AppLocker should come with Home Premium

Just my opinion, but, as a parent of six children, I would really love to have the AppLocker feature on my home computer. I am surprised to learn that the only way to have such control over my little Windows users is to install the Enterprise edition.

Parents (if there are any reading here), don't these features sound perfect for the family computer? Take a look:

Help prevent unauthorized software from running with AppLocker

Powerful, yet easy to administer. Windows 7 offers new application control policies with AppLocker, a flexible, easy-to-use mechanism that enables IT professionals to specify exactly what is allowed to run on user desktops. AppLocker restricts unauthorized software while allowing applications, installation programs, and scripts that users need. With this capability, IT professionals can realize the security, operational, and compliance benefits of application standardization.

Application updates don't change the rules. AppLocker provides simple, powerful, rule-based structures for specifying which applications can run that are centrally managed using Group Policy. It introduces "publisher rules" that are based on an application's digital signature, making it possible to build strong rules that account for application updates. For example, an organization can create a rule to "allow all versions greater than 1.0 of Microsoft Dynamics CRM to run if signed by Microsoft." With correctly structured rules, IT professionals can safely deploy updates to allowed applications without having to build a new rule for each version update.​

Jeremy

 

Please read help documentation in Windows 7. (see picture attached)

AppLocker is to block software WITHOUT parental control. In your case you WANT parental control, and that feature is inside it (see Control Panel)

 

I've looked at Parental Controls in the past. But it seems to me that AppLocker is a little more robust. I guess I like the sound of a long-term application of rules (in AppLocker) in comparison with strict on or off block (in Parental Controls).

Jeremy

 

AppLocker is not more robust... its just much more complicated to use, because it's flexible. most parent will be lost, and it's aimed at businesses.

You can look for third party software, or upgrade anytime to Ultimate edition, if you really need the extra features, which I don't think you will use.

I'll go straight to the point: if you want to lock software during a certain time in day, personally I would simply lock the account with parental control for some period of time of the day in the week... or have my child use the computer under my supervision, which is the responsibility of a parent. Microsoft offer a tool to help you supervise, not do the job for you, of course.

 

I'm with GoodBytes on this one. The software can only go so far. Supervising a child, who has yet to reach the age of accountability, requires judgment calls. That requires a human being to explain to them why things are the way they are. Otherwise, the problem is just being swept under the rug and understanding of accountability and consequences of actions is being avoided.

 

I'm with both of you on this one. There is no substitute for parenting. However, sometimes my wife walks away from the notebook PC and my two year old starts clicking and pressing buttons. Ideally, we would all use [Windows Key] + [L] when we step away, but...

GoodBytes, you wrote, "AppLocker is not more robust... its just much more complicated to use, because it's flexible." I was considering complicated and flexible part of the robustness of AppLocker. I am into complicated, ever since the day I bought my Microsoft Windows 95 Registry & Customization book (or whatever that 1300 page monster was called).

Jeremy

 

technology cannot solve, and can often make significantly worse, what are essentially purely inter-personal human problems.

 

I'll admit. I haven't looked deep into AppLocker. I stick with GPedit and user accounts.

You just changed my mind.

 

It sounds like you want to use Windows 7 Utlimate if you want those features. I've trained IT people on how to use AppLocker, it is pretty simple once you understand how to use it.