Copyright: Copyright 1996 Bardon Data Systems


Contents
ZD Net Child Proof Cap Lite

Welcome to Child Proof Cap Lite, Data Outlet's entry-level Windows 95 access-security program.  Also available is WinU, a more powerful Windows 95 access-security program.  To find out more about WinU, click here:

Choose a topic on which you'd like more information:

Setup Quick Start

How To Order WinU

Introduction

Installing Child Proof Cap Lite

Uninstalling Child Proof Cap Lite

The Administration Menu

The Desktops Menu

The Help Menu

The Administration Password

Configuring The System

Configuring A Desktop

Adding Or Changing Applications

Security Considerations

The Three Security Modes

Hints And Tricks

Notices


Introduction

Child Proof Cap Lite is a Windows 95 menu system with timeout and security access features.  It features three distinct levels of security control, password protected desktops and programs, and many flexible configuration options.  It's easy to set up, easy to use ... and virtually impossible to circumvent.

This makes Child Proof Cap Lite excellent for parents who want to allow children to use only certain software on the family PC, without worrying that Junior might delete the household tax records.  Child Proof Cap Lite can have two completely different desktops.  You can set up one desktop for the kids, and the other desktop for your own programs.

Child Proof Cap Lite is also ideal for computer stores that want to let the shopping public try their featured software without allowing access to the entire computer.  Child Proof Cap Lite lets you set the amount of time that shoppers (or children) can use a program, even communications programs for the Internet or online services.  It allows a warning "grace period,"  with a custom warning message that you can set, before it terminates a running application.  You can even tell it to run only one program at a time, so the previous application will be terminated when a new one is launched.

Businesses can use Child Proof Cap Lite to allow employees to run only authorized software, and make all other programs unavailable.  Child Proof Cap Lite is far better for this purpose than the meager built-in Windows 95 facility, because it is more powerful, more flexible, easier to set up, and simpler for end-users.

And Child Proof Cap Lite allows you to use any Windows bitmap as its background image.  Use your company logo or product information, or just your favorite picture.  You can display the image fullscreen behind the buttons, or put the image in the top half and the menu buttons on the bottom to give an unobstructed view of the image.


How To Order
Information On The Full WinU Program

Child Proof Cap Lite is a very competent little utility, but if you need more power, consider the full WinU ("Windows Menu") program.  WinU does everything that Child Proof Cap Lite does, and in addition has all the features listed below.  To print an order form, click here:

WinU allows up to 400 desktops, each with up to 400 program-launch buttons.  If there are more than will fit on-screen, a scrollbar appears to give access to them all.

WinU's password is saved between sessions.  WinU does not pause to request that you enter a new password every time you start WinU.  This makes it much more convenient to run WinU when you start your computer (either by using Super Security, or by listing WinU in the Startup folder if using Casual Security).  That way, you are assured that whenever you start your computer, WinU will protect it.

WinU allows "logging to file."  If you use this feature, the start and end times of each program run from a button, as well as the start and end times ofthe session itself, are written into a file.  The file can be in "plain English" or it can be written as comma-separated values suitable for using in a spreadsheet or database.  The file can be on the local computer, or on another computer on the network.  Its data can be used to monitor the computer's usage.

To order WinU, send $29.95 (plus shipping, see below) to:

Data Outlet

P. O. Box 37278

Richmond, VA 23234

USA

Payment: You can pay with cash, check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa.

Shipping: Please enclose $5 for shipping and handling.

Sales Tax: Virginia residents please add $1.35 sales tax.

Outside North America: Please add an additional $6 overseas shipping surcharge (total $11 shipping).

With a MasterCard or Visa you can also order WinU by phone, either directly from Data Outlet at 804-768-0424 (noon to 8:00 Mon-Thu) or through Data Outlet's toll-free telephone order-taking service at 800-242-4775 (weekdays 7 to 6 Central time; ask to order item #14202), or 24 hours a day by fax at (804) 768-0294.  You can also order on CompuServe, in two ways.  You can GO SWREG and order item #7315; the fee will be added into your regular CompuServe charge.  Or you can order on the World Wide Web at the Bardon Data Systems homepage (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Bardon).  The Web page is also the best place to get the very latest version of WinU, as well as other software from Bardon Data Systems.  With a MasterCard or Visa you can also send  direct electronic mail to 102676,667 with your credit card number, expiration date, and name as it appears on the card.

If you order with a MasterCard or Visa by phone at 804-768-0424, you'll be given your registration number immediately so you can get rid of the reminder screens and limitations right away.  Or simply mail in your credit card number and expiration date.

When you order, you'll get a copy of the most recent version of WinU, a registration number that will turn off the reminder screens and remove the limitations of the evaluation version, a printed manual, support, and update notices.

