Service that overrides all other programs

[John Clark]

I've just been asked to create an application for use in a local internet
cafe..... thing is I'm not totally sure how to proceed...

Basically, what they want is to be able to "lock" any windows xp computer
either after a preset time or remotely at any time from a central
workstation. Ideally, they want a full screen window to appear that sits on
top of all other applications whenever the machine is locked.

Non of the users will be local administrators and will have a fair amount of
lockdown applied via Win2003 group policy (i.e. no task manager, no command
prompt, no run etc)

My thoughts so far are to create a service that looks at a central sql
database to check whether the pc is allowed to be unlocked, and then act
accordingly - Any ideas on how best to create the window that can't be
closed and overrides ALL other applications?

Thanks in advance!

JC

 

[CJ Taylor]

We toyed with this idea a little bit, is with Win2k3 group policy you can
actually choose what program starts up *instead* of explorer. So just set
that to be your application. That way you don't have to worry about
explorer running and people circumventing your security.

Cool trick huh?

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