One of the sections that most concern users when using the computer is security. Whether we use a computer personally or with public access, or if we use workstations in the office, there are comprehensive security solutions such as WinLock that will protect both our data and the stability of the system, preventing access to different functions.
There are different contexts where we may need an application that offers the possibility of setting limitations on the computer so that users who have access cannot perform certain functions or cannot modify others. This can be useful in an office, where we want workers to only be able to access certain programs related to their work and not be able to make changes to the system or enter unauthorized web pages. It can also be useful at home if we have children. By blocking certain sections we avoid that by mistake, children can perform unwanted actions in the operating system or visit web pages not suitable for them.
WinLock offers total security for our computer
WinLock is an application specifically developed to guarantee and control access to our Windows computer, so that it can only be used by authorized persons and blocking those who are not. This will help us maintain the privacy of our files, folders, programs, and websites by disabling system functions and enabling parental controls.
Main features that WinLock boasts: to protect our computer:
- System restrictions : we can disable the taskbar, desktop, clipboard, control panel, safe mode, etc.
- Limited time access : to control the time our children can use the computer.
- Restrict Start Menu : Hide selective Start menu items and lock context menus.
- Control Internet access : Allow access only to trusted sites and block everything else.
- Software filter: blocks access to downloaders, games, messaging clients, or CD burners.
- Kiosk Mode – Provides lockdown security for publicly accessible computers.
- Installation Lock – Prevents unauthorized users from installing the software and blocks unwanted programs.
- Drives : hides system and network drives, as well as blocking access to flash drives and DVDs.
- Instant lock : allows you to hide any program on your screen with one click, as well as block unsigned applications.
- Mouse and keyboard : locks the hot keys and mouse buttons, disabling the drag and drop option.
- Monitoring : of any changes in the system and writes any changes to the log file.
- Desktop – Lock the desktop, disable wallpapers, and protect desktop icons.
- Windows : Block any or part of any application, such as windows, pop-ups, and dialog boxes.
Limit access to any section of the PC
Once we run the program, we find its main menu with a fairly intuitive interface. We will have quick access to all its functions, through the possibility of configuring passwords, activating protection at system startup automatically, showing notifications when an application or site is blocked and playing different sound alerts. In order to access all its options, it is only necessary to navigate through the different tabs located in the left column.
general
Within this section we find the Protection, Settings, Notifications, Registration and remote administration options. From here we can enable protection, set a password, configure our user account, configure programmable keys, receive notifications or enable remote administration from another device.
System
From this section we can perform actions related to system security such as disabling the Control Panel, the Registry Editor, shortcuts, etc. We can also disable elements of the Explorer and Windows, the Boot Menu, the Desktop, Mouse and Keyboard, Disks and UAC, in such a way that it cannot be used by other PC users.
Internet
Here we can have access to the Configuration of restricted sites on the Internet, allowing to close tabs, redirect to a blank page or redirect to a specific URL. In the same way we can configure which are the allowed sites by adding them to a list and which are the restricted sites. This can be useful if we have children at home and we only want them to have access to certain pages, or for the office to avoid entering unwanted pages.
Access
From this section we can configure those accesses to which we want to enable or disable their access, such as Windows. It also allows us to set a password to run executables. We can establish which executables are allowed and which ones are allowed. In the same way, it also allows us to block certain files and folders to prevent them from being used by third parties.
Timer
Finally, we find the possibility of setting a timer, by means of a countdown or a time range. This allows us to configure the shutdown, disconnect or block the computer once configured. This is equally useful both for use at home and in the office, when we do not want the computer to be used for a period of time (for example at night) or outside of working hours.
Download WinLock
WinLock is a program to maintain the maximum security of our computer. In this case we are dealing with a commercial application, although it allows us to download a free trial version from its website . It is compatible with the Windows operating system from Windows 2000 to Windows 10, with all service packs and updates. Its latest available version is 8.47 corresponding to February 15, 2021 , which speaks of a good support and updates policy on the part of its developers.
Differences between the Standard version and the Professional version of WinLock
When buying WinLock we must choose between two available options such as Standard and Professional, depending on our needs and the money we are willing to pay:
- Standard: this version allows us to hide the start menu, lock the desktop, deactivate the hot keys, deactivate the control panel, access for a limited time and kiosk mode. Its price is $ 24.95.
- Professional : Includes all the features of the Standard version and adds other security options such as guest passwords, USB exclusions, smart restrictions and user profiles, USB authentication, IE and Chrome restrictions, website content filters, remote blocking and the possibility of taking snapshots with the webcam. Its price is $ 31.95 .
Standard or Professional Which one should I choose?
When deciding between one version or another we must focus on how much we want to have our PC protected. Well, the price difference is not very high between one version or another. The best option is to download its trial versions and check first-hand all the options that it includes so that we know which one to choose.
Alternatives to WinLock
If we are looking for a security tool for Windows, to prevent the programs from being used by other users, we suggest some alternatives to WinLock.
Gilsoft EXE Lock
This program allows us to block Windows programs that we do not want to be used by other users. It is easy to use, since we will only have to drag the executables to be blocked to its interface. Its price is 29.95 euros, but it has a trial version that we can download from this link.
AskAdmin
This time we are talking about a free program that will help us block applications of our choice just by adding executable files to its interface. The application will automatically block each attempt to run these programs. We can download it from here.