You will also get a FREE copy of Reverend Lowell's Treasury of Humor, Volume 1: "He Who Laughs, Lasts!" Reverend Lowell's Treasury contains thousands of humorous anecdotes collected by Reverend Lowell during his long career as an ordained minister.  After thirty years of public speaking from the pulpit, the podium, and on television, he has amassed over 200,000 items, and Reverend Lowell's Treasury represents the "cream of the crop."  These are Reverend Lowell's favorite funny stories, revealing quotes, interesting anecdotes, and zingy one-liners.  And there's nothing that would be unsuitable in any public setting.  There are plenty of items to choose from.  Each volume of the Treasury covers a different topic, and contains at least as many items as you'd find in a full-size book.  Many are illustrated in color or black-and-white.  You can search for any item by keyword or first line.  Or simply browse through every item page by page.


Administration Menu
The Administration Menu

To use any of the options below, by default you must first give the administration password when prompted.  However, this can be customized.  The specific menu items for which a password is required can be set in the Administration Settings dialog.

By giving the administration password in response to any password screen, Child Proof Cap Lite goes into its Administration Maintenance Mode in which security checks are temporarily suspended.  This makes it easier and less tedious for the administrator to configure the system.  To return the system to its previous security mode, simply log off the current desktop.

Administration Settings:  This screen has three sections.  The Administration Password section lets you set and change the administration password, and indicate which Child Proof Cap Lite administration functions are password-protected.  The Security Level section lets you indicate which of the three security modes (No Security, Casual Security, or Super Security) will be used, and lets you control whether the keyboard can be used as the computer starts.  The Default Desktop section has two buttons labeled Set and Clear.  Click Set to establish the current desktop as the startup default, or Clear to set the default to <No Desk>.

Add New Desktop:  This will create a new desktop with default settings, then display the Desktop Properties dialog to let you configure the new desktop.  You can change a desktop’s properties later by clicking the right mouse button on the desktop, or by using the Administration menu item Current Desktop Properties. (see Configuring A Desktop.)  Child Proof Cap Lite can have two entirely different desktops, each with its own properties, background display, and program-launch buttons.

Delete Current Desktop:  This removes the current desktop and all its buttons and settings.

Current Desktop Applications: The Desktop Applications screen lets you add, change, or delete the applications on this desktop, including each application's password and time limits.  You can also change the order of the buttons on the desktop.

Current Desktop Properties:  The Desktop Properties screen lets you set the desktop name, background bitmap, password, cumulative-time limits on this desktop, and other per-desktop program management options.

Shut Down The Computer:  In either of the Security modes, Child Proof Cap Lite covers the entire screen.  With no access to any other controls, this menu item provides the only way to shut down the computer.  By default, Child Proof Cap Lite is set up so that the administration password is required to do this.

Exit The Program:  This menu item provides a way to exit from Child Proof Cap Lite.  By default, Child Proof Cap Lite is set up so that the administration password is required to exit.  In Super Security mode, exiting from Child Proof Cap Lite shuts down the computer.


Desktops Menu
The Desktops Menu

This menu lists the names of all available desktops.  Click on one to switch to that desktop.  Desktops can be password-protected if desired.

There's also a Logoff Current Desktop menu item.  Click this to exit from the current desktop and set to the default desktop, or to <No Desk> if there is no default.

In a Security mode, exiting from a desktop automatically terminates all applications launched from that desktop.


Help Menu
The Help Menu

The Help menu has three items: Help, Getting Started, and About.  The Help and Getting Started items can be password-protected if you’d prefer that users didn’t have access to this information.

Help: Use the Help item (or press F1) to get full on-line help about setting up and running Child Proof Cap Lite.

Getting Started: This displays the "quick start" Help page, with step by step instructions on configuring Child Proof Cap Lite quickly.

About: Gives the Child Proof Cap Lite version number and copyright information.


Notices

TECHNICAL SUPPORT: For technical support contact ZD Net through CompuServe email (72241,2065), Internet email (robert_gerami@zd.com), or phone (617-225-3219).  Technical support is also available from the WinU publisher, Data Outlet.  Contact Data Outlet through CompuServe email (102676,667), Internet email (102676.667@compuserve.com) U. S. Mail (P. O. Box 37278, Richmond, VA 23234), or phone (804-768-0424 noon to 8:00 Mon-Thu).

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Requires Microsoft Windows 95

SOFTWARE LICENSE: This version of Child Proof Cap Lite is released through ZD Net to be freely distributed to ZD Net subscribers, who are welcome to distribute copies of Child Proof Cap Lite, in its entirety as distributed with this file, as long as none of the files in this package are modified or deleted.  Distributors must stop distributing Child Proof Cap Lite if asked to do so by the author.

