., someone who leaves their resume file on the Desktop). No one who uses the computer after them will be able to see their personal information.

In short, this app can be very handy, but in very limited situations.

nice version numbering ...