PC Access Control

Chat Controller is a parental-control application, that enables you to limit the use of Instant Messengers on your computer. It allows you to restrict usage based on the user, application and day/time. The program is compatible with all popular chat applications, including AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Miranda IM, MSN Messenger, Skype, Trillian, Windows Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. You can create individual rules for different users, restricting some, allowing others as needed. Chat Controller also includes an audit tool that will find all supported Instant Messengers installed on your PC, including version and install location. The program runs as a Windows Service.

Parental Filter is a specialized parental control filter that enables you to block porn from your web browser. It uses a built-in database of web sites that are blocked, as well as a list of keywords that it scans for on web pages, and blocks them if a they are found. You can specify a list of sites that the user will be redirected to instead, and also customize the list of blocked sites and keywords. Parental Filter provides a password protected interface, can run fully automatic in the background. The program is very effective and works well.

Matrix Screen Locker is a small and simple system tray application, that allows you to lock your desktop with a single click, using a Matrix like screen effect. In order to unlock the desktop, you need to enter the correct password. The lock cannot be bypassed with Ctrl+Alt+Del (TaskManager disabled). Convenient and cool looking, but only intended for desktop protection (it does not replace a login on boot).

CompuSec PC Security Suite is a security software that uses pre-boot authentication and full hard disk encryption as well as encryption of floppy disks and other removable media. The pre-boot access control requires you to enter your UserID and password before the system will boot up. There are two encryption methods available, one that will keep your data encrypted prior to boot, and one that will encrypt data on-the fly. If the data is encrypted before boot, your hard disk can only be accessed with the proper password (even removing the hard drive would still keep it protected). The Full Hard Disk Encryption uses AES with fast encryption speeds to keep your data private and secure. The program can also encrypt floppies and other removable media, so that the files are only accessible by the authorized user. It currently only supports a single-user pre-boot logon. CompuSec PC Security Suite is completely free and not limited in features. The developers also create hardware e-identity devices that are compatible with the software and allow logon with a USB or Smartcard key instead of typing a password. Since the software needs to modify the Master Boot Record, it is important that you disable any anti-virus software during installation, otherwise the install will fail.

iProtectYou is a Internet Filtering/Parental Control package that provides parents with control over Internet usage. It allows to block e-mails, chat sessions and instant messages that contain inappropriate words, stop annoying ads, and/or restrict internet time to a pre-determined schedule. You have full control over which web sites can be accessed and which programs can have Internet access. Options include to set levels of sensitivity, detailed log files of web and application activity, time-sensitive settings and more. You can specify separate patterns, keywords or blocks for web sites, newsgroups and advertising and edit the list of inappropriate words. The program comes provided with a large built-in list of pre-screened, undesirable sites, and keywords and a Pro version is available that adds a auto-update subscription. A very good and easy to use program to restrict internet access.

Hide Folders is a security utility that hides your folders out from prying eyes. You can select up to 2 folders, that you wish to hide and click the hide button to make them invisible. Hide Folders works in the stealth mode, once your folders are hidden doesn t have to be running in order to keep the folders hidden. A Pro version is also available, that allows you to hide more than two folders and offers additional password protection. This free version however works great, if you need to casually hide some data from being accessed or accidentally modified or deleted. To unhide the folders, simply run the program and select to do so.

IE Restrictions allows you to disable certain modifications to Internet Explorer. Many of them are commonly abused by invasive web sites, that for example change your home page settings, modify the toolbar, open pages in full-screen mode and more. Others are more of an administrative nature, allowing you to disable the registry editor, page source viewing and other settings.

LockIt is a simple tool, that locks a Windows 2000, XP based workstation from the command line. It is written in MASM and does nothing but call the LockWorkStation API call. Very simple program, that can prove very useful for scripting or when a quick lock is needed. To use it, just run the executable by double clicking or via command line.

Use SecureIt Pro to lock your computer when you re not there. The program comes with a ton of features: Disabling the main Windows key functions, like Ctrl+Alt+Del, Alt+Tab, the Windows key, and the Ctrl+Esc key combination. SecureIt Pro can also disable the Windows boot keys, detect for cold boots, allow other people to leave messages, log incorrect password attempts, or even hide itself every few seconds. The program also includes password reminder options, that can assist you if you ever forget your password, as well as several advanced configuration options as well as a locking screen saver.