WARRANTY: Neither the author nor the publisher make any warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regards to the software or the documentation.  Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable in any event for incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of, the furnishing, performance, or use of this software package.

COPYRIGHT: All Child Proof Cap Lite software and documentation copyright 1996 Barry Smiler.

CONTACTING THE AUTHOR: Barry Smiler, the author of Child Proof Cap Lite, can be contacted through the Bardon Data Systems homepage (http://www.bardon.com), U.S. mail (Bardon Data Systems, 1023 Key Route Blvd., Albany CA 94706), or phone (510-526-8470).  For technical support or other questions, contact ZD Net or Data Outlet.

CONTACTING THE PUBLISHER: Data Outlet, the publisher of Child Proof Cap Lite, can be contacted through CompuServe email (102676,667), Internet email (102676.667@compuserve.com) U. S. Mail (P. O. Box 37278, Richmond, VA 23234), or phone (804-768-0424 noon to 8:00 Mon-Thu).


Uninstalling WinU
Uninstalling Child Proof Cap Lite

Child Proof Cap Lite includes an "uninstall" component.  When you install Child Proof Cap Lite, the uninstaller is added to Child Proof Cap Lite's icons on the Start menu as well as to the usual "Add/Remove Programs" list.  To uninstall, run the uninstaller.


Installing WinU
Installing Child Proof Cap Lite

To install Child Proof Cap Lite, run the program install.exe that comes with Child Proof Cap Lite.  It will ask you the folder you would like to install into, the Start button group name you prefer, and whether you'd like Child Proof Cap Lite to run at startup.  Child Proof Cap Lite will not install anything to any other folder, other than the one you specify.  It will not change any system files.  If you choose to uninstall, simply run the uninstaller program.

Child Proof Cap Lite installs the following files to the folder you choose:

cpclite.exe	the Child Proof Cap Lite program, file 1

cpclite2.exe	the Child Proof Cap Lite program, file 2

cpclite3.exe	the Child Proof Cap Lite program, file 3

unincpc.exe	the Child Proof Cap Lite uninstaller

cpclite.hlp	the documentation, in Windows helpfile format

readme.txt	overview and installation instructions

The first time you run Child Proof Cap Lite, or anytime you start when there are no other desktops, Child Proof Cap Lite creates a "Sample" desktop with a few buttons.  This lets you use Child Proof Cap Lite and get a feel for what it can do.

When first installed, Child Proof Cap Lite will run in Casual Security mode. This can be changed by using the Administration menu item Administration Settings to display the Administration Properties screen.


Quick Start
Setup Quick Start

How To Use Child Proof Cap Lite, In A Nutshell: Use the keyboard or mouse to press any button and run its program.  If the program has a time limit, it will be terminated when it runs out of time.  With the administration password, you can right-click on a button to change that button's settings, or right-click on the desktop to modify desktop settings, or use the Administration menu to select one of Child Proof Cap Lite's three security levels or change systemwide settings.  Whenever you use the administration password, Child Proof Cap Lite goes into Administration Maintenance Mode, in which it's easier to drag-and-drop files from Explorer to add new buttons.

Here's how to quickly set up Child Proof Cap Lite:

1) Configure systemwide settings by selecting the Administration menu item Administration Settings.  This will display the Administration Properties screen.  Here you can select one of Child Proof Cap Lite's three security levels, change the administration password, set up logging to file, and change other systemwide options.

2) Create new desktops by selecting the Administration menu item Add New Desktop.  This will then display the Desktop Properties screen which lets you configure the new desktop to your liking.  Later, you can change a desktop’s properties at any time by right-clicking on the desktop.  Desktop options include password, timeout settings, program management options, and background image.

3) Add program buttons to the desktop.  The easiest way is to "drag and drop" files from Explorer onto the Child Proof Cap Lite desktop.  Or add them by selecting the Administration menu item Current Desktop Applications.  Later, you can modify a button's settings at any time by right-clicking on it, which will display the Application Properties screen for that button.


Hints And Tricks

Here are some thoughts to consider when setting up Child Proof Cap Lite.

•	The three security modes each have different capabilities.  In Casual Security or Super Security mode, Child Proof Cap Lite will cover the entire screen, will not allow any previously-running programs to be displayed to the user, and (if the current desktop is in Single-Program Mode) will close the previous Child Proof Cap Lite-launched program when the user launches a new one.  In No Security ("Convenience") mode, Child Proof Cap Lite can run smaller than fullscreen, the current desktop's Single-Program Mode switch has no effect, and Child Proof Cap Lite does not take steps to avoid being abnormally shut down.  That is, it's simply a convenient menu-style program launcher with no security features.

