Run a program while computer is locked on secondary monitor


Recommended Posts

Ok,

I have a laptop that is located in a restaurant. It is located in a employee only area. It is for serving advertisements that are piped out onto a large screen via VGA. The screen is located in a public place where foot traffic passes all day and night. 

 

I want to be able to run my slideshow of advertisements onto the LCD outside, while securing the laptop inside. In a perfect world I would want to lock the laptop to keep employees from doing anything with the laptop while no one is around...

 

This laptops only role is to serve these ads.

 

Should I look for Kiosk software for this? I am only using the secondary monitor for this..

 

Please help me..

 

TIA

You can get an app that can lock a mouse and/or keyboard while you run ads on the monitor... so no one can mess with it.

 

I made an app for my PC years ago that my family can not do a thing on the keyboard...    I have it somewhere...  I laughed at them. 

 

Their face expressions were priceless... lol   like 'WTF?'

  On 11/02/2014 at 20:22, shozilla said:

You can get an app that can lock a mouse and/or keyboard while you run ads on the monitor... so no one can mess with it.

 

I made an app for my PC years ago that my family can not do a thing on the keyboard...    I have it somewhere...  I laughed at them. 

 

Their face expressions were priceless... lol   like 'WTF?'

Yea, something like this would be best (Mouse/KB Locker).  I made something similar.  It turned the screen black and removed the ability to input anything (unless a code was typed in exact sequence). It would then connect to a server where I could send messages to the locked PC and display them on the screen (think matrix).  Could not ctrl+alt+delete or anything.  

Two more options:

 

1) you can run rotating ad-images in the screensaver with lock enabled.  If you run a loop video, you can get video screensaver and install it... if you prefer to run ads in order... you can untick the "shuffle" option.

 

or

 

2) you can get laptop tray with lock/key like this: (cost more)

 

 

I like mouse/keyboard lock app better which is cheaper... If I knew where my app is, I get you a copy with updated (up to code) for Windows 7 or newer.. My projects that I developed years ago are in the storage somewhere. I was a big time programmer back in Windows 95 days.

 

Edit: Not sure why the link gets disappeared...  If you want a link for laptop tray, send me PM.

Here an MS product that allows such

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=23504#

 

  Quote

 

The Microsoft Video Screensaver includes sample movie footage that gives you a surprisingly new view of countries all over the world. Every language release has its own video that shows you in a new and surprising way what living in these countries may look like. This international version represents a compilation of some of the best scenes from several country-specific releases.

You can either choose to play the default video or your own private selection of your favourite home videos. Simply point the Microsoft Video Screensaver in the configuration dialog to a custom video folder and you can play your own video files or links to these video files from that folder - either randomly or in sequential order.

  On 11/02/2014 at 20:57, arachnoid said:

I was just thinking before about the possibility of making the video/images as a screen saver Im sure there software available to do that

 

No need to get alternative screensaver... you can use default screensaver... for example:

 

WindowsVista32LivePhotoGalleryPhoto.jpg

  • Like 1

I'm not sure if I understand 100% because no one mentioned this, so I probably don't know exactly what you're going for but,

 

In windows, you know you can Right Click on Desktop > Screen Resolution > Then choose which display you want it to show. You have the option of choosing only either display, extend them or only laptop (with extended screen connected, it will just be black). Choose to only show on the extended display (only, not extend or duplicate).

 

That will make your laptop screen black with no way to get out of it BUT to view the extended display and navigate to set it back up. You could then run anything/everything on that.

 

That is 100% free and part of Windows (wVista I think/w7/w8). Its just a suggestion as you probably already know about this but incase you don't, it might be worth a try before 'buying' anything extra. Might be enough of what you need.

  • Like 1
  On 11/02/2014 at 21:33, theslam08 said:

I'm not sure if I understand 100% because no one mentioned this, so I probably don't know exactly what you're going for but,

 

In windows, you know you can Right Click on Desktop > Screen Resolution > Then choose which display you want it to show. You have the option of choosing only either display, extend them or only laptop (with extended screen connected, it will just be black). Choose to only show on the extended display (only, not extend or duplicate).

 

That will make your laptop screen black with no way to get out of it BUT to view the extended display and navigate to set it back up. You could then run anything/everything on that.

 

That is 100% free and part of Windows (wVista I think/w7/w8). Its just a suggestion as you probably already know about this but incase you don't, it might be worth a try before 'buying' anything extra. Might be enough of what you need.

