While it isn’t always easy (or even possible) to completely child-proof a desktop, there are ways to come darned close. I built my son’s computer this weekend, but due to constraints, had to leave it out and accessible. I set the desktop up on the top shelf to make it harder for his sisters to get to it, but I know that they’ll still get there eventually.

I set up the desktop so that only it’s front is accessible. I then disabled the power button in XP via power settings. The only other button on the front is to open the CD-ROM drive. After doing some searching, I found Sidi 1, a freeware app which can do just that. Run it, and it locks the cd-tray. It can still be opened using Sidi.

Now if only there were a way to keep the mouse out of my daughter’s hands…