TimeWatcher online help

What is TimeWatcher for?
The Timer Functions
The protection function
The main dialog
The security dialog
The Timer Dialog
How to register
Disclaimer & legal stuff


What is TimeWatcher for
What is TimeWatcher for?

TimeWatcher was designed to control the access, which a guest user has to a computer. The program does that in two ways...

1.) TimeWatcher makes it possible to determine a period of time during which someone can use the computer just as normal. When the time is over TimeWatcher will prevent a further usage of the computer.

2.) TimeWatcher makes it possible to control which programs can be used during the period. This helps to avoid that someone does unwanted things to the protected computer.

Here are two examples, where TimeWatcher is especially useful…

+ Internet Cafes, Libraries, Hotels or other places, where people can buy access time to a computer. TimeWatcher makes the managing of these computers very easy and also provides some protection against misusage. There are also very hardware solutions for these businesses on the market, but TimeWatcher is much cheaper and also easier to handle.

+ Families where parents want to give their kids controlled computer access. TimeWatcher makes it very easy to regulate the time, the children spent on the computer. It is also possible to prevent the usage of certain programs, to which the kids should have no access (e.g. Internet Browser).

TimeWatcher is fully Windows95/98 compatible and supports the deinstallation routine of Windows. To deinstall TimeWatcher, just use the Add/Remove Programs Dialog, which can be accessed in the Windows Control Panel.


The Timer Function
The Timer Functions

The Timer Functions are the main feature of TimeWatcher. They make it possible, to restrict the time, someone can use a computer.

To provide this functionality the TimeWatcher runs in two modes called lock mode and timing mode. In the lock mode TimeWatcher locks the computer so nobody can use it without admission. When the computer is locked, the TimeWatcher main dialog is displayed. In the timing mode TimeWatcher keeps track of the time, the computer is used.

There are four ways to manage the access to the computer:

+ The Manual Time Control: This is the easiest way. A supervisor enters the amount of time, and starts the countdown timer.

+ The Direct Access Code: With this method the supervisor just has to hand out a Direct Access Code, which is good for a certain period of computer time. The user then can unlock the computer himself.

+ The Network Time Control: This makes it possible to lock and unlock the computers very comfortable over the network. The ideal solution for internet cafes.

+ The Time Distributor: This is the ideal tool for parents. They can give their kids a certain amount of time, for which they can use the computer every day/week and TimeWatcher keeps track of correct usage.

All methods but the Network Time Control are working in the coundown mode. That means, a supervisor/parent sets some usage time and TimeWatcher counts the time down. If the time is up, the computer switches from timing mode to lock mode.Only the Network Time Control also can count up the time.

The timer even continues to work, after a program or the whole Windows Operating system crashed and the computer had to be rebooted. The program can give warnings when the end of the computer time comes closer (at 10min, 5 min, 3 min, 1 min). TimeWatcher switches of the windows hotkeys, so the computer can’t be rebooted unwanted by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL.


The manual Time Control

This is the easiest way to unlock the computer. A supervisor enters the amount of time, during which the computer will be unlocked and after passing a security dialog, the countdown begins.

Using the Manual Time Control requires the supervisor to walk to the computer every time a user wants to have access, because of the security check, which has to be passed. This means, that this kind of time control should only be used for very few computers, otherwise its easier to use the The Direct Access Codes


The Direct Access Code

This method was invented, to avoid that the supervisor has to walk to the computers all the time. It is the best solution for small companies, which don’t have a network. The supervisor uses TimeWatcher to print out so called code pages, which contain 60 generated codes for a certain usage time.

If a user wants to have access to a computer, the supervisor just gives him a Direct Access Code. The user goes to the computer and enters this code at the TimeWatcher main dialog. If the Code is valid, it will unlock the computer for the period, the user paid for to get the Code. Every Direct Access Code is only valid one time, so the user has to get a new Code, every time he wants to have access.


The Network Time Control

This is the perfect solution for companies, which have their computers connected via a network. Using this method, the supervisor can lock and unlock computers over the Network from an administration computer.

If TimeWatcher is running on this administration computer, it displays a Network Dialog. This Dialog contains a list of all the computers in the Network showing exactly their current status.

The Network Time Control offers also the possibility to let TimeWatcher count up. In all the other methods, the user always has to purchase a certain amount of time in advance, for which TimeWatcher will unlock the computer. TimeWatcher counts down the time. With the Network Time Control the supervisor can unlock the computer upon a request of a user. TimeWatcher will clock the time, the user spent on the computer. When the user is done he tells the supervisor, who then locks the computer again over the Network. TimeWatcher displays the time, the computer was used on the Administration Computer and the Supervisor can charge the user.

This can be all done from the Administration computer, that means only minimal work for the supervisor.

Please remember, that you have to purchase as many licenses as computers you want to install TimeWatcher on, to run TimeWatcher over the Network.


The Time Distributor

This very educational tool was specially invented for parents. It makes it possible to give children a certain usage time every day or week which they can spent with the computer. The kids can always see, how much time is remaining on their account and at what date it will be recharged.

This very fair and hassle free system puts an end to all long argumentation with kids about computer usage. TimeWatcher will do the job for you!

If the computer is unlocked with a Time Distributor ID, TimeWatcher protects the date and time against changes. This will avoid, that a user can cheat, by changing the date or time settings of the computer.

