What does KidStarter do?

KidStarter does 3 major things to make computers easier to use for children ages 3 and up.

First, KidStarter provides a secure, safe environment that ensures that your children can only access programs and websites that you approve of.

KidStarter also makes a computer much easier to use for children. Instead of fighting their way through the Windows start menu and browser favourites, KidStarter gives children a single screen where all of their programs and websites appear as large, friendly icons. From there, a single click will launch any program… so kids can gain confidence and use the computer unassisted.

The other major benefit of KidStarter is that it protects all of your files and programs from little fingers. Since KidStarter is a self-contained environment, you can rest assured that your children can use your computer without accidentally deleting the big presentation you’ve been working on.

What if I have more than one child?

When you install KidStarter, you can create a separate account for each of your children. This way, each of your children will have their own custom space filled with their favourite programs and website.

How does KidStarter work?

By default, KidStarter installs a new Windows user for your children. This means that your files and programs are protected and your children will only have access to the programs and sites you approve for them in KidStarter.

When Windows starts the KidStarter user account, KidStarter launches instead of the traditional Windows Start Menu and programs. This means that no other content can be run on the PC and that your children are only presented with a simple, easy-to-use list of programs that they can launch with a single mouse click.

I don't log on to my computer currently, what will KidStarter do?

If you don’t currently log on to Windows with a username and password, KidStarter will show you two users once you install it. You will see a user named KidStarter, and a user called Administrator. Administrator will take you into your existing account.

If you decide to uninstall KidStarter, the KidStarter account will disappear and your computer will go back to logging in automatically to your existing account, just like it did before you installed KidStarter.

What programs come with KidStarter?

The simple answer is that any Windows programs work with KidStarter. When you first open KidStarter, you will be asked if you want to add any of the Windows programs you currently have installed. To do this, you simply click on them and they will be available in KidStarter.

You can add or remove programs at anytime and if the program requires a CD or DVD, KidStarter will prompt your child to enter them.

What about websites? How do I control what websites my children can see?

When you first launch KidStarter, you will be prompted to add any websites you want your children to see. You can either enter the web address, or choose from a list of pre-selected kid-safe websites we’ve listed for you.

At any time, you can add new sites into KidStarter by entering the Parent Password.

How can I control how long my kids spend on the computer?

Once KidStarter is installed, you can set a daily timer for each of your children. You can set time for individual days or just a single time. In KidStarter, simply click on Settings and choose the Timer.

How do I uninstall KidStarter?

To uninstall KidStarter, you need to exit KidStarter completely and log onto Windows using your regular Windows account (i.e. – Not KidStarter). From there, head to the Control Panel from the Start Menu. Select Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista and above) and select KidStarter.

Once KidStarter is uninstalled, all of your Windows user account settings will be reset just as they were before KidStarter was installed.

What kind of computer do I need to run KidStarter?

You should be able to run KidStarter on any Desktop, Laptop or Netbook running Windows XP or above. We have tested and verified that KidStarter works well with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Currently we are working on making a 64-bit version of KidStarter and plan to introduce it soon.

Additionally, you’ll need Microsoft .NET version 4 or higher installed. Don’t worry about this though, if you don’t have it, we will prompt you to download it for free during the install.

How much space will KidStarter take up on my computer?

KidStarter is quite small and lightweight to download and install. For KidStarter, you’ll only need about 28 megabytes of room (about the size of 5 MP3 songs!). Depending on the Windows software you have installed, you might need an additional 75MB during the installation process. Basically, just about any PC should have the room to install KidStarter and any Internet connection will be fast enough to download KidStarter in a couple of minutes.

Where can I buy KidStarter?

You can download KidStarter directly from KidStarter.com where you can try the software for free for 14 days. Once you are ready to buy, just click purchase and you can pay via Credit Card. We will also be selling KidStarter via retail outlets in the near future.

Why can't kids get at my files?

When you install KidStarter, it makes a separate Windows user for your kids. This means that when Windows starts, your kids will only have access to KidStarter and the programs and sites you’ve approved for them. To access your files, you simply log into Windows as normal and all of your files and programs will be there.