•	By giving the administration password in response to any password screen, Child Proof Cap Lite goes into its Administration Maintenance Mode in which security checks are temporarily suspended.  This makes it more convenient for the administrator to configure the system.  To return the system to its previous security mode, log off the current desktop.

•	The easiest way to create a new desktop button is to "drag and drop" a file from Explorer to the Child Proof Cap Lite desktop.  You can "drag and drop" an executable program, or a file with a registered File Association type.  The new button appears when you drop the file onto Child Proof Cap Lite.  Configure the new button by right-clicking on it to change its Properties.

•	If a Child Proof Cap Lite application has a time limit, there will be a countdown timer in Child Proof Cap Lite's menu bar when running that program.  The user always knows how much time is left before this program will terminate.  If the desktop has its own time limit, Child Proof Cap Lite's cumulative timing option keeps track of the total amount of time that any program actually runs from this desktop.  If the current desktop uses this option, a second menu bar timer displays  the remaining desktop time.  The desktop timer can optionally reset itself to the maximum allowed time every day, or every week.

•	Other than with Child Proof Cap Lite's own password-protected "Shutdown" menu item, the user cannot shut down the computer when Child Proof Cap Lite is running.  Yes, the power switch still works...  but that's the only way.  And if you’ve set up Child Proof Cap Lite to start when Windows starts, it comes right back up again.  To set up Child Proof Cap Lite to do this in Casual Security mode, put a shortcut to Child Proof Cap Lite in your Startup folder.  Or use Super Security mode, in which no such shortcut is needed since Child Proof Cap Lite tracks this by itself.

•	Other than with Child Proof Cap Lite's own password-protected "Exit" menu item, users can't exit from Child Proof Cap Lite improperly.  If they try, Child Proof Cap Lite restarts.  And in Super Security mode, starting the computer will automatically start Child Proof Cap Lite, and exiting Child Proof Cap Lite shuts down the computer.

•	In either of the Security modes, Child Proof Cap Lite won't run smaller than fullscreen, and when set up properly the user cannot access the Start button, Taskbar, desktop, Explorer, or any other tools other than those you have provided on Child Proof Cap Lite buttons.  There’s also a No Security ("Convenience") mode in which you can run Child Proof Cap Lite as a normal resizable window (see below).  This is handy for setting up the system.

•	If you enable Single-Program Mode for a desktop, only one program will run at a time.  When you click on a new button, the previous program closes.

•	Child Proof Cap Lite won't restart a program sooner than the "restart time" you've set up for that program.

•	You can use the usual motion keys (arrows, Tab, Home, End, PageUp, PageDown) to select a button.  The current button is highlighted.  Press Enter to run the current button's program.

•	If you minimize an application run from the Child Proof Cap Lite desktop, Child Proof Cap Lite reopens it.

•	If there are enough buttons so the desktop needs a scroll bar, Child Proof Cap Lite adds one to the right side of the window.

•	If enabled for this desktop, Child Proof Cap Lite always tries to run programs fullscreen.

•	Programs started from Child Proof Cap Lite cannot get buried under the Child Proof Cap Lite window; Child Proof Cap Lite keeps them on top.  Programs running before Child Proof Cap Lite started won’t be displayed; if the user tries to switch to one, Child Proof Cap Lite hides it again.

•	Child Proof Cap Lite's big-font popup message boxes time out after two minutes.

•	 In a Security mode, exiting from a desktop automatically terminates all applications launched from that desktop.


The Administration Password

Administration Password: Every time you start Child Proof Cap Lite, it asks you for an administration password.  You can change the password at any time with the Administration menu item Administration Settings.  Like all Child Proof Cap Lite passwords, the administration password is case sensitive.

The administration password can be used whenever any Child Proof Cap Lite password is required.  For example, if a desktop is password-protected, the administration password can be entered instead of the desktop password.  Similarly, a password-protected application can be run by giving the administration password rather than the application password.

Administration Maintenance Mode: Any time the administration password is used, Child Proof Cap Lite switches into its Administration Maintenance Mode, in which security checks are temporarily suspended.  This special password tells Child Proof Cap Lite that the current user is the system administrator, someone who already has access to the entire system.  For such a user, further security testing serves no useful purpose.

Therefore, in Administration Maintenance Mode, passwords are not required or requested, and Child Proof Cap Lite won't interfere when programs such as Explorer or the Taskbar are accessed.  This makes it easy for the system administrator to modify Child Proof Cap Lite settings, "drag and drop" programs onto the desktop and create new buttons, or use other software tools that a normal user would not have access to.

Administration Maintenance Mode remains in effect until you log off the current desktop.  Child Proof Cap Lite will then reset to the previous Security mode.