In combination with the Protection and logging functions of TimeWatcher you can let the kids use the computer, even if you are not at home.


The Protection Function

The protection function should provide some protection against misusage of the computer. The supervisor can define programs, which the user is not allowed to start on the protected computer.

By using this function you can avoid, that users play around with the configurations of the computer. Another advantage of this function is, that you can prevent unwanted reboots of the machine.


How to register
How to register…

The registered version of TimeWatcher has three big advantages:

1. In the registered version the Password will not be shown in the security dialog.

2. If you are encountering trouble we provide free support via email.

3. You will get one major update of TimeWatcher for free.

Here are the rates for the different licenses

> 1 - 5 licenses: US $ 25.00 per license

> 6 - 10 licenses: US $ 125.00

> 11 -15 licenses: US $ 185.00

> 16 - 20 licenses: US $ 240.00

> 20 or more licenses US $ 280.00

Please consider, that in order to run TimeWatcher over a Network, you have to buy as many licenses as you want to have computers in the Network.

There are two ways to register:

+ Over the Internet: Go to one of theTimeWatcher Homepages at

http://www.timewatcher.de
http://beam.to/TimeWatcher/

and click on registration. This will bring you to the TimeWatcher Online Registration Pages.

+ Per mail: Click here to see the TimeWatcher registration form


TimeWatcher in the Internet

Please refer to one of the TimeWatcher Webpages if you want up to date information. From there you can also download the newest releases of the program:

•	http://www.timewatcher.de

•	http://beam.to/Timewatcher

The fastest way to contact the author is with email:

•	support@timewatcher.de


The Options Dialog

The Options Dialog has eight tabs...

+ Misc1.: Different kinds of Options - Part 1

+ Misc2.: Different kinds of Options - Part 2

+ Forbidden Windows: Here you can find the Forbidden Windows options

+ Secuity: This tab contains the options for Passwords and security codes

+ Direct Access : On this tab you can manage the Direct Access Codes

+ Localize : This tab makes it possible, to use TimeWatcher in different languages.

+ Network : This tab provides all controls for the Network part of TimeWatcher

+ Time Distributor : This tab contains the options for the Time Tracer functionality

The button explanation Window opens a little window, which displays information about the item under the current mouse cursor position.

Here are some hints, how to get a protected sytem


The Time Distributor Tab

On this Tab you can manage the Time Distributor IDs.

You can just check the times of the existing Time Distributor ID or do one of the following

Creating an Ditributor Id

Deleting a Distributor Id

Resetting a Distributor Id

CAUTION: If you use the Time Distributor function you should protect the bios with a password. Otherwise the date could be changed in the Bios.


Generating a new TD ID
Creating a new Time Distributor ID

Follow these steps to create a new Time Ditributor ID:

1. Enter a ID for the new Time Distributor ID in the first textbox.

2. Enter the amount of time (hours and minutest), with which the Time Distributor ID will be charged for every period.

3. Choose the recharge period by clicking one of the radio buttons.

1. 	Click on the Create new Time Distributor ID button. This will create it and add it to the list.

The Time Distributor ID is now ready for usage. Give the ID to the person, which computer usage you want to control. Every time the person unlocks the computer with this ID, the time he spends will be subtracted from his account. The account will be recharged after the chosen periods.


Resetting a TD ID
Resetting a Time Distributor ID

If you reset an exiting Time Distributor ID, the ID will be recharged to its full time and the next recharge date will be set to the current date plus a day or week.

Follow these steps to reset an existing Time Ditributor ID:

1. Select the ID you wan to reset in the list of the Time Distributor IDs

2. Click on the Reset Time Ditributor ID button.

Now the Time Distributor ID is recharged, as you can see in the updated list.


Deleting a TD ID
Deleting a Time Distributor ID

Follow these steps to delete an existing Time Ditributor ID:

1. Select the ID you wan tot delete in the list of the Time Distributor IDs

2. Click on the Delete Time Ditributor ID button.

This will remove the ID from the list. The ID is no longer valid and TimeWatcher can no longer be unlocked with it.


The Network Dialog

With the help of this Network Dialog running on the Administration computer, the supervisor can control the Client computers.

From the Network Dialog the following commands can be given:

Putting a Client into timing mode

Put a Client into lock mode

Remove a client from the list

Ping all Clients

Sending a message to a user

The most important thing in the Timing Dialog is the Network Computer List, where the status of all computers in the Network is displayed.

With the help of the button at the bottom you can also change to the TimeWatcher Main Dialog, Exit TimeWatcher or go to the TimeWatcher Options Dialog.


Ping the Clients
Ping Clients in the Network

This command sends out a message to Clients, which says: Give some feedback. You can use it, if you are not sure, if all clients are still connected to the Network or if you have encountered network problems.

Follow these steps to sent out a Network ping:.

1. Click on the Ping all computers button. TimeWatcher will now sent out a ping command to all Clients in the TimeWatcher Network, which are running the TimeWatcher program. Every computer gets the status NO FEEDBACK.

2. TimeWatcher then waits for the answers of the Clients and every Client which answers gets the NO FEEDBACK status removed from in list. If a client answers the ping, TimeWatcher shows a ‘ping answered’ entry for 3 s as the status of that computer


The Network Computer List

This list is displayed in the TimeWatcher Network Dialog. It shows the status of all computers in the Network.

