This is the README for Lock.2.01.N.b.tar.gz [Download] [Browse] [Up]
README file for Lock 2.0
6/17/91
CHANGES SINCE 1.0
o Fixed for NeXT Release 2.0. This accounts for most of the changes.
o Simple screen-saver feature. When locked, the Lock window shifts
around periodically to prevent burn-in of the window. The interval
between moves is determined by the system's dim time, which can be
set using Preferences. The window only moves around slightly so that
it always appears to be centered.
ABOUT LOCK
Lock is an application which lets you lock your screen when you leave
your NeXT computer unattended for a period of time. The program locks
the console screen by freezing on-screen windows or by turning the
display black. You can lock the screen either with your own password
or with an access code that you set. In addition, Lock has a built-in
fully-functional 15-puzzle.
This document tells you how to use Lock.
LOCKING THE SCREEN
First, launch the Lock program and wait for the Lock window to appear.
The lock can be set in two ways. The simpler method is to lock the
screen using your own login password. After the program comes up,
click the "Use password" button (or just hit the Return key).
Alternatively, you can lock the screen by entering an "access
code" by using the buttons of the 15-puzzle. (A simple on-screen
keypad would have done nicely, but someone suggested that it would be
more interesting to put a 15-puzzle in the program.) Each button in
the puzzle represents a number that can be part of the access code.
The button that you click on will become part of the sequence you
reproduce when unlocking the screen. Each time you enter a number,
the cursor in the access code field will advance by one position. For
example, if you click on 2 and then the 15 button twice, the access
code will be 2-15-15, not 2-1-5-1-5. You may enter up to a maximum of
16 numbers for the code.
Don't worry about the fact that the puzzle pieces slide as the
code is being entered; only the button you click on will be
significant. Once you've entered the code, just hit the "Set code"
button to lock the screen.
When you lock your screen, Lock will freeze all on-screen windows.
The Lock window remains on screen. No one will be able to tamper with
your on-screen applications. No applications can be launched from the
dock either. However, any computation in progress will still run, and
any screen updates made by programs will be shown after you unlock.
If you want more privacy, there is an additional feature which may
be helpful; by holding down the Command key while clicking on the lock
button, the screen will blacken instead of freezing. You may think of
it as a simple screen dimmer.
If, before locking your screen, you decide to cancel the entire
operation, hit the "Cancel" button. This command will terminate the
application.
UNLOCKING THE SCREEN
No matter how you locked your screen, you can unlock it by entering
your login password or the root password. If you have previously
locked the screen using an access code, you may also unlock it by
reproducing the code using the buttons of the 15-puzzle. An incorrect
entry will make the Lock window shake. This is like the behavior of
the standard login window when someone gives incorrect login
information. You will then again be asked for the correct entry.
(Of course, you can always reboot the machine to unlock.)
WORKING THE PUZZLE
The 15-puzzle in Lock is a full-implementation of a 15-puzzle which
can solve itself. The puzzle was incorporated into this program for
purely recreational reasons. (NeXT machines shouldn't be completely
useless when the screen is locked.) This puzzle is similar in
operation to the Puzzle Desk Accessory on the Macintosh and the
xpuzzle program in X windows.
You may perform three functions on the puzzle: reset it, scramble
it or tell it to solve itself. These three functions are accessed via
the Puzzle pull-down menu in the Lock window. Choosing Reset from
this menu will set the puzzle to its unscrambled state. Scramble will
randomly move the pieces around several times, and Solve moves the
pieces around in order to solve the puzzle.
THE POWER KEY
The Power key is still functional when the screen is locked. Because
screen updates are not allowed, the Power Off panel does not appear
when you hit the key. However, it is still activem and pressing
Return after you hit the key will shut down the system.
NOTES
o To be considerate to others, please do not run this program on a
public machine if you intend to be away from the computer for a
significant period of time. Doing so prevents others from being able
to use it. This program is intended only to provide the convenience
of protecting your work without having to logout so often as you take
breaks.
o This program is freeware, so you may distribute it as long as your
recipients are able to redistribute it freely.
Please send comments and bugs to:
dayglow@media-lab.mit.edu
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Eric Ly
These are the contents of the former NiCE NeXT User Group NeXTSTEP/OpenStep software archive, currently hosted by Netfuture.ch.