Child Proof Cap Lite provides three visible cues that Administration Maintenance Mode is in effect:

  •  the Child Proof Cap Lite window shrinks to less than fullscreen

  •  the title bar blinks "ADMINISTRATION MAINTENANCE MODE"

  •  the Child Proof Cap Lite window's background color changes to a distinctive red and blue pattern (this is visible only if the bitmap is restricted to the top half of the Child Proof Cap Lite window)


Configuring The System

Use the Administration menu item Administration Settings to display the Administration Properties screen.  There are three sections to this screen.

Administration Password: Set and change the administration password.  Like all Child Proof Cap Lite passwords, the administration password is case sensitive.  The administration password can be required to change any of the settings on the Administration menu.  Using the administration password will set the current desktop into Administration Maintenance Mode until the user (that is, the system administrator) logs off from that desktop.

Indicate here whether the administration password is required to:

  •  shut down the computer

  •  exit from Child Proof Cap Lite

  •  change Child Proof Cap Lite's systemwide and desktop settings

  •  use the Help system

  •  change a desktop’s settings

Each of these can be set individually, but before you make them available, consider that allowing unprotected access to these functions may provide a way around Child Proof Cap Lite's security features.

Security Level: What level of security do you want to use?  Choose from No Security ("Convenience") mode, Casual Security mode, or Super Security mode. (see The Three Security Modes).

This section also has a button that lets you control whether the keyboard is disabled when the computer starts.  At boot time, pressing F4 starts the previous version of DOS, and F8 brings up a menu of options including bare DOS, "safe mode," and various other ways to continue.  To enhance security, disable these and other boot-time keys by clicking this button.  To re-activate, click it again.  The button title tells you what it will do when you click it.

Default Desktop: This section has two buttons labeled Set and Clear.  Click Set to set the current desktop as the default.  Click Clear to remove an existing default-desk setting.  You can also use Set to remove any existing default, by clicking it when the current desktop is <No Desk>.  The default desk is displayed at startup and when users log off other desks.  It's an automated process.  Even if the default desktop is password-protected, the user won't be asked for that password when logging off another desktop, or at startup when the system first sets to that desk.


Configuring A Desktop

This page contains information on changing the desktop itself.  For information on modifying the buttons on a desktop, see the page Adding Or Changing Programs.

To configure the desktop itself, click the right mouse button on the desktop to display the Desktop Properties screen.  The Administration menu item Current Desktop Properties will also display this screen.

The Desktop Properties screen has six sections, each controlling a different desktop option:

Desktop Name: This is the name listed on the Desktops menu and displayed in the title bar when the desk is active.  The log file uses this name when programs are launched from this desktop.  You can change the name to anything you want, but it can’t be blank.

Background Image:  Child Proof Cap Lite has its own "built-in" background image, or you can set this desktop to display any other Windows bitmap as the background image by giving its filename here.  You can type in the bitmap filename, or use the Browse button, or "drag and drop" the image file from Explorer onto this dialog.  It will appear as the bitmap file name.  If you leave this blank, Child Proof Cap Lite's built-in background image will be used.

Whether you use an external bitmap image or Child Proof Cap Lite's built-in bitmap, the picture can be displayed fullscreen behind this desktop’s buttons, or unobstructed in the top half of the Child Proof Cap Lite screen.  If you prefer, you can select the third option, and display no bitmap image on the screen, just a plain colored background.

The color behind and around the bitmap can be customized.  Click in the color box to set the background to any color you like.  There’s also a box to check if you want the bitmap image displayed in a framed border.  Some pictures look better in a frame, others don’t.  It’s up to you.

Image Display Mode: This sets the display mode for the background bitmap image.  Windows has three bitmap display modes.  The best mode for color images is usually Mode 2.  However, on some systems Mode 1 or Mode 3 may work better.  Try it and see.

Desktop Password:  If you’d like this desktop to be password-protected, give the password here.  Like all Child Proof Cap Lite passwords, this one is case sensitive.

Cumulative Time On This Desktop: In addition to each program’s individual time limit (if any has been set), the desktop itself can have a time limit.  If desired, specify this here as the maximum number of minutes allowed before forced termination.  You can also change the number of minutes currently used up, if you like.  When the desktop time runs out, the currently-active program is terminated.

The desktop cumulative timer counts time only when a program on this desktop is running.  If no program is currently running, the desktop timer does not lose time.  You can also set this as cumulative time per day or per week, in which case the maximum time is again available whenever the time period restarts.  Time per day restarts at midnight; time per week restarts on Sunday at midnight.

Program Management:  These two settings let you further customize the way in which Child Proof Cap Lite runs programs.  In Single-Program Mode, when the user clicks a button to launch a program, any other currently-running program is forcibly terminated.

Check the second box to force programs to run in a maximized window.  This can help discourage the temptation to launch other programs without first exiting normally from this one.  Of course, when launching a program fullscreen, Child Proof Cap Lite's menubar timeout counters are not visible.


