AppLocker

Popular programs in Blockers & Access Control

What is AppLocker

A great way to restrict user access to a wide range of programs on your computer, Application Locker (or AppLocker) may be the simple and effective security measure you need for a protected PC.

What You Get with Application Locker

Application Locker is a free program that was developed for one simple purpose: To lock the applications on your personal computer. Of course, this is the type of tool that many parents love. If you have young children whose access you wish to restrict, then Application Locker is a quick and easy way to safeguard your computer against unwanted access and searches. It does not have strict filters and control mechanisms, such as different search terms, but it can completely lock different programs on a computer.

It is also a good program if you share a computer. If, for example, you are a student sharing a dorm room and do not want your roommate poking into your notes, you can lock certain programs without having to restrict access to the computer altogether. Shared devices can remain private with Application Locker.

The program works by allowing the user to lock any .EXE file. So while you’re not able to limit Internet access, you can restrict access to browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Explorer, which then basically renders any computer useless in terms of searching (for novice users, of course).

Some Good Features of Application Locker

With Application Locker, you have to take the good with the bad. On the plus side, it’s a very easy to use program with a simplistic interface, so even if you have zero computer experience you will be walked through the process of restricting access to certain programs. On the flipside of that coin, however, anyone who accesses Application Locker can reverse those controls. So if your kids are more tech-savvy than you, they might be able to get in anyway. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to lock the extensions with administrator rights. Then only the proper PC admin will have access to the program.

There is no search feature on the program, so you have to manually comb through your programs to decide which you wish to limit access to and which you wish to keep unlocked. However, when you do find a program you want locked, you only have to copy and paste the name of the file into the program, and then execute the lock.

Pros

• A good program to keep kids off the Internet or out of restricted programs
• Still allows access to the computer
• Any .EXE file can be locked
• The program is easy to use

Cons

• Anyone with moderate PC knowledge can get around the program
• It can only lock .EXE programs and nothing else
• Must copy/paste rather than drag and drop
• No Windows 7 support