Launch Pad (software)
Launch Pad is an alternative to the Macintosh and Windows desktop developed by Berkeley Systems in mid-1994 for children aged 3 to 10 years. It provided a simple environment for users to help them to work without supervision. Originally a Classic Mac OS exclusive, it received a port for Windows in 1995.[1][2]
Launch Pad replaces the Finder desktop (on the Macintosh version) while active, providing a simple area oriented graphical user interface in which applications and documents are represented by icons and large buttons, and the interface could also be adjusted to match each child's age and abilities.[3] It is unknown if the Windows version replaces Program Manager while active.
While active, an "adult password" could be input at the logon screen which would quit the software and return to the Finder (on Mac) or Program Manager (on Windows).[4][5]
Aside from its security features, its interface and basic functionality was very similar to KidDesk.[6]
References
[edit]- ↑ Landis, David (June 28, 1994). "Kid computerware makes interfacing child's play". USA Today. Gannett Company. p. 1D. ProQuest 306702843.
- ↑ Staff writer (September 1995). "Childproof Your Files". Windows Magazine. Vol. 6, no. 10. CMP Publications. p. 102 – via the Internet Archive.
- ↑ Snell, Jason (October 1994). "Kid's Stuff: Software Is Child's Play". MacUser. Vol. 10, no. 10. IDG Publications. p. 33 – via Gale.
- ↑ Judson, Jeremy (1996). The Macintosh Bible. Peachpit Press. p. 604. ISBN 0201886367 – via the Internet Archive.
- ↑ Philip Lief Group, ed. (1995). CD-ROM Review: The Only Guide You Need to Make Informed CD-ROM Purchases. HarperPerennial. p. 616. ISBN 9780062733825 – via the Internet Archive.
- ↑ Hertzberg, Lanny (February 1995). "The Right to Privacy: Security Software Built to Protect Sensitive Files". Electronic Learning. Vol. 14, no. 5. Scholastic. pp. 48 et seq. – via Gale.