 

I suggest that you re-read OP's post. 

 

OP was talking about securing a laptop from other employees messing it up.  Such as lock a laptop or lock a keyboard with an app... like an app I made many years ago..

  On 11/02/2014 at 22:11, shozilla said:

I suggest that you re-read OP's post. 

 

OP was talking about securing a laptop from other employees messing it up.  Such as lock a laptop or lock a keyboard with an app... like an app I made many years ago..

I sort of agree with theslam08

Some sort of Power Point Presentation running automated, or the screensaver might work, (might)

 

OP as for the laptop, you could get someone to build, unless it's available to buy, a cage for the laptop and secure it in the closed position.

(might need to adjust it's power options, personally I'd get a desktop if you plan on running said program for long periods of time, with a desktop, you could simply remove the keyboard and mouse, and if the tower is in a vented glass cage that needs to be opened in order to gain access to the ports to connect peripherals.....)

 

(Or with an Rpi as suggested above)

Hmm. very interesting..

 

Thanks SO much for the replies everyone..

 

One thing about the screensaver solution is... what if someone touches the mouse or keyboard? The presentation stops, then the user is presented with a login screen.. the login screen stays, and I believe the screensaver would not resume correct?

What if i simply disabled the inputs within the BIOS and administrated the laptop locally with USB KB / mouse?

I do add new ads to the rotation remotely, so there is no need to actually be physically in front of the machine... but I know there will be a time if there is a power surge, or some kind of unforeseen situation where someone would have to be there to get it up again.. if the inputs were disabled.. well. 

 

If only there was a way to lock the primary screen, and still output an application through the second monitor? We all know programs still run under a lock screen ( using win7 pro ) .. instead of the secondary screen turning black, why not just show whats running instead??? Just a thought... 

  On 11/02/2014 at 21:33, theslam08 said:

I'm not sure if I understand 100% because no one mentioned this, so I probably don't know exactly what you're going for but,

 

In windows, you know you can Right Click on Desktop > Screen Resolution > Then choose which display you want it to show. You have the option of choosing only either display, extend them or only laptop (with extended screen connected, it will just be black). Choose to only show on the extended display (only, not extend or duplicate).

 

That will make your laptop screen black with no way to get out of it BUT to view the extended display and navigate to set it back up. You could then run anything/everything on that.

 

That is 100% free and part of Windows (wVista I think/w7/w8). Its just a suggestion as you probably already know about this but incase you don't, it might be worth a try before 'buying' anything extra. Might be enough of what you need.

 

Someone could just hit <windows key>+P a couple times to get out of that.

  On 12/02/2014 at 04:12, Jonathan Lucas said:
One thing about the screensaver solution is... what if someone touches the mouse or keyboard? The presentation stops, then the user is presented with a login screen.. the login screen stays, and I believe the screensaver would not resume correct?

 

If you run screensaver, you can enable lock... so if someone touch it, the lock screen will show up and you enter the password... if anyone is not doing a thing to the lock screen, the screensaver will resume in 1 min. (or whatever you choose in the inactivity timer in the screensaver settings.)

 

You need a lock app so you could lock a keyboard/mouse so anyone can not do a thing to the PC unless someone have the right passcode/password to unlock them.

 

  Quote

 

What if i simply disabled the inputs within the BIOS and administrated the laptop locally with USB KB / mouse?

 

I have not tried the BIOS but I used my own app to lock the keyboard and mouse. So friends/family can not do a thing to my PC.. 

 

Someone can write you a lock app with screensaver launch... for example, you launch the screensaver from the lock app's context menu in the tray that will enable the lock to the keyboard/mouse. So you can run the ads in the screensaver.

 

  Quote

 

If only there was a way to lock the primary screen, and still output an application through the second monitor? We all know programs still run under a lock screen ( using win7 pro ) .. instead of the secondary screen turning black, why not just show whats running instead??? Just a thought...

 

If you want to see what's running on both monitors at same time, you can choose 'Duplicate' from the screen resolution options panel (or press Win key and P at same time). So you can see what's displaying on the screen. Once you are finished arranging the ads, run the screensaver/lock, then close the laptop lid.

 

I am not sure about disable the laptop screen but it would be better if you lock your laptop in the locked tray or cabinet. So you wouldn't worry about it.