The following columns are provided:

+ The Name of the computer

+ The current status of the computer. This can be: Admin, Tiwa not running, Lock mode, Running mode, Options mode, NO FEEDBACK and Ping answered.

+ The Time Running: This is the time the Client has been in timing mode. This is only displayed, if the Client is actually in timing mode, otherwise a - is displayed

+ The Remaining time. This shows the remaining time of the Client. It is only displayed, if the client is running in countdown mode.

+ The Command status. If a client is working on a command, this field displays ***. When the Client has digested the command, the *** disappears and a new command can be given.

You can sort this list by Computer name,  Status, Time Running and Time Remaining. Just select the sort key in the Combo box above the computer list.

The TimeWatcher administrator and the clients synchronize their timers in timing mode every 60 s. That means, if the time on the Administrator is wrong (maybe after a restart of the Administrator) it will be always be corrected after at most 60s.

Because of the time it takes the Network to react, the time displayed on the client and on the administrator computer can differ a few seconds.


Romoving a client from the list
Removing a client from the list

With this command you can remove computers from the network. TimeWatcher will remove the computer from the network computer list and send a message to the computer, which will make it disconnect from the network.

To remove a Client, you can also go to the Network Tab of the Options Dialog of that Client and choose the radiobutton not part of the network. This will also remove the client from the network and the compuer list.

If you want to remove a  computer, follow these steps.

1. Select a Client from the Network Computer List.

1. 	Then a click on the Remove from list button button


Sending a message
Sending a Message to a User

This command makes it possible to sent a message over the Network to a user at one of the client computers. Just follow these steps...

1. Select a Client from the Network Computer List

2. Enter a message into the Textbox in the Send Message group (max. 100 chars)

3. Click on the Send message button

At the client computer a window will pop up displaying your message to the customer.


Putting a client into Lock mode

With this command you can switch Clients from timing mode into lock mode. Just follow the steps..

1. Select a Client from the Network Computer List

2. Then a click on the Put in Lock mode button

The Client will switch to lock mode. TimeWatcher displays the time, for which the Client was unlocked, if it was not running in countdown mode.


Putting a client into Timing mode

There are two different ways, how you can switch a Client into timing mode, over the Network

+ Unlock the Client for an in advance defined period.

+ Unlock the Client and let TimeWatcher clock the usage time.

The second method has the advantage, that the user is not hurried by the timer. He can use the computer as long as he wants and pays afterwards for the exact time he used the computer.

For the first method the supervisor has to follow these steps:

1. Select a Client from the Network Computer List

2. Choose an amount of time with the help of the hours and minutes boxes.

3. Then a click on the Start TimerCountdown button will unlock the Client

The Client switches into timing mode, which can be seen in the Network Computer List

For the second method the supervisor has to follow these steps:

1. Select a Client from the Network Computer List

2. Click on the Unlock and start timing button, which will unlock the Client.

The Client switches into timing mode and TimeWatcher keeps track of the time. When the user is done, the supervisor switches the computer back to lock mode, and TimeWatcher displays the period the computer was used.


The Networking Tab
The Network Tab

On this tab you can configure the current copy of TimeWatcher as an administrator or client.

Creating an adminstrator

Creating an client

If you want some more information how the TimeWatcher Network operates, go to the Network Overwiev Page

If you want to disconnect a computer from the Network just click on the not using Network radio button on the top of the Network Tab.

If you configure the TimeWatcher copy as an Administrator, you can access the The Network Dialog from this Options Tab

In the bottom of the Dialog the current Network status is displayed, which can be helpful for Network troubleshooting


Creating an Administrator
Creating an Adminstrator

If you want to create an Administration computer for the TimeWatcher Network, you just have to follow these steps. Please consider, that in every TimeWatcher Network there can be only one computer configured as an Administrator.

Before you configure the Network it is a good idea to read about How the TimeWatcher Network works if you haven’t done so far

Here are the steps...

1. Click the administrator Radio button in the top of the Network Tab. This should enable the Administrator Network Controls in the Dialog. TimeWatcher will try to find the IP address of the Admin computer and fill it into the textfield IP Address of this machine This IP resolving process can take 30s in which the TimeWatcher program is frozen. If the function can not find an IP address it is pretty likely that something is wrong with your TCP/IP network installation. Go to How to find an IP address to learn how to check it. You can also enter the IP number manually.

2. TimeWatcher also suggests a port number (most of the times 9023) In almost all cases this port number should be left unchanged. Only if you encounter trouble while connecting you can try to change it.

3. Click on the Connect  button. TimeWatcher will now do some Network checks and if everything works fine it will connect the computer to the Network as an Administrator. The network status at the bottom of the Options window will display connected as admin

4. Remember the IP address and the port number of this administration computer (they are written in the textfields) because you will need them when you set up the clients.

5. Go to the network dialog by clicking the button before you start setting up the clients.

With the checkbox Start Network Dialog on TimeWatcher Start you can choose, whether the Administration computer should go to the Main Dialog of TimeWatcher or directly to the Network Dialog when the program is started.

