**Moved to GalahTech.com** KidOS Windows Shell

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Originally posted by Osnr
Don't forget, 9x has multiuser features as well, complicating things. What can we do about that? There is an autologin key in the registry, but that stores the plain text password...

Omar

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How does Win9x complicate things? Windows is going to be in one of two modes: 1 user, when Widnows boots up, it goes straight to the desktop. Or, multi-user, where you get the Windows logon screen. I'm betting there's an API call we can use to enumerate the logins of the machine, determine if there is more than one login, get the list, etc.....

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Originally posted by techgnome
It loads then presents the user with the login screen. Then depending on the login, it will either continue with the KidOS (if a kid is logging in) or it will terminate and return to Widnows (if a Parent logs in).

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So replace the windows login or not?

As it has been said many times, it depends. Read forward for details.

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Originally posted by blindlizard
So replace the windows login or not?

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Okay...... let me try this one more time......

Senario 1:
KidOS starts up, it sees that there is only one Windows login. That means that this must be shared computer, every one uses the same desktop etc. So, it displays the KidOS login screen. Depending on the login, it will either keep running & take over things (kid logged in) or go back to Windows (parent logged in).

-- This would fit your environment blindliz....

Senario 2:
Windows starts up. I log in. KidOS begins to load, it sees that I am in a multi-user environment (every one has their own login). Gets my login, and compares it to the Parents list. Sees that I am on it and exits quietly.

-- This would be me.

Senario 3:
Windows starts up. My daughter log in. KidOS begins to load, it sees that she is in a multi-user environment (every one has their own login). Gets her login, and compares it to the Parents list. Doesn't find it, so it compares it to the Kids list. Sees that she is on it and takes over the desktop

-- This would be my daughter.

Senario 4:
Windows starts up. My daughter log in. KidOS begins to load, it sees that she is in a multi-user environment (every one has their own login). Gets her login, and compares it to the Parents list. Doesn't find it, so it compares it to the Kids list. Doesn't find it there either, assumes it must be a guest, and quietly exists, returning to Windows.

-- This would be my relatives when they come over.

Does that help? It's not a simple matter of replacing the Win Login or not, it's both and neither.

What if a parent adds a Windows user after KidOS is installed? We should add a "User Converter" for this.

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Originally posted by Osnr
What if a parent adds a Windows user after KidOS is installed? We should add a "User Converter" for this.

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Look at senario 4 (I added as an after thought). But that's what the Parent Control piece if for. Adding KidOS users, removing them, changing their options and settings (for some reason they insist on growing up -- what up with that?)

Unless anyone has any objections, I am going to open an account on SourceForge for this. It will allow us to maintain a central repository for everything.

How about this:

A parent logs in, and lets an adult guest use the PC. The parent tells the visitor to make a guest account. Having not listened to the parent talking about KidOS, he does it normally.

OK? Lots of "don't know" scenarios.

Omar

UPDATE: More clearly written.

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Originally posted by Osnr
How about this:

A parent logs in, and shows some guest adult to the PC. He is encouraged by the parent to make a guest account. Having not listened to the parent talking about KidOS, he does it normally.

OK? Lots of "don't know" scenarios.

Omar

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Eh? I'm not sure I followed that.....

A great suggestion, Omar! 0-it's to be suggesting ieas together. What do you thinkof Omar's suggestion

Do we want to use VB, or .NET or what?

Er...uh... VB! :)

Just checking.... I know it's VBF, but there are other languages here....... I was wondering if anyone would be interested in using .NET for this......

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Originally posted by techgnome
Just checking.... I know it's VBF, but there are other languages here....... I was wondering if anyone would be interested in using .NET for this......

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That does make it sound more interesting to me, but that also would require distributing the .net framework wouldn't it?

I'm not sure the users we are seeking would be ready for that.

I have 98-plus parents wouldn't face to download at least 20mb just for a runtime file. So let's use VB6-the runtime download size is similat-and it will br compqtible from wib 95 and up.

For a very small runtime, use Visual Basic 1 :p After all, everyone needs win 3.1 software.

OK, then use VBDos 1 for no runtime. After all, everyone needs DOS software. :p :p

Let's get back on topic. Anyone got any ideas?

Omar

I imagine with the graphics and everything, this may get big anyway. I wouldn't worry about distributables. I am not opposed to .Net (need to get a copy first). I like gnomes login idea. I think it works for all better than any other suggestion. Lets go with that Hey gnome, what is SourceForge?

Get the .net compilers here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/...mpositedoc.xml (beta - XP/2000/NT4 only)
http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/...xml&frame=true (release - XP/2000/NT4 only)

It's a bit big, but it'll do. We might use it later.

I don't think .NET is suitable for software for children. Anyway I know VB6 well-maybe a .NET version of KUidos , maybe very layter down the track-I think VB 6 is best (so it's compatible with win.95 and up). When will the coding start?

Why is it not suitable? The kids won't see anything that just pops up and says "This is written in .NET!". Anyway, that's a future idea. Any other suggestions?

Also, I know you. You do not know VB6 well - you're a half-newbie! :D

The reason is for the use of .net-that the runtine is abiyt 20mb-and it would take gtoo long to download. Alslo I want kidos to compatible with windows 95 and up-not restr4icted to xp/200/98 only.

No, this is for a future Internet incarnation of KidOS (?), or perhaps a program that couldn't work under Win95 anyway. It will run on every other Windows OS.

Anyone got any new ideas? I'm all out :(

Omar

I know VB6 better, and am not a newbie. In fact I have never writen a line of code in .Net, that is what makes it appealing. Anyway, lets just do it in VB6, we all know it (to some degree). The main thing is to build it. We need to start designating roles. Any thoughts on what parts you guys want?

