Raymond.CC Blog

People like us who spend many hours on computer usually don’t shutdown the computer very frequently. As for me, my computer would be turned on from morning until before I go to bed. Reason I don’t leave it on is because I do not download movies or TV episodes that has really big file size. So I’d just turn it off and save the electricity.

Both my desktop and laptop is in the living room and I usually will have a slight problem whenever children comes over to my place. They’d definitely come to the computer and try to do something to it. Perhaps they are looking for computer games or just simply want to hit the keyboard and move the mouse around.

When that time comes, here is what I do to restrict my keyboard, mouse and even the power button.


There are many ways of doing it.

1. Lock Windows

- The ultimate and easiest way is of course just press the Win + L keys simultaneously to lock the computer. You’ll need to create a password for your user account in order to lock the computer.

2. ToddlerTrap

- This tool is used by Martin to suppress all the pressed keys and mouse actions whenever his nephew is at his place. There’s a small disadvantage in using ToddlerTrap. You’ll have to somehow hide the program window by moving it to the corner because the program can be easily closed by clicking the X button. If a kid manage to close it by luck, there goes your computer…
[ Download ToddlerTrap ]

3. Toddler Keys

- Toddler Keys is slight better than ToddlerTrap because not only it can restrict keyboard and mouse usage, it can also disable CD-ROM and Power button. If a kid is unable to do anything with the keyboard and mouse, very likely he’ll move his attention to the computer case. It’ll be disastrous if he keeps on pressing the CD/DVD to constantly open and close the CD tray. It’ll be even worse if he press the Power button that shuts off the computer. Other than those restrictions, you can also include images to display and sound to play whenever a key is being pressed which adds some entertainment value for the kid. To exit the locked screen, just type the word QUIT. The secret exit word can be changed in Options.
[ Download Toddler Keys ]

4. Child Proof

- Child Proof is a program that protect your computer from children by accident pressing wrong buttons or key. It hides all windows, the toolbar at the bottom and the desktop and replaces it by a toolbar with programs you allow your child to execute. This avoids most problems when children use the computer. The default exit key to exist from the locked screen is CTRL + ALT + Shift + P. This combination can also be changed in Options. Child Proof is unable to disable the power button and CD/DVD eject key but it can allow programs such as games to be played.
[ Download Child Proof ]

All programs I mentioned above are free and each has its own pros and cons. Depending on who is the kid, I’ll then decide which tool is most suitable to use. Oh, these tools are also useful if you want to clean your keyboard and mouse without unplugging it from a booted up Windows.