TimeWatcher also offers the possibility to keep a log of the periods, for which computers where unlocked in the Network dialog. If you enable the checkbox Keep an Admin log and enter a valid path into the Textfield Path for Admin log TimeWatcher will start logging. The logfile is in ASCI Textformat and TimeWatcher uses CSV (comma separated values). To analyze this file, you can easily import it in any Texteditor, Spreadsheet program or Database.

If you want to go to The Network Dialog from the Options Dialog, you can use the Goto Network Dialog Button.


Creating a client

Before you can create Clients in the TimeWatcher Network you must first have created a Administrator. While you set up the Clients, the administration computer has to be connected and running TimeWatcher!

Before you configure the Network it is a good idea to read about How the TimeWatcher Network works if you haven’t done so far

Here are the steps...

1. Click the Client Radio button in the top of the Network Tab. This should enable the Client Network Controls in the Dialog. TimeWatcher will try to find the IP address of the client computer and fill it into the textfield IP Address of this machine This IP resolving process can take 30s in which the TimeWatcher program is frozen. If the function can not find an IP address it is pretty likely that something is wrong with your TCP/IP network installation. Go to How to find an IP address to learn how to check it.

2. Enter the IP Address of the Administration computer. This can be found in the options dialog of the administration computer.

3. Enter the TimeWatcher port of the Administration computer. This can be also found in the options dialog of the administration computer. Most of the times it is 9023.

4. Normally TimeWatcher should already have filled out the textfield IP address of this machine. If that is not the case or you think, TimeWatcher has found the wrong IP Address, you can change it by hand. You should only do that, if the automatically found IP address caused trouble.

5. Enter a name for the computer. This name has to be unique in the Network, which means, that two Clients can not have the same names.

6. Click on the Connect  button. TimeWatcher will now do some Network checks and if everything works fine it will connect the computer to the Network as a Client. The network status at the bottom of the options window will switch to Connected as a Client

If the computer is connected as a client, you can go back to the TimeWatcher main dialog. From now on you can control the computer over the Network.

TimeWatcher will connect the Computer automatically at every new start of the program.


How to find an IP address

Follow these steps to find out the properties of your TCP/IP installation:

1. Open the windows control panel with Start-Button > Settings > Control Panel

2. Now click on the Network icon in the Windows Control panel. If you can not find it, you have not installed the network yet. Goto the TimeWatcher Webpage for instructions on how to install a TCP/IP network

3. Now the Network properties Dialog should pop up. Find the entry TCP/IP-> [Name of your Network card] in the list of the installed network components and select it. If you can not find it, you probably have not installed your network card or the TCP/IP protocol. You have to do that first, instructions at the TimeWatcher Webpage

4. Click on the Properties button below the list of installed network components. This should open the properties dialog of the TCP/IP protocol for your network card

5. Click on the Tab IP Address in the TCP/IP properties window

6. The radio button Specify an IP address should be selected, because TimeWatcher needs a specified IP Address. If the button is not selected, install your network with specified IP Addresses. Instructions at TimeWatcher Webpage

7. In the lower half of the TCP/IP properties window the IP address of the computer network card is shown! Remember this number and close all network properties windows with the cancel button


How the TimeWatcher Network works

Because TimeWatcher uses UDP messages for the communication between the computers it needs the TCP/IP protocol installed for its network functions. To get information how to install a TCP/IP Network go to the TimeWatcher Webpage for useful links.

For it’s network operation, TimeWatcher needs the IP address of the Administration computer and the client computers. Most of the time, TimeWatcher will find this IP addresses itself and fill out the needed information. You only have to fill in the IP of the admin at the clients. If TimeWatcher should not be able to get an IP address you have to find it yourself (How to find an IP address).

To find out, whether your TCP/IP installation is working, try the following.

1. Open a DOS box with Start button> Programs >MS-Dos prompt.

2. Enter: ping [IP address of another computer]    (e.g. ping 192.168.1.1)

3. Now you should get a positive answer showing the reply times of the other machine. If not, then something with your TCP/IP installation is wrong and the TimeWatcher network functions will not work properly

When setting up the network, you have to first set up the admin computer and after that the clients. While setting up the client computers, the admin computer has to be running TimeWatcher!

While TimeWatcher is working with the network it dynamically changes the ports. Most of the times it will used its default port 9023 but if that port is taken it will try to find another one.

Whenever you encounter problems with the networking functions of TimeWatcher, check the correct IP address and port settings of the clients. Most of the time that is the source of the error.

Every message in the TimeWatcher Network, which one computer sends is acknowledged by the receiver. This method helps TimeWatcher to detect errors in the Network very quick. If a message is not acknowledged, the sender repeats it 5 times. If it fails every time, TimeWatcher gives a message to the user, explaining that it could not sent a message. If that happens 3 times, TimeWatcher shuts off the network functions on the sending computer for that session.

To avoid the warning messages of the Clients which can’t reach the admin computer, it is a good idea to start the administration computer first and then the clients.

If you should have trouble with the network, restart the admin (first) and then the clients again. If that does not help, go to the options dialog > network tab and disconnect and reconnect the clients.


The Localization Tab

Here you can enter some alternative labels for the most important dialogs. This helps to make TimeWatcher more understandable for non English speaking users

Just enter the labels in your language in the Textboxes. After exiting the Options Dialog, TimeWatcher will use these labels in the dialogs

For the labels of the buttons (pause button, shutdown button) you can enter an ampersand & in front of some letter. This will designate the following letter as an access key. That means, pressing the ALT key and the assigned access key will be the same as clicking the button. This function can be useful to operate the program without a mouse.

