The Logoff Screensaver - Log Network Users Off On Inactivity
The Logoff Screensaver is a Windows network friendly replacement
for Microsoft’s WinExit Screensaver. The screensaver can also tell
the computer to auto shutdown after it has been idle. The Logoff Screensaver
can be set to force a logoff or shutdown the computer on inactivity only during
certain times of the day on specific days of the week. Please refer to the
configuration page for more details
One
of the biggest problems a network administrator faces is security. Thousands
of dollars and hundreds of hours can be spent on protecting networks from external
attacks only to have users leave their computers logged in while they are away
from their desks for extended periods of time or even overnight. Leaving unattended
workstations logged in poses a major security risk for many organizations. Unattended
computers are the easiest method for hackers to assault a network. The solution
is to force a logoff on inactivity or shutdown the computer on inactivity.
The Logoff Screensaver solves
the problem.
Microsoft’s WinExit Screensaver (winexit.scr) also addressed this problem.
However, in order for non-administrative users to be able to use WinExit, you
must add Set Value and Create Sub key permissions for the group "Everyone"
on the registry key: “HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion”
on every computer on the network. This can be a headache for a network administrator.
The Logoff Screensaver was created to eliminate the need to modify the registry
on all of the computers on the network. The Logoff Screensaver uses a centrally
located INI file for its configuration so altering the registry on every computer
is not required. The Logoff Screensaver uses the settings for the screensaver
timeout to determine how long the computer has been idle or inactive. It only
reads the registry entry "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Control Panel\Desktop\ ScreenSaveTimeOut"
so the computer users do not required administrative rights. The registry entry
for the screensaver timeout can can be configured using group policies, please
see the Client-Server
Installation section for more details.
The Logoff Screensaver works with Windows 98 Se, Windows Me, Windows 2000
Professional, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Vista.
Key Features:
- Ability to force a logoff or shutdown if programs are open.
- Ability to turn on and off an audible warning.
- Ability to set the time the warning screen is displayed before a
logoff. ¹
- Ability to enter your own text for the logoff message. ¹
- Ability to set times when the screensaver is inactive. ¹
- Ability to shut down the computer due to inactivity. ¹
¹ These features are only available in the registered version.