This is an outdated topic and an outdated version of KidSafe; a newer version of KidSafe and a newer thread can be found here. Please disregard the apparent difference in version numbers; KidSafe has had its entire versioning redone.
Application: KidSafe
Category: Utilities
Description: KidSafe is a computer-locking application designed to keep young children from messing anything up.
Ever had your desktop icons scrambled or your Word document deleted by a little kid? KidSafe's for you.
Note: This is my own application, created by me and released under the GPL.
Download KidSafe Portable 5.0.1.0 Development Test 1 [1.76MB download / 5.7MB installed]
(MD5: fcc08e1d6721a9e7eb088ecf8a19ce58)
Release Notes:
Version 5.0.1.0, Development Test 1 (2010-01-01):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (5.0.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 5.0.0.0, Development Test 1 (2010-01-01):
This version has had significant changes made, including an almost-complete rewrite of the "unlock text" areas (which no longer exist). The purpose of these changes was to prevent KidSafe from being abused; although the protections are vastly weaker now, they will still serve an important function - protecting your computer from little kids.
Version 4.7.1.1, Development Test 1 (2009-12-31):
IMPORTANT: THIS IS THE LAST KIDSAFE RELEASE OF THIS NATURE. KIDSAFE 5.0.0.0 IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ABUSE, BUT IS ALSO EASY TO DEFEAT - IT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR PROTECTION AGAINST KIDS TOO SMALL TO READ. IF YOU NEED TO PREVENT AN OLDER KID FROM ACCESSING YOUR COMPUTER, THIS IS THE KIDSAFE RELEASE YOU'LL NEED TO USE.
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.7.1.1); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.7.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-26):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.7.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.7.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-23):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.7.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.6.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-21):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.6.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.5.1.1, Development Test 1 (2009-12-18):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.5.1.1); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.5.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-15):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.5.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.5.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-12):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.5.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.4.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-12):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.4.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.3.2.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-09):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.3.2.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.3.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-08):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.3.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 4.3.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-08):
- Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.3.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here
- KidSafe installer now uses the updated (1.0.1) PortableApps.com Installer
Version 4.1.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-06):
- Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.1.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here
- Part of the launcher, responsible for copying Prefs.dat from DefaultData to Data on first run, was broken by a previous release
Version 4.1.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-05):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (4.1.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.7.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-2):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.7.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.6.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-12-1):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.6.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.5.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-11-25):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.5.1.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.5.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-11-24):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.5.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.4.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-11-23):
- Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.4.0.0); see included changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here
- Launcher has a nice new icon (thanks Babasse & digitxp!)
- help.html now links to the included ReadMe
Version 3.3.1.0, Development Test 3 (2009-11-22):
Fixed a minor spelling error in the launcher
Version 3.3.1.0, Development Test 2 (2009-11-20):
- KidSafe installer now uses the updated (version 1.0) PortableApps.com Installer
- Fixed some minor problems with appinfo.ico and appinfo.ini
- Fixed a problem with the package version number - it's now independent of the KidSafe version number, and accurately reflects the version of the KidSafe installer instead of the KidSafe application
- Corrected the app category by changing it from "Utility" to "Utilities"
- Made other minor changes to the installer
Version 3.3.1.0, Development Test 1 (2009-11-17):
Updated KidSafe to the latest release (3.3.1.0); see included Changelog for more details, or view the latest release notes here.
Version 3.3.0.0, Development Test 1 (2009-11-14):
Initial release
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Don't forget to link the Application name to it's site.
Sadly, it doesn't have a site yet. I'm trying to get a site up on FreeHostia, but it's not going too well ATM...
Most questions are covered in the included README; if there's enough interest, and enough questions, I might be able to get a wiki or forum set up. For now, though, I'll be happy if I can get a simple HTML page...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Here are a few low-hassle ones:
www.000webhost.com
www.dropbox.com (if you put html files in the pub folder, they'll act as a site, but no php)
www.google.com/sites (it's well oiled)
www.ucoz.com
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
I mean the app's homepage, ie, from what I can tell, KidSafe is from here: http://www.kid-safe.co.uk/
If that's the right URL, then it needs to be made a hyperlink with the app's name. If it's not, the correct site needs to be used, just as it is in KVIrc Portable DT9's Page.
