TECH: Tamper-Proof PC for Windows

[Cathy Claybaugh <claybc@MICRON.NET>]

Dear LM_NET-ers,

Last spring I tested a product in my junior high library that I happened to
find at CompUSA.  It is called "Tamper-Proof PC"  from a company called
Expert Software in Coral Gables, Florida.

The Good News:  This is the best software I've seen to keep kids "on task"
with the programs you want them to use, and away from everything you don't
want them tampering with on the rest of the PC.  When we turn the computer
on, it boots up, loads Win 3.11 or Win 95, and goes right to a Tamper-Proof
"Desktop" on which I have put "buttons" for whatever programs I want
students to be able to use.  Students can go into the programs and use them.
When they exit a program, they are back at the Tamper-Proof desktop.  From
that desktop you can't do anything or go anywhere (even with ALT + TAB)
without a password.  When I want the machine to function normally, I just
exit with the password.  I can then close Tamper-Proof PC, just like I would
close any other program, and everything on the PC functions normally.

This program would not stop a clever student intent on mayhem, but it
totally stops all the general kinds of "fooling around," like deleting
icons, changing desktop characteristics, playing "Solitaire" when they're
supposed to be researching, etc.

The Bad News:

Expert Software does not at this time offer a site license for this program.
The price is $9.00 for each CD, which is O.K. for home use (their targeted
market), but prohibitive for my library of 36 computers, and the 100
computers used by students in our building.

I have talked with their sales staff twice, and the best I've gotten is
"We're looking into it, as we have gotten a few other requests from schools."

My Idea:

If you would also be interested in such a product for your library & school,
you could e-mail them with your request for a site license.  (Yes!  LM_NET
changes the course of history!)  Note:  As far as I know, the product is
only available on CD-ROM - but you could also ask about getting it on floppies.

Send your message to:        sales@expertsoftware.com
or call                      1-800-759-2562

My Alternate Idea:

If you can recommend another product for this function (but not WinGuard or
StormWindows as I've already tried those), please e-mail me at home:
claybc@micron.net

If they ever offer the site license, I will post that here.  If I get lots
of good alternate suggestions, I will post a Hit.




Cathy Claybaugh                        "The Wired Librarian"
523 W. Boise Ave.                      North J.H. Library
Boise, ID  83706                       1105 N. 13th St.
(208) 344-0526                         Boise, ID  83702
claybc@micron.net                      (208) 338-3555
                                       claybc@nort1.sd01.k12.id.us

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