If you want to reset the labels to the original English versions, just click on the button Default (english) values at the bottom of the page.

Because only a very few labels can be translated, the Supervisor, who is administering TimeWatcher, has to be English speaking.


The Direct Access Tab

Here you can manage the Direct Access codes

The Code Pages are the backbone of the Direct Access Code System. Every Code Page contains 60 Codes, which will unlock the computer one time only (then they get invalidated). Besides every Code Page has three properties: The time, for which its codes will unlock the computer, a comment and a serial Code Page number.

When you generate a Code Page it will be printed out on your printer. The printed Code Page will be organized in a way, that if you cut it along the lines you will get 60 little slips of paper, which you can then hand out to any one, who should have access to once the computer.

Generating a new Code Page

Reprinting an existing Code Page

Make a Code Page invalid

Give new Codes to a Codepage


The Security Tab
The Security Options Tab

Here you can change the security code and password

Security Code Generation

Change Password


Generating a new Code Page

To use the Direct Access Codes you have to generated Code Pages, which have 60 randomly generated codes on them. This 60 codes are only good for the computer which generated them. That means, if you are using TimeWatcher on more than one computer, you have to keep track which printed out Code Page belongs to which computer. You should use the comment property of the Code Page to remember, which computer uses which Code Page. Here is how to generate a new Code Page:

1. Enter the amount of time (hours and minutest) for which the Codes of the new generated Code Page will unlock the computer.

2. Enter a comment in the comment textbox.

3. Make sure, that a printer is connected to the computer and that it is turned on. Then click on the Make new Code Page Button. This will start the code generation process and the printing of the new Code Page

4. If the generation process was successful the new Code Page will appear in the Code Pages list. From that point on, the codes on the page are valid.

When you generate a new Code Page the computer will try to print out the Code Page immediately. If the computer does not has access to a printer, you have to use Save Code Page to file and Print Code Page from file functions to print out the Code Pages on another computer. Remember: The codes are only valid on the computer on which they where generated! For the printing TimeWatcher uses the default printer, which can be adjusted in the printers properties window (Start-Button -> Settings -> Printer)


Reprinting an existing Code Page

This command is important, if you lost a code page or just do not know any more, which codes on the Code Page are still valid. This function will only print out Code Pages for the computer on which TimeWatcher is currently running. To print out the Code Pages from another computer use Save Code Page to file and Print Code Page from file functions

If you click the Reprint Code Page button, the Code Page will be reprinted, but only with the codes, which are still valid. Before you click the button, make sure that your computer has access to a printer, which is turned on.

If you lost a code page and you are not sure, that the codes on it are still secret, you should rather use the Give new Codes to Code Page function.


Make a Code Page invalid

Use this function, if you don not need a code page any more, because its properties are not up to date any more.

If you just need new codes, because the codes on a code page are not secret any more, you should rather use the Give new Codes to Code Page function. That function will also invalidate the old codes on a Code Page but preserves the properties.


Give new Codes to a Code Page

You need this function, if a Code Page has no more valid codes (remember, every code on a code Page is only valid for one time) or you think, that the codes on a Code Page are not secret any more.

If you click the Give new Codes to Code Page button, TimeWatcher will generate 60 new codes for the Code Page and will invalidate the old ones. The properties of the Code Page will be preserved and TimeWatcher will increase the serial number of the code page by one.

TimeWatcher will try to print out the Code Page with the new codes immediately! If there is no printer connected to the computer use Save Code Page to file and Print Code Page from file functions to print out the Code Page with the new codes on another computer.


Save Code Page to file

Normally you need this function only if you want to use the Direct Access Codes on a computer, which has no access to a printer.

This function will save the currently selected Code Page to a plain text file. You can print this file out in another TimeWatcher session or just open it with your wordprocessing program. Follow these steps to save a Code Page to a file:

1. Select the Code Page you want to saved in the Code Pages list.

2. Click on the Save Code Page to file button

3. A requester will come up and ask you for the filename which the file should have. If a file with that name already exists it will be overwritten!

4. A warning message will come up. Click Yes if you want to continue.

5. The data will now be written to the file and when TimeWatcher is done a Success message box will come up

IMPORTANT:

+  Make sure that you do not leave the saved Code Page files on a computer, where everybody has access to. It is very easy to open them and get the valid Access Codes. The best thing to do, is to save the Code Page files to a floppy disk, print them out on another computer which is connected to a printer and then delete them.

+  When you have many different Code Page files it is very easy to get confused, which Code Pages are still valid and which are not. To find that out, just go to the computer the Code Page is for and reprint or save the Code Page again. Remember that the codes on the Code Page are only valid for the computer which generated them and that the codes get invalid after using them once!

+  When you safe a Code Page file under a name of an existing file, the old file will be overwritten. That is also true when the old file is a file, which was not generated by TimeWatcher.

+  The saved file reflects only the status of the Code Page at the moment the file was saved. When you use the Direct Access Codes from the page the file will not be up to date any more!


Print Code Page from file

If you have created a Code Page file in another TimeWatcher session, you can use this function to print it out. The printed page will have the standard TimeWatcher layout and only the codes which are still valid will be shown.