Adding Or Changing Applications

Child Proof Cap Lite displays each application's name on its button.  To run that program, click the button with the mouse or keyboard.

The easiest way to create a new desktop button is to "drag and drop" a file from Explorer to the Child Proof Cap Lite desktop.  You can "drag and drop" an executable program, or a file with a registered File Association type.  The new button appears when you drop the file onto Child Proof Cap Lite.  Configure the new button by right-clicking on it to change its Properties.

You can also use the Administration menu item Current Desktop Applications to add, change, or delete a button.

Either method brings up the same screen.  Its fields are described below.  The fields Button Text and File To Run are required; the others are optional.

Applications: The list at the top shows all applications on this desktop. If you right-clicked on an application’s button, the screen starts with that application’s settings displayed.  However, you can select any application to see and change its properties.

Move Up or Move Down: These buttons change the order of the applications in the list, and on the desktop.

Button Text: This is the text to be displayed on the button.  All buttons on a desktop are the same width.  This width is determined by the length of the longest button text on the desktop.

File to run: This is the full path and file name of the program (for example C:\GAMES\SOMEGAME.EXE).  You can type it in, or use the Browse button, or "drag and drop" any filename from Explorer onto this dialog.  If it's not an icon file (see below) it will appear as the file to run.

Command parameters: Give any command-line parameters or switches needed by the program.

Initial directory: This is the starting directory for this program.  If you leave this blank, the program's directory is used as the initial directory (C:\GAMES in our example).

Icon File: If you'd prefer an icon other than the usual one, give its name here. You can type it in, or use the Browse button, or "drag and drop" an icon file from Explorer onto this dialog.  It will appear as the icon file.  You can also list almost any Windows program, and even some DLLs.  Whatever you list, the first icon in the file will be used on this application’s button.

Warning Message: This is your customized warning message to be displayed for this program.  If you don't provide a message, a generic warning message is used.  It's helpful to indicate in your warning message just how much time remains before termination.  Your message can be up to 300 characters long.

Password: Will a password be required to run this program?  If so, list it here.  Like all Child Proof Cap Lite passwords, this one is case sensitive.

Kill Companion App (Title):  When this program runs, does it launch another application?  If so, you may want Child Proof Cap Lite to also terminate that "companion" application when this program runs out of time.  To do so, list that "companion" application by typing its title bar name here.  When this program terminates, Child Proof Cap Lite will also terminate the "companion" application by searching for any other program whose title bar matches what you've typed here. The text you type here must be exactly as it will appear in the "companion" application's title bar.

Minutes Until Warning: This is the number of minutes from the start of the application until the warning message is displayed.  Set this to zero if you don't want any time limits for this program.

Minutes Until Termination: This is the number of minutes from the start of the application until the program is terminated.  It must be a larger number than the Minutes Until Warning.  For example, you might set 10 Minutes Until Warning, and 14 Minutes Until Termination.  Set this to zero if you don't want any time limits for this program.

Minutes Before Application Restart Allowed: It's sometimes useful to be able to set a "waiting period" before an application can be restarted after termination.  For example, if a parent sets up Junior's game with 30 Minutes Until Termination, what's to prevent Junior from simply restarting the game right away?  To take care of this, set 60 Minutes Before Application Restart Allowed and Junior will have to do something else for an hour.  Maybe even homework...

Application Requires MS-DOS Mode: Check this box if the program has been configured to run in "MS-DOS Mode."  You'll hardly ever need to do this.  Almost all DOS programs run just fine under a normal Windows 95 DOS session.  But a few older or ill-behaved DOS programs need to run in what's called "MS-DOS Mode."  In this mode, Windows 95 starts the program and then shuts itself down almost entirely.  The DOS program has the use of the entire machine.  When the DOS program exits, Windows 95 reboots.  This creates some security considerations that deserve careful thought before you include such a program in a security-oriented environment like Child Proof Cap Lite.

Application Uses A Modem:  Check this box if this is a communications application that uses a modem, so Child Proof Cap Lite knows to reset the modem and hang up the phone when this program must be forcibly terminated.  Note that this feature is both hardware- and software-dependent.  Test your computer system to ensure that it will support this feature.

After you give the above information, click the Add App button to create a new listing.  It will be added to the list at the top of the screen.  To delete an application, select one from the list and click the Delete App button.  To change an application's settings, select an app from the list, change its information, and click the Change App button.

To get you started, there's also a Find All Apps button.  This will list every exe, com, bat, and pif file in your system.  You can scroll through this list, and when you find an app you want to add, select it from the list and click on the Add This App button.  It will be added with default parameters (which you'll probably want to customize with the Change App button).  Click the Done button when you're finished with this list.


