OT: Need help with a desktop computer program for kids....

[twinglez]

Specfically, I need something to keep my kids frommoving icons around, touching buttons they don't need to. Just use the computer, once I set them up on it, and not worry about losing the harddrive cause they werer curious what a button did and tried to maneuver around.

Any ideas would be great.

Having to supervise them on this is not my first choice as this is a great time to finish up house work or get supper going, but if there is nothing out there that can help me I will do it.

 

[jrabbit]

A long time ago (in computer years) - in real year 6 to 8 years ago there was a program that replaced the desktop. Everyone in the family could have there own and the parental controls allowed you to set up which desktop got to run which program. But I can't remember its name. There were many different desktops (that looked like a desk) from a business desk to a clown themed desk.

This isn't what I was talking about above, but I did an internet search and here is a program called Child Lock that might do what you want.


If you have Windows XP you can set up your kids with their own log in and make them a "restricted user"

How to do this? Click on Start, then Control Panel. Now click on "user accounts" If you are setting up a new account, click on "create a new account" otherwise click on "user accounts" (either way you end up at the same place).

Click on "Add..." to add a user: Enter their name then click the next button. On the next screen select the "Restricted User" option and click finish.

For existing users single click on a user in the list and then click the Properties button. Now click on the "Group Membership" tab and then on the "Restricted User" and finally on "OK"

When finished working with your users click the OK button and close the "User Accounts" control panel screen.

I'm not 100% sure what this will get you but at least its a start on what your kids are able to do to your pc.

 

[twinglez]

jrabbit, Thanks. I will look more into the one you linked me up for. It seems like it might work, as long as I can prevent or LOCK the icons on the desktop as well and only have access to those, non internet items as well, by the owner.

The program you were speaking of is the one I am seaking, I remember from long ago as well. I am surprised I can't seem to find something similar it an updated version.

Thanks for taking the time