Be aware of the fact, that the status of the codes (valid/invalid) of the file reflect the status of the point of time, when the file was created. Read the important notes at the Save Code Page to file online help.


The Misc Options Dialog1
Miscellaneous Options Tab 1

In this Dialog you can find four different kinds of options

Default Value Timer

Pausing Timer

Schutdown

Log File

Logo File


The Misc Options Dialog2
Miscellaneous Options Tab 2

In this Dialog you can find four different kinds of options

Register

Save / Load Options

Timer Warnings

Autostart


Keeping a Log

This Option enables you to keep track of the actions done with TimeWatcher, because TimeWatcher can record any important action in a log. There are four kinds of actions, which TimeWatcher can record:

+ Starting and exiting TimeWatcher

+ Starting and exiting the timing Mode

+ Pausing the timer during TimeWatcher is in timing mode

+ Closing a forbidden window

To keep a Log-File just follow these steps:

1. Decide what actions you want to be recorded and put a checkmark in the Checkbox in front of them

2. Enter the path and the name of the log-file in the textbox labeled File Name (e.g. C:\Windows\TiWaLog.txt)

Thats all. TimeWatcher will write into that file. The file can be viewed with every text-editor or word-processing program


The SecurityDilog
The Security Dialog

This Dialog always comes up, if you carry out an action for which the program needs a proof of permission. There are two different ways to give this proof.

+ You can enter a Password

+ You can enter a Security Code

You will be used to the Password option, but why do you need the Security Code?

The reason for the Security Code is, that very often you will use the Security Dialog while somebody can have a look at your keyboard. It would be very easy for that person to get the password, just by looking at your fingers typing. The appropriate Security Code changes every time the Security Dialog comes up, because you have to calculate it from the randomly generated Numbers A-Z. So it will not be very useful for someone to get just one Security Code. In the options menu you can enter the formula which generates the security code.

If you enter the wrong Security Code or Password the Security Dialog will be locked for a period of Time. (5 sec) TimeWatcher uses this delay to avoid, that somebody just guesses the Security Code / Password.

Example: If the security formula is for example AEI the right security code would be the number which are at A (let’s say it is 9 like in the picture above), the number which are at E(1) and the one at I(8). The valid code would be 918.

After the installation the password is “register” and the security formula is “AEI”. You should change them immediately!


The TimeWatcher Dialog
The main TimeWatcher Dialog

This Dialog is shown, when TimeWatcher runs in lock mode.

It provides the following functions:

Starting the computer timer manually

Getting to the options dialog

Exit the TimeWatcher programm

In this dialog you can also start the computer timer by entering a Direct Access Code or a Time Distributor ID and click on the appropriate button. The Time Distributor Group is disabled, if there are no Time Distributor IDs available.


Starting the computer timer

To start the computer timer follow these simple steps...

1. If you are not already having the TimeWatcher Dialog on your screen start TimeWatcher or bring the program into the lock mode.

2. Enter the number of hours (or choose a number from the ComboBox) for the computer timer to start with

3. Enter the number of minutes (or choose a number from the ComboBox) for the computer timer to start with

4. Click the Start Computer timer Button

5. The Security Dialog comes up. Enter the proper security code or password.

That is all. The timer starts running and the program is in the timing mode. To see the remaining time just have a look at the Timer Dialog


The Timer Dilog
The Timer Dialog

This Dialog or the mini version can be seen when the TimeWatcher is the timing mode. It shows the remaining time.

If the option User can pause timer in the Option Dialog is active, the user can stop the timer by pressing the Pause Timer button. The computer gets locked until the user restarts the timer. This can be useful if the user wants to get something to drink or needs to go somewhere for a short period of time.

If the option User can shutdown computer in the Option Dialog is active, the user can shutdown the computer from this dialog. TimeWatcher safes the time and upon restart is continues running with this remaining time.

CAUTION: If TimeWatcher shuts down the computer it terminates all running programs without any saving. This means all unsaved data IS LOST! So you should exit all programs before shutting down the computer.

With the Minimize button, the user can switch to the mini version of the Time Dialog.

If the user presses the Exit Timing Mode Button a Security Dialog will come up and after passing the security check Time Watcher Dialog is displayed and the TimeWatcher gets into the lock mode


The mini Timer Dilog
The mini Timer Dialog

This Dialog or the normal version of the Time Dialog can be seen when the program is in the timing mode. It shows you the remaining time.

The mini Timer stays on top of all other windows to always provide the time information. It can be dragged with the mouse to any position on the screen,

If you want to go to the normal version of the Time Dialog just click on the mini version with the left or right mouse button.


Getting toOptions Dialog
Getting to the Options Dialog

To get to the Options Dialog timer follow these simple steps...

1. If you are not already seeing the TimeWatcher Dialog bring the program into the lock mode

2. Click the Options button

3. The Security Dialog pops up. Enter the proper security code or password

4. If the security code or password was right the Options Dialog comes up


Exiting the program

Because exiting the program also exits the lock mode one has to pass a security check to quit the program. So it is very important to always know either the password or the security code. Otherwise the program will lock your computer! If this has happened you should get in contact with the author!

To exit the program follow these steps...

