Can I prevent network users from installing 3rd party software?

I recently installed Windows 2000 Professional for users and they connect to a Windows Server 2003. I wanted to know if there is any policy defined in Windows Server 2003 which I can put onto the Windows 2000 users and restrict them from installing third party software.
No. If you upgrade to Windows XP, you can use Software Restriction Policies, which will largely give you the functionality you require.

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This was first published in July 2006

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