He made the app himself, I can tell right away the site you found is not related, he says it in https://portableapps.com/node/21471
And btw, nice I found something like this before, I use this stuff when I want to clean my keyboard.
"Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about Rock'n'Roll." -Shigeru Miyamoto
Again, you misunderstood. Being that he was asking about hosting for himself, I doubt he coded the app himself. Which is why I'm posing the issue that I am.
I was asking about hosting for myself because - as I mentioned - this is my first publicly-released PAF app. I've released one other app before, but I put it on a friend's site, which has gone down since then. Now I needed a new file-hosting service, which MediaFire nicely covered...
As for the web site, I'm trying to get one up on FreeHostia - not as easy as it should be though. (Mostly problems creating some good content, creating the HTML code is easy)
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Based on the home page of FreeHostia, I would not recommend it. It's too scary.
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
Scary?
Didn't have too much trouble creating an account or configuring my FTP client to work with it...
I have found, though, that their file policy is really bad. SWF's get automatically deleted, EXE's get automatically deleted... essentially, it would have to be a "vanilla", pure-HTML page. I'll look into one of the other providers you mentioned...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
yes, it's my app - I wrote it myself, with only my 2-year-old sister for inspiration.
Didn't know about that co.uk site, hope I'm not violating any trademarks...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
That makes sense. I'd look into a free host then, and make a note that the app doesn't have a homepage.
The guy gets its ok? also, if you'd gone to the link I said, you'd have known he made it.
"Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about Rock'n'Roll." -Shigeru Miyamoto
Actually, I will not. It is part of the spec to have this information. Being a released developer, I know this. At minimum there should be a note as to the lack of said element.
I'll make a note as to the lack of a homepage... thanks for the info. I thought I had followed the spec but didn't notice anything about missing items...
Peace!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I made a note as to the lack of a homepage... anything else I'm missing?
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
You should note in the topic itself that this is your own creation [99% of our apps are other folks creations that we just adapt] and that you are releasing it under GPL [I think that is the one you mentioned in your other post]
Tim
Things have got to get better, they can't get worse, or can they?
Done, thanks for the tip!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
That's OK, everybody makes mistakes... besides, since this is my first PA.c release ever, and I specifically requested people to be rough on it, I'd say his comment was in order.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
That's fine, I'll make a note of that... thanks!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Just to be clear, I'm not trying to bash/dog/etc on you, just helping you along
All the devs have been in your position at one time or another, so don't take it personal.
I'm not taking it personally, and I appreciate the helping hand - as I said, please be rough as that's the only way things get fixed.
Have a good one!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I did a quick search for 'kidsafe' in the US trademark database and there doesn't seem to be one for any computer applications.
Type in 'kidsafe' (no quotes) over here:
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=4007:ctp7je.1.1
(Insert disclaimer about not being a lawyer here.
I've never used this TESS database before so YMMV)
Cancer Survivors -- Remember the fight, celebrate the victory!
Help control the rugrat population -- have yourself spayed or neutered!
Thanks for checking, BuddhaChu!
Really appreciate that... and now, with no (apparent) trademark issues, the project can move forward!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Anybody want to beta test? I especially need people under Windows 98 (to see if the API calls work under the old OS). I also especially need people under Windows Vista (especially 64-bit, in a limited account) and Windows 7 (especially 64-bit, in a limited account) to make sure nothing's been broken by UAC, 64-bit, limited privs, or a combination of those.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
... You killed my Taskbar
I opened up KidSafe.exe from "App\KidSafe" and I couldn't get it to close...
(Forgot to set password, or unlock pass).
I pressed the windows key in an attempt to start up the task manager, then killed KidSafe.exe
Guess what happened? My taskbar remained hidden
However, I'm curious as to how you hid the Windows 7 Orb.
BTW, not very secure. Kids are getting smarter and smarter with each new generation, as a result, they're being underestimated.