  On 12/02/2014 at 07:25, shozilla said:

He is running Windows 7 pro...

Ah in that case, probably some kind of screensaver with password on exit, or a custom made app.

 

After all when you go into a PC store you often find PCs locked down with demo things on display.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Redesigned Windows 11 Start menu: What users wanted and what Microsoft delivered by Taras Buria Windows 11 is getting a redesigned Start menu. This is a big deal for the soon-to-be-four-year-old operating system and its highly controversial design bits. After years of slow to no progress in the Start menu area, Microsoft is finally delivering a much better variant with many new features and plenty of feedback addressed. How much has been addressed? In 2023, we posted a list of the "Top 10 Start menu features and changes Windows 11 users want," so it is now time to compare that to the new Start menu. Note: The new Start menu is not yet publicly available. Microsoft is testing it in Windows 11 preview builds from the Dev and Beta Channels, and you can check out this article to learn how to enable it so that you can try it yourself. 1. Allow users to turn off the "Recommended" section - Delivered (17K+ upvotes) Round of applause for Microsoft, everyone, as the company actually delivered the most requested Start menu feature. The redesigned variant lets you turn off the Recommended section and hide it altogether so that it does not waste any space. Recommended section, begone!2. More customization options - Nope (5.4K+ upvotes) Although Microsoft now allows turning off the Recommended section and switching between three views for the All apps list, the menu remains quite restricted when it comes to personalization, so if you want true customization, Windhawk and the Start menu styler mod are here for you, allowing some seriously cool Start menu designs, as one on the screenshot below: 3. Allow resizing the Start menu - Sort of delivered (3.8K+ upvotes) You still cannot change the size of the Start menu manually like you could in Windows 10. However, the menu is now more adaptive, which means you will see more content if you have a bigger screen. Still, I would like to have the ability to make the menu bigger, so this one remains standing. 4. Go back to the Windows 10-style Start menu - Nope (3.4K+ upvotes) Microsoft is not going back to the Windows 10 Start menu, so if you are one of the 3,400+ people who upvoted this in Feedback Hub, your best course of action is to install a third-party Start menu or just stick to Windows 10. 5. Use Grid view for the All apps list - Delivered (1.5K+ upvotes) Another popular request was delivered fully. I would even say that Microsoft over delivered it. Instead of just killing the standard list view in favor of grid view, Microsoft let users decide what kind of view they want. You can stick to the classic list, switch over to grid view, or enjoy a categorized view. Again, well done! 6. Display jump lists when right-clicking pinned apps - Needs fixing (1K+ upvotes) Microsoft has already fixed this problem, and you can access jump lists and recent files by right-clicking pinned applications in the current Start menu version. However, turning off the Recommended section also turns off jump lists on the Start menu and taskbar for some reason. A very frustrating design for those who use jump lists and do not want the Recommended section. This needs fixing. Microsoft punishes you with no jump lists if you dare to turn off "Recommended." Why?7. Make the Start menu open on the All apps list by default - Delivered (1K+ upvotes) The new Start menu ticks this box as well. There is no need to click "All apps" when you open the Start menu. It now features a single-view user interface with the list of all apps right below your pins and recommendations. All you need to do is start scrolling. 8. Add a full-screen Start menu - Nope (1K+ upvotes) Even though Microsoft "has got this," nothing indicates that the company plans to reintroduce a full-screen Start menu from the days of Windows 10 and Windows 8. A shame, if you ask me. Interestingly, it appears that Microsoft considered a full-screen Start menu for Windows 11. The company recently showed some of the prototypes it considered implementing, including a scrollable full-screen menu. 9. Bring back live tiles - Nope (1K+ upvotes) Tiles are no longer alive. They are as dead as Windows Phone, and there is no return. 10. Make the Start menu button follow the system accent color - Nope (760+ upvotes) Microsoft "has got this," but the blue Start button is here to stay. Do you like what Microsoft did to Windows 11's Start menu? What features are still missing in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments.
