Screensaver or PC lock with a password included

[El Laurens]

I need an easy method to lock off my PC from access by the kids.

I haven't been able to find a freeware program that will do the job based on the list below except for Lockphix which gets parts of the list. However one of my security programs (Threatfire) considers it a virus and ignores "allow" instructions-

blocks CTL ALT DELETE
has its own password, ie doesn't use XP's screensaver password
reloads on a reboot so hitting reset won't bypass
easy activation
timed activation eg after 15 minutes of no PC use it starts
handles dual monitors

Thanks in advance for any freeware suggestions that people with adventurous children may be using.

Incidentally if any Gizmo staff read this I think this category would be a welcome addition to the site as I couldn't find anything that covers locking down a PC

[Surka]

But, if you are using WinXp, why dont you activate a user account with password?

Control Panel> User Accounts.

[El Laurens]

Ta Surka for replying.

When I boot the PC it goes straight to my programs and loads them unattended. Correct me if I'm wrong but, if I do a user password, the login process will stop at the user login screen. As I have a few things that load on boot I much prefer to simply turn it on and have the option to walk away while it goes all the way to "ready to use".

[Surka]

Yes, its will stop in that screen asking for the password, after you entered, it will continue loading.

[El Laurens]

Yep, and that's why I don't want an XP generated password but want one in the lock program...if I can get it! Thanks again.

[kendall.a]

Forgive me if I'm asking a dumb question, but why don't you use a screensaver password? You can set your screensaver to how ever many minutes you want. Then, at the appointed time, it will go into screensaver mode. In order to get out of screensaver mode, you will need to type in a password.

[kendall.a]

Here are a couple of links that you might want to try. I know nothing of these programs nor do I know if they are all freeware or not:

http://www.fileguru.com/downloads/li..._computer_time

http://software.informer.com/getfree...cess-children/

http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/d...time_software/


Maybe one of these will work. Though, most of what I found is not freeware.

[Anupam]

Originally Posted by El Laurens

I need an easy method to lock off my PC from access by the kids.

I haven't been able to find a freeware program that will do the job based on the list below except for Lockphix which gets parts of the list. However one of my security programs (Threatfire) considers it a virus and ignores "allow" instructions-

blocks CTL ALT DELETE
has its own password, ie doesn't use XP's screensaver password
reloads on a reboot so hitting reset won't bypass
easy activation
timed activation eg after 15 minutes of no PC use it starts
handles dual monitors

LockPhix did not get a good review on CNet.

The features you are asking for... I think it will be hard to find on a freeware security program, or even commercial one... specially the last feature.

I searched and came across these. They satisfy parts of your demands, not all. So, you may try them, and see if they serve your purpose. The first one seems to get to the closest to your needs.

SecureIt Pro : http://www.quantrix.net/

Matrix Screen Locker : http://www.snapfiles.com/get/matrixlock.html

Sumra Soft Lock PC Now : http://www.softpedia.com/get/Securit...k-PC-Now.shtml

These programs will block the ALT+CTL+DEL... and use their own passwords.

I don't think they will be activated on reboot. The best is to use a login password for that requirement. But, since you do not want that... you may want to put the software you use, in startup folder, so that the program starts when the system restarts. Don't know if that will be effective... you will have to try and see.

As for timed activation, I don't know if any of the above have that feature. If they do not have... it would be better to use a screensaver password.

If I come across more softwares, will post here.