Start Orb/Button --> Internet Explorer
I could do that when I was 3!
Oops, my horrendous bad...
If you had tried entering any password, it would have displayed an error and closed - by design. However, I should really have made that a startup check... I will get that out in a point release right away.
What do you mean by the Windows 7 orb? (I'm still on XP, so...)
EDIT: do you maybe mean the Start button? That didn't hide with the Taskbar?? (It does on my XP box...)
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Fixed in latest release, thanks for the report!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
... The orb? As in this?
And it only does that when the non-portable version is executed, it hides the taskbar, but the orb (new Vista/7 start button) shows up and stays when I press the WinKey.
I just found out why - it has to do with the Vista windowing system. In XP and below, the Start Menu button is part of the Taskbar "window"; in Vista, the Orb is a separate, independent window. KidSafe only hides the Taskbar...
I'm fixing that right now; should have a new release up soon.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I think the bug's fixed in the latest release; would you mind checking that?
Thanks!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
gluxon, could you check & see if the Start Orb is properly hidden in the latest release? (3.5.1.0 Dev Test 1)
If it's properly hidden, I can make 3.5.1.0 Dev Test 1 the official latest build... I can't do that until you confirm the bug's fixed, though.
TIA!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-11-17, see above for details.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-11-20, see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-11-22, see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I'm still looking for testers!
64-bit testing is especially important, as is testing with Windows Vista or 7 with UAC on - I have no idea how KidSafe's API calls will interact with 64-bit Windows and/or UAC.
If anyone has a moment, please see if KidSafe works on your version of Windows or check the PAF for compliance - I know KidSafe is portable, since it's my own app and it's specifically written to be PAF-compliant, but I don't know for sure if it's totally PAF-compliant.
(If posting feedback, please include your version of Windows - that's really important)
Thanks in advance!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I'm checking for PAF compliance, because my computer is junked up enough for testing.
Installation
App Folder
They're supposed to match.
DisplayVersionis just the prettified format of the version.Since this is a homebrew app, I would suggest a few design changes:
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
First, thanks for testing this! I really appreciate that...
Cool, I'll use it! Thanks!
(Sorry about the poor icon, I drew it myself - I'm sure you can tell...)
I thought PackageVersion was the installer's version and DisplayVersion was the app's version?
I thought all PA.c apps were required to have a launcher... that's how the PAF Format specs have it... anybody want to confirm what digitxp's saying? (Sorry, digitxp, but I want to be certain you're right before I make that kind of design change)
My app could easily write the INI file; however, once again I tried to follow the PAF specifications to the letter. Once again, anybody want to confirm this is a change I should make?
Good idea, I'll add that right away!
Well, I had wanted no GUI to be sure the user was making changes deliberately - that way, anything that goes wrong is on the user's head. (Sorry if that sounds crude, but I've heard about an awful lot of trouble caused by apps that didn't do what the user thought they would...)
I'll make the prefs GUI if I get a second vote for it...
Thanks again for testing this!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Just check out the WinMD5Sum Portable folder.
Best of both worlds==>Make a GUI that makes you type YES and NO in the config (or better yet, make you solve a math problem to choose yes or no, like Mail Goggles).
The PAF spec says it's good for localization. If you want to localize it, DefaultData is useful. IMO, the PAF is meant to bend the rules, not recreate them. So you get to make your own rules and bend them :P.
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
Sure enough, you're right.
I'll revise my app sometime tonight/tomorrow...(See below)Good idea. I like the YES & NO entry fields, personally...
Cool! I like making & bending my own rules... lol
You know, I think localization would be a good thing... I'll take a few days and think this over. If I decide in favor of localization, I'll leave the launcher & DefaultData there; if I decide against localization, I'll move the app, remove the launcher & delete DefaultData.
(I will definitely create a prefs GUI though, no matter what happens with localization)
Thanks a lot, digitxp! I appreciate the feedback!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-11-23, see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
This is a cool little app
I like
Im in vista and I have LockTaskManager=true but i was able to get to task manager with ctrl+alt+delete
I think it will be cool if you could chose a background img or a color.
