You can restrict various desktop options in Windows 2000 using registry hacks directly; using the System Policy Editor (an indirect registry editor) with the advantage that the workstation registry will be returned to the desired state at each logon; or with Group Policy editor which requires Active Directory. This tip covers the underlying registry values which are the same for Window NT and Windows 2000.

Remove Common Groups from the Start Menu
Remove Shut Down button from Start Menu
Remove Find command from the Start Menu
Remove Taskbar from Start Menu
Remove Run command from Start menu
Remove all desktop icons
Remove drive icons from My Computer
Disable File menu in Explorer
Remove Shortcut netmenu items and network drive options from Explorer toolbar
Hide Network Neighborhood icon and prevent Explorer from network access
Hide Control Panel, Printers, and My Computer Folders in Explorer
Hidding Explorer's Context Menus
Disable Ability to View Context Menus
Restrict programs that can be run