    • Last chance to claim VideoProc Converter AI v7.5 ($78.90 Value) for free by Steven Parker Claim your free license (worth $78.90) today, before the offer expires today, June 18. Equipped with AI tools for video and image enhancement, smoothness, and stabilization. Remaster low-quality videos and photos, convert, edit, compress, download, and record with GPU acceleration! Key Features of VideoProc Converter AI V7.5: AI Video Upscaling: Upscale low-res, old, grainy videos/DVDs/recordings by 400% to HD/4K for stunning visuals on larger screens. AI Image Enhancement: Upscale images and AI art to 8K/10K for better cropping, editing, printing, and sharing. AI Stabilization: Intelligently stabilize shaky GoPro/drone/camera footage with controllable cropping ratios. AI Frame Interpolation: Boost FPS from 30/60 to silky-smooth 120/240/480, or create epic slow-motion effects. 5-in-1 Video Toolkit: Convert, edit, compress, download, and record with the highest possible quality. GPU Acceleration: Expedite video processing, even on older computers. How to get it Please ensure you read the terms and conditions to claim this offer. Complete and verifiable information is required in order to receive this free offer. If you have previously made use of these free offers, you will not need to re-register. While supplies last! Download VideoProc Converter AI V7.5 ($78.90 Value, now FREE) Offered by Digiarty, view other free resources The below offers are also available for free in exchange for your (work) email: Continuous Testing, Quality, Security, and Feedback ($27.99 Value) FREE – Expires 6/18 VideoProc Converter AI v7.5 for FREE (worth $78.90) – Expires 6/18 Macxvideo AI ($39.95 Value) Free for a Limited Time – Expires 6/22 Microsoft 365 Copilot At Work ($60 Value) FREE – Expires 6/25 Natural Language Processing with Python ($39.99 Value) FREE – Expires 6/25 Excel Quick and Easy ($12 Value) FREE – Expires 6/24 The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI ($21 Value) FREE – Expires 6/24 The Ultimate Linux Newbie Guide – Featured Free content Python Notes for Professionals – Featured Free content Learn Linux in 5 Days – Featured Free content Quick Reference Guide for Cybersecurity – Featured Free content We post these because we earn commission on each lead so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. Other ways to support Neowin The above deal not doing it for you, but still want to help? Check out the links below. Check out our partner software in the Neowin Store Buy a T-shirt at Neowin's Threadsquad Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: An account at Neowin Deals is required to participate in any deals powered by our affiliate, StackCommerce. For a full description of StackCommerce's privacy guidelines, go here. Neowin benefits from shared revenue of each sale made through the branded deals site.
    • They pulled this same crap with Google Workspace. "hey you get AI now so we are raising your prices". I disabled it for my org but we still have to pay. F this stupid 1984 tiny hat spy crap.
    • Samsung could unveil its Galaxy XR headset ‘Project Moohan' in September by Sagar Naresh Bhavsar Next month, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Galaxy Z Flip7, and an affordable Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, along with the Galaxy Watch8 series. However, the launches don't end there. A fresh report out of South Korea hints that Samsung could launch its much-awaited Galaxy XR augmented reality headset in September. The company has codenamed its first XR headset as "Project Moohan," which translates to "Project Infinite." Samsung has already showcased the Galaxy XR headset a few times in the past. In fact, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee - also known as MKBHD -, got his hands on the Galaxy XR and revealed interesting details about the upcoming device. The Galaxy XR is rumored to come with a sharper display compared to the Apple Vision Pro and run on Google's new operating system for AR and VR headsets, the Android XR. Fast forward to now, Korean publication Newspim reports that Samsung is ready to launch the Galaxy XR headset on September 29 in its home country. Notably, the headset will be unveiled at an Unpacked event and later will go on sale on October 13. Globally, the Galaxy XR headset is expected to launch soon afterwards, though any specific date isn't mentioned. Additionally, the report suggests that fans can expect more teaser videos and prototypes of the headset at the upcoming Unpacked event for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7. The report also spills some details about the specifications of the Galaxy XR headset. Under the hood, it could run on Qualcomm's new XR2+ Gen 2 chip, made using Samsung's 4nm process. Samsung is also expected to introduce tight integration with its Galaxy ecosystem to offer a connected experience. It will be interesting to see how Samsung holds up against the likes of Meta, which already dominates the XR market, while Apple struggles with high Vision Pro prices.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      vivetool earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      pnajbar earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      TBithoney earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      xuxlix earned a badge
      First Post
    • First Post
      Tomek Święcicki earned a badge
      First Post
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      673
    2. 2
      ATLien_0
      287
    3. 3
      Michael Scrip
      223
    4. 4
      +FloatingFatMan
      195
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      143
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!