Security Considerations

Child Proof Cap Lite provides very thorough security control for your computer.  Here are some things you can do to help Child Proof Cap Lite, and provide further protection.

Use Super Security Whenever Possible:  Super Security mode is more secure than Casual Security mode.  In Casual Security mode, Child Proof Cap Lite is just another program running on your system.  It can (and does) watch for certain kinds of events, and vigorously resists being shut down abnormally, but it is no more privileged than any other program running at that time.  For example, in Casual Security mode, Start menu programs that have been set up with "hotkeys" can be launched by typing the "hotkey" from the keyboard, even though Child Proof Cap Lite hides the Start menu itself.

But in Super Security mode Child Proof Cap Lite integrates much more closely with your system.  It is always launched whenever Windows 95 starts, it tracks all programs you launch at startup, and exiting from Child Proof Cap Lite shuts down the computer.  In Super Security mode, Child Proof Cap Lite completely replaces the Taskbar and Start Button, making it virtually impossible to use a program not allowed by Child Proof Cap Lite ... which is exactly what you want.

Use Single-Program Mode:  For the tightest security, when you set up each desktop check the box that enables Single-Program Mode.  In this mode, when the user clicks a button to launch a program, any other currently-running program is forcibly terminated, so only one program can be run at a time.

Put A Shortcut To Child Proof Cap Lite In Startup: Child Proof Cap Lite can do this automatically when you first install it.  If you did not do so at that time and are using Casual Security, consider placing a shortcut to Child Proof Cap Lite in the Startup folder, to activate Child Proof Cap Lite when Windows 95 starts its GUI desktop.  You don't need this shortcut in Super Security mode, because in that mode Child Proof Cap Lite always starts when the Windows 95 desktop comes up.

The shortcut in Casual Security mode ensures that Child Proof Cap Lite will become active instantly when the Windows 95 desktop boots next time.  If you are comfortable using Explorer to put a shortcut to child proof cap lite.exe in the Startup folder, that's a fine way to do it.  If not, here are step by step directions:

a) Click the Start button

b) Select the Settings menu item.  A sub-menu appears.

c) In the sub-menu, select Taskbar

d) The Taskbar Properties dialog comes up

e) Select the tab labeled "Start Menu Programs"

f) Under Start Menu Programs, click the Add button

g) If you know the full directory path to the cpclite.exe program, type it into the command line.  Otherwise, click on the Browse button to find it and select it.  Either way, the full path to cpclite.exe winds up in the command line. When it's there, press Next.

h) When you press Next, the Start menu's directory structure appears.

i) Scroll down until you see the Startup folder, and select it.

j) Now you'll be asked to give a name for this new shortcut.  Pick your favorite name, and click on the Finish button.

k) Back at the Taskbar Properties dialog, click OK.

Close Unnecessary Programs: Child Proof Cap Lite doesn't mind when other programs run at the same time it is active, but before you start Child Proof Cap Lite in Casual Security mode, you should still exit from all unnecessary programs.  Child Proof Cap Lite keeps hidden any programs it didn't start itself.  However, the most secure situation is to not run them in the first place.

Consider What Is Run At Startup:  Whether you use Casual Security or Super Security, the programs listed in your Startup folder are launched whenever Windows 95 starts.  So it’s a good idea to think about your Startup programs, and ensure that none allow access to areas you’d rather keep hidden.

Un-Topmost The Task Bar: The Taskbar is sometimes set as a "topmost" window.  That is, it is always on top of all other windows.  In Casual Security mode, Child Proof Cap Lite makes it very difficult to use the Taskbar even when it is "topmost" and visible (in Super Security mode there is no Taskbar to worry about).  Still, the best thing is to keep the Taskbar entirely out of sight.  Fortunately, it's easy to "un-topmost" the Taskbar and Start button.

a) Click the Start button

b) Select the Settings menu item.  A sub-menu appears.

c) In the sub-menu, select Taskbar.  The Taskbar Properties dialog appears.

d) Make sure that "Always on top" is NOT checked

e) Click OK to close the Properties dialog

Don't Use MS-DOS Mode: A few older or ill-behaved DOS programs need to run in what's called "MS-DOS Mode."  (This is set in the DOS program's Properties, on the Program tab, under Advanced.)  In this mode, Windows 95 starts the program and then shuts itself down almost entirely.  The DOS program has the use of the entire machine.  When the DOS program exits, Windows 95 reboots.

