locking down a computer

[Justin]

I'm writing some custom software for an educational setting. One of the
features of the program is locking down students computers to get their
attention. To do this I was thinking of something like a system modal
screen that requires a password to get out of, kind of like a password
protected screensaver.

One promising method I found was creating a second desktop and
switching to it. The problem with this method is I haven't found a way
to show windows forms on a second desktop unless I launch an
application on the second desktop, which is not what I want.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a nice way to do some kind of system
modal, full-screen window that cannot be closed by key combinations
(alt-f4, esc, ctrl-alt-dlt, etc.).

 

[La Grasserie]

Just thinking aloud:

Virus checkers (e.g.NAV) have a way of stopping the system until you
respond, although I don't know how they do this.
Could you run a server type service controlled by a supervisor app on the
tutor PC?

LG

 

[Justin]

I'm not sure how those virus checkers work. Technically the entire
concept of system modal screens was removed in Win32 (it did exist in
Win16). This is for good reason too for most users. I think the only
way to do what I want is to use the second desktop which means I need
to find a way to show a form on a second desktop (which I also believe
is not possible).

So if you have any information on how those virus checkers work please
let me know. Thanks ~ Justin

 

[Denis Dougall]

If the Teacher has admin, you can send a broadcast to disable input
(keyboard and mouse PS2 or USB).
Or set up a client listener which fires "go" or "stop" events.

HTH,

Denis

 

[Justin]

I have not found a way to completely disable input. Again, these are
safe guards built into Windows. There are Win32 API calls to disable
keyboard input, but system commands like ctrl + alt+ delete still work.
I understand why this is in place, I just need to find a way around it.
If you know of a solid way to completely take away user input please
let me know, thanks.