Breathing easy when the kids borrow the PC

Article Abstract:

There are several software packages on the market that allow parents to install a simplified user interface to both protect sensitive data and facilitate easy access to applications by children. Edmark Corp's $30 KidDesk is a utility program designed to work with both MS-DOS and Apple Macintosh operating systems that replaces standard user interface with a colorful desk. Parents install and define icons that allow access to specific applications; no other applications can be accessed without a password. Additionally, KidDesk offers several customizable features and accessories designed to enhance the user's experience with a microcomputer. Another package to be considered is Apple's $55 At Ease operating system enhancement, which improves the accessibility of the Macintosh interface and guards specific documents and applications. Overall, KidDesk is better designed for use by children and costs less than At Ease.

Miscellaneous publishing, Children, AAPL, Design and construction, Data security, Operating system enhancements, Menus, Utilities (Software), Apple Inc., Desktop utilities, Comparison, Desktop Utility, Operating System Enhancement, At Ease (Systems/data security software), Utility Programs, Edmark Corp., KidDesk (Operating system enhancement)

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A palm-size computer that's easy to use and cheap - finally

Article Abstract:

Palm Computing's $299 Pilot 1000 PDA provides the greatest degree of computing functionality to be found in a hand-held device. Pilot is able to reach such a high level of functionality because it is designed primarily as an adjunct to a desktop computer. The Pilot does not provide users with elaborate data-entry mechanisms, concentrating instead on allowing users to merely access data previously entered and stored on a standard PC. Consequently, the Pilot is small enough to fit inside a shirt pocket, weighs just six ounces and operates for several months on three standard AAA batteries. The Pilot includes features for keeping track of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, short memos and important dates. Pilot's only imperfections is an unlit screen and a few quirks in the script-recognition program.

Microcomputers, Hand-held computers, Handheld computers, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Hardware single product review, Personal digital assistants, Personal digital assistant, Palm Computing Inc., U.S. Robotics Pilot 1000 (Personal digital assistant)

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Bob is software for regular Joes, not the digerati

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's Bob integrated software offers novice users the opportunity to learn and use a computer at an easy pace. Bob includes a number of applications such as a word processing program, calendar and checkbook utility that are all designed to be easy to use. Users can also run other applications from within Bob. The software guides users through a user interface that is designed based on a house motif. Systems with multiple users can be assigned to have passwords and individual rooms for users. The rooms include the objects that launch applications, such as a calendar on the wall that launches the scheduling application. Bob also allows the user to control applications and commands through a collection of animated characters or guides rather than with toolbars and menus.

Software Publishers, Applications Software Pkgs NEC (Micro), Product description/specification, Microsoft Corp., Suites (Software), MSFT, Applications software, Integrated software, Microsoft Bob (Business application suite), Product Information

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