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks, I appreciate that!
yep, I was afraid of something like that.
Are you on 32-bit or 64-bit Vista? Also, do you have UAC enabled? Finally, did you run KidSafe as an administrator or under a limited account?
I was thinking of adding something like that, too... wasn't sure if anybody would want the extra frills though. I'll definitely add this to the next release.
Thanks for the feedback!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
32-bit I ran it on a admin account but ran it normally, UAC is on.
Can you block the ctrl, alt and delete keys?
No problem if you need any more help let me know
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Looks like I'll need to try to block those keys. LockTaskManager doesn't actually block any keystrokes; it opens the Task Manager in such a way that the system perceives it as being locked. Unfortunately, Vista (and probably Win 7) stop this from happening.
Thanks for the report, agdurrette - would you mind testing the update once I get it out?
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
shure will
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Good, thanks! I've got a new release on the way out - it includes fixes for your bug & gluxon's.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Upgrade's out - fire away, my friend!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-11-24, see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
ctrl+esc LockCtrlEscape=true Im able to get the start menu up http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1882171/Untitled.jpg. I would test shut down but im on account that has a password on it
And my keyboard has shortcut keys(?) Witch i can press and open calculator and ie
also can the user change the background?
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
That's probably UAC getting in the way - KidSafe uses some low-level keyboard hooks to trap the key combos. I'm guessing UAC flags that as suspicious (after all, it's almost the same thing keyloggers do - only difference is what is monitored and what's done with it) and blocks it.
I'll see if I can figure out how to work around UAC...
As for Calc, IE, and other apps... I think it's time to set the KidSafe window as the topmost window. Just one API call; hopefully UAC won't mess with that, too.
Thanks for testing, agdurrette... hopefully I'll be able to get the UAC problems resolved within the next few releases.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Im not sure that will help. I will take a pic of a keyboard to show you what buttons im talking about. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1882171/compaq.jpg
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks for the keyboard pic - it neatly clarified what I'm up against.
I think setting KidSafe as the topmost window will help. The API call I'm using will set - and keep - KidSafe as the topmost window; in other words, Calc and IE can load, but they'll need to load behind the KidSafe window where the user won't even see them.
EDIT: just implemented & tested this and it works, at least on my XP box. I'll do some more testing before I release the newest release, though...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Just wondering, does LockTaskManager work now?
Also, the user can't change the background yet - I have that on the to-do list, just haven't gotten to it yet.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
yes it does
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Great, thanks!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Would you be willing to list the key combos and whether each is successfully blocked or not? I'm working on tracking down the Ctrl-Escape issue, but knowing which (if any) other key combos aren't getting blocked would be a huge help.
Thanks!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I have tested every key combo that I could think of and random ones
also the Ctrl-Esc did not bring the start menu up every time I pressed it.
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks for the info.
Can you post the contents of Prefs.ini? It's possible this only happens with a certain prefs config...
I've been trying to see if I can reproduce this for the past 15 minutes or so, just pressing Ctrl-Escape different ways (quickly, slowly, together, separate); unfortunately, it looks like this is a Vista-only bug (unless a Windows 7 user reports it, too).
I will do some research and see if Vista's doing anything weird... in the meantime, the contents of your Prefs.ini file would be much appreciated.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
KidSafePortable\Data\Prefs.ini
[Settings]
Unlocktext=123
LockWindowsKey=true
LockTaskManager=true
LockAltTab=true
LockCtrlEscape=true
LockAltEscape=true
LockShutdown=true
UsePasswordDialog=true
TimeOut=-1
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks a lot!
Does Ctrl-Escape work if you turn everything else off? In other words,
[Settings]Unlocktext=123
LockWindowsKey=false
LockTaskManager=false
LockAltTab=false
LockCtrlEscape=true
LockAltEscape=false
LockShutdown=false
UsePasswordDialog=false
TimeOut=-1
There are two possibilities right now - a key-handler conflict or a problem with Vista. Your answer will tell me which...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Yes it does :/
Also I think it did it for me on xp, I will test again to confirm
And to make sure its not me Is there and other settings file that I need to edit?