1. If you are not already seeing the TimeWatcher Dialog bring the program into the lock mode

2. Click the Exit TimeWatcher-Button

3. A Security Dialog pops up and if you enter a valid security code or password the program exits


Forbidden Windows

In this part of the Options Dialog you can declare Forbidden Windows. A window, which has its title on this list, can’t be opened, while TimeWatcher is running. By this way you can avoid that the user opens programs which could mess up your computer. Here are some examples of Window titles which should be on this list: The window, where you can change your System properties, the registry editor window, the window of the windows Task Manager (taskman.exe in windows directory), the window which comes up when you exit windows, Task Bar properties dialog, system properties dialog, display properties dialog and the MS-DOS Prompt properties. Click here for instructions how to block the MS-DOS prompt.

There are two ways to add the titles of windows you want to be blocked by TimeWatcher.

Fist possibility : Add a known window title to the forbidden windows list:

1. Start TimeWatcher and open the Options Dialog

2. Enter the window title of the program you want to be blocked by TimeWatcher into the Textbox labeled Window title to add

3. Click the Add Window Title Button

Now the window title should be on the forbidden windows list

Second possibility : Add a unknown window title to the forbidden windows list:

1. Open the window of the program you want to be blocked by TimeWatcher

2. Start TimeWatcher and open the Options Dialog

3. Click the Get a window Title Button

4. TimeWatcher now displays a message box which says that it will get the title of the next window you activate. Click the OK Button of this message box

5. Activate the window you opened in step 1

6. The TimeWatcher Options Dialog comes up again. The title of the window you activated is written in the textbox labeled Window title to add

7. Click the Add Window Title Button

Now the window title should be on the forbidden windows list

Below the list of forbidden windows there are two check boxes which you can use after you selected a window title in the list:

+ If you check the fist box TimeWatcher will block any window (and program) which has a title starting with the selected title in the forbidden windows list. E.g. if the title Wordpad is selected in the list and just the front checkbox is checked, TimeWatcher will block windows with the title Wordpad - test.txt, wordPad but not Properties Wordpad

+ If you check the second check box, TimeWatcher will block those windows which are ending with the title selected in the forbidden windows list.

+ If you check both check boxes, TimeWatcher will block windows whose titles are starting or ending with the title selected in the forbidden windows list.

+ If you check none of the check boxes, TimeWatcher will block only windows which have exact the same title as selected in the forbidden windows list.

The blocking function is not case sensitive!

How to get a window title off the list:

1. Open the Options Dialog

2. Click on the window title in the list which you want to remove. It should be marked then

3. Click the Remove Selected Title Button

The title should now be deleted from the list and TimeWatcher won’t block that window any more


Warnings
Warnings Option

Here you can choose, at which remaining times the user gets warned, when TimeWatcher counts down in timing mode.

Just check the checkboxes in front of the times, at which a warning should be displayed.

It is always a good idea to enable at least some warnings, to make sure that the user can save his work and exit the programs, before the computer is locked again.


Register Option

If you registered TimeWatcher we sent you a License Name and a Serial Number. Entering these values in the Registration textboxes will convert your unregistered evaluation copy of TimeWatcher into a registered copy.

Just enter your License Name in the first Textbox, your Serial Number in the second one and then click on the register button.

It is very important to enter the name and number exactly how you got them, otherwise TimeWatcher will not be able to register your copy.

If TimeWatcher accepts your name and number, your copy is registered with the license type you ordered.


Save Load Options

If you have installed TimeWatcher on multiple computers and do not want to set up the options over and over again this function will help you.

If you click on the Save Options to file button a file dialog comes up and after you selected a path and filename the options will be written to that file.

With a click on the  Load Options from file button, you can read in the options from a file.

The file for the options has normal text format and can be viewed with every text editor.

You can also use this function to backup the options on a computer

CAUTION: TimeWatcher also saves the password and the security formula into this options file. So you should take great care, that no one without permission can access it


Company Logo
Logo Option

If you want to have your company logo displayed in the TimeWatcher main dialog, you should use this option.

The company logo has to be in bmp format and it should be sized 110x110. If the size is different, TimeWatcher will rescale the logo, which can cause unwanted effects in the picture.

If you have created the logo, just enter the complete path of it in the textbox. You can also use the button behind the textbox, which will open a file requester.

TimeWatcher will check this path at every start. If it finds a usable bmp file there, it will display the picture in the 110x110 format besides the main dialog.


Shutdown
Shutdown Option

This option lets you decide whether the user can shutdown the computer, while TimeWatcher is in timing mode.

If the option User is allowed to shutdown in the Option Dialog is checked, the user can shutdown the computer. The computer exists all programs and shuts down.

CAUTION: The shutdown, which TimeWatcher performs, terminates all programs without any saving. This means all unsaved data is lost!!! This option should be disabled in the most cases, because it can cause data loss! If the shutdown is allowed also the Autostart function should be enabled to make sure, that TimeWatcher will restart after a reboot!


Pause Timer Option
Pausing Timer Option

This option lets you decide if the user can stop the timer when TimeWatcher is in the timing mode.

If the option User can pause timer in the Option Dialog is active, the user can stop the timer by pressing the Pause Timer button. Then the timer is stopped and the computer is locked until the user restarts the timer. This can be useful if the user wants to get something to drink or need to go somewhere for a short period of time:-).


Auto Start

With the checkbox you can decide, if TimeWatcher should be started automatically at every Windows Start. You should use this function, because it avoids, that a user exits TimeWatcher by rebooting the computer.

