Verified Security Lock Down is a desktop lockdown tool that only works on Windows 9x and Windows Me systems. I mention it for two reasons. First, Windows 9x and Windows Me are the operating systems that are the most vulnerable to intrusion. Second, I really like this software because it has some cool monitoring capabilities built in. This software is used not so much to control what a user has access to, but to completely lock down the PC while the user is away. The software loads as Windows starts and is password-protected. It then disables mouse movement and [CTRL][ALT][DELETE]. It also disables the Windows boot keys. This prevents someone from just booting the system into safe mode and gaining access to the system. What I really like about the system is that it has two major modes of operation. The normal operational mode hides the desktop from view so that no one can read documents that might have been left open. It also allows you to leave a message on your screen to others and allows others to leave messages for you, kind of like an electronic note taker. The other mode is stealth mode, which is invisible to the user. Instead of blocking a user, it records the user's actions. That way, if you suspect someone is stealing information off your PC, this tool would allow you to catch them red-handed. Both the normal and stealth modes have activity-logging options. Verified Security Lockdown costs $14.95 and PayPal users get a 10 percent discount. Unfortunately, Verified Security does not offer refunds and it takes 48 hours to get your software emailed to you. SpyLock
SpyLock is designed to run on Windows 9x, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. This software offers the best of both worlds. If you are placing it on an end user's PC, you can use the software to hide various desktop icons and Start menu items. You can also place restrictions on Internet Explorer, such as hiding various menus. You can even control whether a user is allowed to shut down the PC. If you are using the software to lock down your own PC while you're away, you can disable the Windows boot keys to prevent someone from booting into safe mode and disabling or bypassing the software. You can also disable various system key combinations and disable the mouse. As with Verified Security Lockdown, you can leave messages indicating you are away and when you will return, and there is an activity monitor that logs activity that occurs when you aren't around. Like Verified Security Lockdown, SpyLock has a stealth mode. A single copy of SpyLock costs $39.95. Other solutions
Dozens of desktop lockdown software packages are on the market. Not every product will work on every system or fit into every price range. Furthermore, some desktop lockdown products are better suited to certain environments than others. I have only listed some of the desktop lockdown solutions available for the Windows PC.
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