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks for the confirmation, it looks like it might be a Vista problem...
There's no other setting file you need to worry about, Prefs.ini is it.
A couple more questions...
*
. Does that mean the problem occurred on XP as well? This is really important, because if it occurs on XP, I have a pretty good idea what the problem is...
* Do you have a standard QWERTY keyboard, or do you have a different keyboard type?
* Do you have any custom key mappings?
* (critical question) Does the problem happen with one Ctrl key or both? In other words, if you press Ctrl-Escape with the left Ctrl key, will it have a different effect than pressing Ctrl-Escape with the right Ctrl key?
Thanks for the continued help in tracking this bug - especially since I don't have anything other than XP, your feedback has been extremely valuable.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I think it also occurred on XP (I know that I saw it but I can't remember if it was because I forgot to change the settings to true ) but I will check that once I can get on a xp system.
I have a standard QWERTY keyboard.
No
Both left and right.
My pleasure.
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Well, I was finally able to reproduce this - it looks like this is a pretty darn specific bug. Here's what I found...
* Only occurs if Ctrl-Escape is *tapped* - the keys must be pressed at exactly the same time, and they have to be pressed extremely quickly
* Doesn't occur in the version 3.5.1.0, which is currently under development - the new "on-top" window setting took care of it.
I will upload the new dev version (don't worry about me calling it a dev version, it's COMPLETELY stable) in a few moments - it won't be an official upload, just a quick test to make sure the bug is really fixed.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
If you switch to AutoHotKey, they have a blockinput function that would work great for this purpose.
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
Thanks, but I don't want to block all input - just all input that isn't headed for my window.
Besides, AHK has had problems with virus-scanners...
Just wondering, though - does the Orb get properly hidden now? That's one of the fixes I implemented in 3.5.0.0... just want to see if the fix works or not.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I run XP.
But blocking all input is what you want to do, right?
Maybe except for the password box, but that's easy to fix.
Insert original signature here with Greasemonkey Script.
Oops, I confused your bug with gluxon's... sorry.
Blocking all input is what I'm looking for, yes... right now the password box & OK button are all that need input, but that's going to change shortly. Once I add the prefs GUI, a LOT more stuff will need input...
Right now, I think I'm fairly happy with the blocking method - permissions are fine-grained and pretty effective (at least, once I get the Vista/7 bugs worked out)...
btw, I don't need AHK for the BlockInput function - it sounded familiar, so I checked. Sure enough, there's a Windows API call of the same name and presumably with the same purpose... (haven't looked at the API documentation yet)
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
ok. I test it out as soon as you upload it
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Here you go!
Download KidSafe 3.5.1.0 Development Test 1
Note: this is not an official release; it's stable, but unofficial. It's hopefully a fix for the LockCtrlEscape failure as well as the problem with other apps getting in front of the KidSafe window. If this release fixes those problems, I'll make it an official release...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Shoot. I had hoped the SetWindowPos API call would handle things... looks like that's not going to cut it.
Well, I've got another shot... I can't do it now, but I'll create it later this evening & see what happens.
Thanks for the feedback!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
An unconfirmed bug with 3.5.1.0:
It seems to happen after I close the app I can't drag any file/folder icon. I'm not sure if it is something that I'm doing before I run the app. But I do know when I run the app and do the CtrlEscape bug I can drag a file/folder icon again.
Suggestion:
May I suggest https://sourceforge.net/ for a web page and hosting.
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Strange. I don't experience that... then again, I'm not on Vista.
However, I do know KidSafe cleans up after itself - the keyboard hook is destroyed on exit. Nothing should be sticking around...
btw, I just uploaded a new version of KidSafe - the Start Menu & other-app fixes are a trifle hackish, but incredibly effective. I left the Windows key activated (LockWindowsKey=false), then used Windows-E to launch Explorer windows - when I finally shut KidSafe down, I had 20 or so Explorer windows waiting for me in the background, not in front of the KidSafe window as usual. Tried the Start Menu bug - the Start Menu got up for 1/10 of a second (the firing period of the timer I'm using), then went down fast & hard. Nothing got through this time...