With the two radio buttons, you can decide, at which point of the Windows booting TimeWatcher will be started. The early start provides more security, because TimeWatcher will be one of the first programs, which is started in Windows. In some network environments this can cause problems, because TimeWatcher already starts, when the network is not running. If you encounter these problems, switch to the standard start.


Code Generation
Changing the Security Code

This option is important for the Security Dialog. Here you can determine how the security code is generated. It is not very complicated, to create a security formula. The letters A-Z are the variables for the given numbers. You have to create a formula with these variables.

If the security dialog comes up, you just enter the number for every letter.

Here is an example. Let’s say you entered ABBCDA and the security dialog shows A:5, B:9, C:4, D:6...... The correct code would be 599465.

Your formula should not be too easy (e.g. 3 *A) otherwise somebody could guess the security code. It is also very handy to use patterns, that is why the given numbers in the Security Dialog are grouped. You can use for example the bottom right number of every block.

After the installation the password is “register” and the security formula is “AEI”. You should change them immediately!

We tested this security code system and found out, that you get pretty quick in calculating the security code once you get used to the formula.

Follow these steps to change the security formula:

1. Open the Options Dialog

2. Enter the new formula in the Textbox labeled New Formula according to the rules stated above

3. Click the Button Use new formula

4. Now you have to enter the proper security code three times (three Security Dialogs come up) to make sure that you and TimeWatcher get the same results

5. If you pass all 3 tests the new security formula is accepted and is used in the Security Dialogs


Change Password

Here you can change the password. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Options Dialog

2. Enter the new password (max 15 characters!) in the Text Box below the label New Password:

3. Click on the Button Change Password

4. A Dialog pops up and you have to enter the password once again.

5. If you entered both times the same password, the password changes and is used in the Security Dialogs from then on.


Startvalue of timer
Default Value of Timer

In these textboxes you can enter the number of hours and minutes which are the preset in the TimeWatcher Dialog.


Registration form

Print this form out, fill it out and send it to...

Philipp Hoffmann

Auf dem Köllenhof 55

53343 Wachtberg

Germany

I tested TimeWatcher and want to become a registered user!

My Address:

Last Name:_____________________________________

First Name:_____________________________________

        Street:_____________________________________

  Zip Code:_____________________________________

          City:_____________________________________

        State:_____________________________________

    Country:_____________________________________

      E-mail:_____________________________________

Telephone:_____________________________________

          Fax:_____________________________________

I enclosed

_____________________ US$ for _____________ licenses

The following statements are optional:

Computer Platform :_________________________________

Where did you get TimeWatcher:________________________

Any wishes for further versions:________________________

Date:__________________

Signature:_______________________________________


Tips for protection
Tips for computer protection

Here are some ideas how you can protect your computer from unwanted actions

+  Include all unwanted window tittles in the forbidden window list in the Options Dialog You should put all the window titles of the setup programs on your computer on this list to avoid that somebody messes around with the setups.

+  Use the password protection of the system bios. (Enter the bios setup when the computer boots and enable the password option). By doing so, you can avoid that a user can boot the system with his/her own boot disk or in safe-mode.

+  Install an anti virus program which automatically checks every disk inserted in the floppy drive. This helps you to avoid viruses on your system. The title of the anti virus program setup window should be also on the forbidden windows list.

+  If you have a program on your computer which edits the windows registry files, deinstall it. No user should even be able to think of changing these important files!

+  Make occasional backups of the registry files (sytem.dat and registry.dat in the windows directory). These files a really important for the system because they contain the data of the registry data base.

+  To protect the computer during start up you can change the file MSDOS.SYS which is a hidden textfile stored in the root directory of the computer (usually C:) The file has an options section, where you can add the following line:

BootKeys=0 (This disables the startup keys (F5, F6 and F8)


Blocking the MSDOS prompt
Blocking the MS-DOS prompt

If you want to avoid that a users starts a MS-DOS prompt from Windows follow these steps

1. Open the properties dialog of the MS-DOS prompt

2. Select the Misc Tab

3. If the checkbox in the Termination box is checked, uncheck it

4. Select the Screen Tab of the MS-DOS properties dialog

5. Select the Window radio button in the Usage group.

6. Add the title of the MS-DOS Window to the forbidden windows list in the TimeWatcher Options Dialog

7. Add the title of the MS-DOS properties dialog window to the forbidden windows list in the TimeWatcher Options Dialog

Now the MS-DOS prompt should be blocked when TimeWatcher is running


Disclaimer & legal stuff

Users of the TimeWatcher program must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Windows TimeWatcher is supplied “as is”.

The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author does not warrant that the functions contained in the software will meet your requirements or that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error free. No oral or written information shall create a warranty. In no event shall the author, or any other party who may have distributed the software, be liable for damages, including any general, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the software (including but not limited to loss of data or data being rendered inaccurate or losses sustained by you or third parties or failure of the software to operate with any other product), even if such holder or other party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.”

Windows TimeWatcher is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share the evaluation copy with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.

Anyone distributing Windows TimeWatcher for any kind of remuneration must first contact the author.

This evaluation version of TimeWatcher may be freely distributed as long as the files are all kept together and unmodified and no remuneration is received by the person or persons distributing said software.