If you use Super Security mode, or you use Casual Security and put a shortcut to Child Proof Cap Lite in your Startup folder, it handles this situation easily.  Child Proof Cap Lite restarts smoothly when Windows 95 reboots, and again covers the entire screen.  However, while the MS-DOS mode program is running, nothing else is.  Not Windows, not Child Proof Cap Lite, nothing.  So there's no way to enforce time limits or other security considerations.  Windows restarts when the MS-DOS program exits.  It's a complete reboot.  Nothing is carried over from the previous Windows session before the MS-DOS program ran.  At that reboot time, Child Proof Cap Lite restarts too.  But the new Child Proof Cap Lite doesn't know what happened "before," so it doesn't log the MS-DOS app's exit, it doesn't know to enforce restart control on that app, it doesn't know if that app went over its time limit, nothing.

As you can see, MS-DOS Mode creates a large security hole.  Fortunately it's really a very small problem, because very few DOS applications require MS-DOS Mode.  Most run just fine under a normal Windows 95 DOS session.  For those few apps that require it, Child Proof Cap Lite will run the "MS-DOS Mode" apps easily.  All you need to do is check the "MS-DOS Mode" box in the Apps dialog if you decide to use one of these few problem programs.  But before you put one on the menu, consider the security tradeoffs involved.

Don't Use Programs That Give Access To Your File System:  Some programs have their own built-in file management functions.  They let the user access the underlying directory structure, change or delete files, start other programs, etc.  If security is your goal, this is not a good idea.  Sometimes such programs have the ability to disable these features.

Change Your Passwords Regularly: An easy way to enhance security is to change the administration, desktop, and application passwords on a regular basis.  Change them to something that isn't obvious, so as to make it difficult to guess.


The Three Security Modes

Here are the differences between No Security ("Convenience") mode, Casual Security mode, and Super Security mode.

When you first install it, Child Proof Cap Lite is in Casual Security mode,  In Casual Security, Child Proof Cap Lite has the same access and usage controls as Super Security, and the same resistance to being shut down abnormally.  However, in Casual Security mode Child Proof Cap Lite is "just another program" on your system.  For the most safety, use Super Security mode.  In Super Security mode there is no Taskbar, no desktop icons, and no Task Manager.  Child Proof Cap Lite is the sole access channel to your computer, so if you haven't set up a program to be launched from Child Proof Cap Lite, there is no system-provided way to run it.  (However, note that some programs provide their own internal "application launch" facility.  If you allow such a program to be run from Child Proof Cap Lite, make sure that you disable this kind of internal "application launcher.")

In Casual Security mode, Start menu programs that have been set up with "hotkeys" can be launched by typing the "hotkey" from the keyboard, even though Child Proof Cap Lite hides the Start menu itself.  However, in Super Security mode there is no Start menu and no Taskbar, so these "hotkey" shortcuts don't work.

In Casual Security mode, if you want to run WinU at startup, you need to place a shortcut to WinU in the Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder.  In Super Security mode, this shortcut is unnecessary, because WinU will run at startup whether or not this shortcut is in the StartUp folder.

When running at startup in Casual Security mode, WinU will keep hidden from the user only those programs launched at startup before WinU was launched.  For example, let's say that programs A and B are launched at startup before WinU, and programs D and E are launched at startup after WinU.  In this case, WinU will keep A and B hidden from the user.  But because D and E were not running when WinU was launched, they are not tracked, and the user can switch to them if desired, because they are invisible to WinU.

However, in Super Security mode, WinU knows about all programs launched at startup.  All your startup programs will be run, but in Super Security mode they are all tracked by WinU and are kept hidden from the user.

Child Proof Cap Lite also has a No Security "Convenience" mode, in which it functions simply as a convenient "application launch" menu.

In either Security mode, Child Proof Cap Lite covers the entire screen all the time.  In Convenience mode, Child Proof Cap Lite can run smaller than fullscreen.  This simple fact drives almost all the other differences.

Since the rest of the system is "available" in Convenience mode, Child Proof Cap Lite makes no attempt to enforce timeout, warning, or restart restrictions, even if these are set up for the current program or desktop.  The menu does not show the remaining time for a program or desktop, as it does in a Security mode.  Child Proof Cap Lite doesn't vigorously resist being shut down abnormally, as in a Security mode.

In a Security mode, if this desktop’s Single-Program Mode box is checked Child Proof Cap Lite will run only one program at a time.  If you start a new application, the old one is terminated.  In Convenience mode, or if this desktop’s Single-Program Mode box isn’t checked, you can run as many programs simultaneously as you like.

In a Security mode, when and if Child Proof Cap Lite closes, it will terminate the currently-running applications.  In Super Security, exiting Child Proof Cap Lite will shut down the computer.  In Convenience mode, when Child Proof Cap Lite closes, any programs it launched continue to run.

By giving the administration password in response to any password screen, Child Proof Cap Lite goes into its Administration Maintenance Mode in which security checks are temporarily suspended.  This makes it easier for the administrator to configure the system.  To return the system to its previous security mode, log off the current desktop.


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