Here, I want to be a normal KidOS developer (or anything based on that which is better). I was referring to aafuss.

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Originally posted by Osnr
Here, I want to be a normal KidOS developer (or anything based on that which is better). I was referring to aafuss.

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Huh?

OK, I would like to be the GUI/interface designere, and a coder. We should have some programming rules. Osnr-has some rules he has made up-ask him if you the .pdf file so you can base some kidos development guidelines on.

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Originally posted by aafuss
OK, I would like to be the GUI/interface designere, and a coder. We should have some programming rules. Osnr-has some rules he has made up-ask him if you the .pdf file so you can base some kidos development guidelines on.

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I have been devloping in VB for years, and I have my own standards. I will write them up this weekend, and post them. Thanks anyway. Everyone brush up on Objects and Collections :D

I mean, aafuss is a beginner. I know him, and he doesn't know how to use a toolbar. :D

OK, UI designer and coder.

Ok, I don't have a ton of time to give to building this. I assume no one else really does either. With that in mind, lets take small steps. Lets start with the login stuff, since it is all fresh in our minds. Osnr and aafuss, can you guys make the form and many icons for the log me in buttons, so the users have a variety to choose from. Keep it colorful, but remember to leave room to be able to change the theme. By that I mean make a function to "Get Color Theme". There you can hardcode the colors and Icons until we come up with our theme system. Once we do, you will only have to make the changes to that function. I will start looking at the API for 2K to get the user logins for Senario 2-4. If anyone else decides they want to help, we can figure out what the next steps are needed.
Just post as you get things done, and don't stress about time. We have all the time in the world.:D

???

There's a small problem. I'm far, far away from home for a month. Still have a VB6 laptop though. Aafuss won't be able to do it either. He has a terrible idea of a UI. See here. I can do the login and aafuss might do something else.

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Originally posted by Osnr
???

There's a small problem. I'm far, far away from home for a month. Still have a VB6 laptop though. Aafuss won't be able to do it either. He has a terrible idea of a UI. See here. I can do the login and aafuss might do something else.

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YOur link is bad

What type?

An indirect ripoff of XP's login or a glorified 2k login?

Then look here.

A kid friendly login. I think we all like the XP idea of showing all the logins with icons. Then the user selects one, and enters a password (or no password for non-readers). Make it however you think it would appeal most to small children.

Yes. By the way, the correct URL to see how ugly aafuss's code is http://sourceforge.net/projects/bsys93/ (I'm too lazy to make it a link, so if it isn't, blame me :D).

Well if you know him, where would he be most useful?

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Originally posted by blindlizard
Ok, I don't have a ton of time to give to building this. I assume no one else really does either. With that in mind, lets take small steps. Lets start with the login stuff, since it is all fresh in our minds. Osnr and aafuss, can you guys make the form and many icons for the log me in buttons, so the users have a variety to choose from. Keep it colorful, but remember to leave room to be able to change the theme. By that I mean make a function to "Get Color Theme". There you can hardcode the colors and Icons until we come up with our theme system. Once we do, you will only have to make the changes to that function. I will start looking at the API for 2K to get the user logins for Senario 2-4. If anyone else decides they want to help, we can figure out what the next steps are needed.
Just post as you get things done, and don't stress about time. We have all the time in the world.:D

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OK, I am doing the basic layout of the login screen now.- attached to post. NOocon, yet-it will let you to start off doing the login system.

TERRIBLE!!!

I will do an XP-like login screen. Aafuss, that UI and code is pointless... It's Text1, Command1, there's no proper way to login by typing your username.

I suggest enforcing some rules soon, then he could be useful in anything but UI design. :D

Sunofa #()$%&*!@#)($*%&!@#_)%$)!!!

I had a bunch of stuff typed in and then ....oh well, never mind.....
Take Two:

Ok, all caught up now. Happy New Year All! Now back to busuness.

blindlizard, you asked about SorceForge. Imagine Source Safe on steroids built for the web. It allows people from just about anywhere to work collaboratively on a project. It's built upon the Open Source License foundations. It would allow us to easily work on bits a pieces, keep track of to do lists, mail users/developers, etc.

Sounds like this will done using VB6, not a problem. I agree that the first thing that needs to be done is somekind of standards (for coding as well as UI design). I don't recommend using PDF for any files, ASCII Text or Word Doc should be used.... that way changes can be made as we need to.

As for me, I don't really have a whole lot of time and what time I do have, I tend to dedicate to my family. That said, here's what I am more that willing to do. Reviews, coordinations, testing, documentation, UI design (I've been told I kick arse at this - <shrug>). I also have 7month old who can also help with testing.

For any one interested, here's the info I submitted to SourceForge -- It will take another day or two to find out if it was approved or not.

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Project Name: KidOS

Description: KidOS (pronounced "Kiddos") is a Microsoft Windows application that will allow parents to create a safe environment for children. The intent is to prevent your $2,000 Quake playing machine from becoming a $2,000 paper weight when your 2 yr old randomly hits the keyboard, somehow managing to type Delete *.*. List of potential features include: Limited Internet access, limited access to programs, varying levels of access/permissions for different age groups, kid friendly (colors, look & feel), themes (Blues Clues, Pokemon, etc.).
Development will be using VB, targeting the Windows environment.

License: GNU General Public License (GPL)

Project Public Description: KidOS aims to make sure that your 2yr old doesn't accidently type DELETE *.* and wiping our your entire system. Stranger things have been known to happen.

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