Download KidSafe 3.5.1.0 Development Test 1
(I destroyed the other Dev Test 1 - the only function of 3.5.1 is to fix some of these bugs, so the other release got wiped when it didn't do that)
Soon, but not yet. I'm under 18, which automatically excludes me from their requirements...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
It works every thing does like you said
after I ran it and tested it I could not unminimize any thing but was fixed by restarting explorer fixed it and I was not able to reproduce it.
But
Ohhhhh...
hehe im 18 
I think I can add a user who I think will be able to add files and work on the webpage I can look into that if you want to use mine for now.
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Great!!
Thanks for testing that, I really appreciate it!
If you manage to reproduce it, and can reproduce it on a regular basis, please let me know - I'll be happy to fix it, but fixing an un-reproduceable bug is a little hard.
Thanks, that would be really cool!
Here's how to reach me:
* Take my forum name and add "eatsspam" (no quotes)
* I'm at gmail
Thanks again, agdurrette! You've really been helpful...
Happy Thanksgiving!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
no problem
Hope you have a good Thanksgiving to
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Thanks anyway - I appreciate you trying!
I'll check out CodePlex, it looks interesting...
EDIT: fascinating site. Looks similar to SourceForge, and definitely has a bigger featureset than MediaFire...
I'm not completely sure yet, but I'm probably going to transfer my projects to CodePlex. I like the featureset, I like the price (free), and a quick look at the Terms of Service & Privacy Policy doesn't reveal anything I need to worry about...
Thanks for the link, agdurrette!
EDIT 2: ooh, they use SSL! I like that extra security... and I think that settles it! I'll probably create an account later today, then begin the long file transfer this evening or tomorrow morning...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
the only thing is its m$
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
I know, that's why I read the terms so carefully
Looks like it's relatively clean though - nothing too invasive... and I have to like the format & power of that site.
I've got my account created & I'm setting up both of my projects as I type this - but the setup is taking place safely behind-the-scenes, in Unpublished mode. Got to love it...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I was wondering if there could be an option to make everything imputed in asterisks so that if a brother was watching you he would not know the password.
May the Shwartz be with you
go to KidSafePortable\DataPrefs.ini
and change UsePasswordDialog=false to true
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
didn't know it was actually in there.
May the Shwartz be with you
In the latest release (3.7.0.0), which I'm about to post, you can use the Options GUI for this as well - just hit the Tools -> Options menu item.
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Moved project to CodePlex, updated KidSafe and updated link, 2009-12-1; see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Updated 2009-12-05, see above for details
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
First of all, I finally got a homepage for KidSafe - YAY!
Now I can finally get some real content up... which brings me to my next thing.
I need someone, or multiple someones, to help me write documentation for KidSafe. As the developer, I'm too close to my work - things that are obvious to me may not be obvious to anyone else. I need someone else to write the documentation; let me know if you're interested. Thanks in advance!
Finally, I need people to test this - it's done. I have one minor update left, and that's just to update the help file's links and maybe add a few menu items to link to the Changelog, License, etc. All the features are implemented and all the bugs are fixed (at least, I think they are - did you get a chance to check on that Orb-hiding bug, gluxon?), so it's ready for primetime. I am still willing to add new features, and I will be fixing any bugs - let me know what you think.
(PAF compliance is guaranteed, as I wrote this specifically for PA.c - all I need is functionality testing, especially on Windows Vista and Windows 7)
I'm hoping to get this released officially on Christmas Day... anybody want to help?
Thanks in advance!
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
Consider me your official tester on win xp and vista
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
Great, thanks!
No hurry on this, but if you wanted to test the latest version (4.1.0.0), I'd be really grateful...
(Just wondering, do you have a CodePlex account? If you do, I'll add you to the project)
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."
I will get right on it
shure do
My user name is anddroid
"It's just an online installer. It's not going to mug you.", JTH
"The shell is the key to unlock Linux's greatest advantages."
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