B-locker Product Overview

The Solution

B-locker is a system for centralized time control of a network of computers. It is best suited for management of sold computer time, for example for internet cafes. Its aim is simple - the  user is allowed to work with the rented computer exactly the time that was paid for. When the time is over, the computer completely stops accepting mouse and keyboard input.

B-locker may be used without timer to prevent user input permanently on servers or dedicated workstations. For example, it may be used by system administrators in big organizations to ban user access to servers. Blocked computers get their  performance slightly increased (5 - 7%) while doing other computational tasks.

B-locker also includes a capability of remote reboot/logoff.

It doesn't matter for B-locker what kind of software the client workstation is running. A user may browse websites, play an interactive game or work with a UNIX terminal - but only the time that you were paid for.

B-locker allows you to:

• Automatically locate connected client computers
• Monitor state of each client computer, including its timer
• Sell computer time with a one-second precision
• Receive alerts about client computers state changes to blocked and off
• Report suspicious client's activity in timely manner
• Add time, set unlimited/available state, instantly block/unblock, pause/resume timer with a single mouse click
• Reboot or logout from the current session on the client computer with a single mouse click 
• Set time for warning before block - the user will receive a one-time reminder
• Set a full-screen arbitrary picture while client computer is blocked

How It Works

B-locker's operation is based around the "death" timer, that actually counts the rented time. Upon expiration of the death timer the system input devices - mouse and keyboard - are blocked. The expired timer renders computer useless without rebooting it - a harsh and instant reminder for the client that his (her) rented time is over.

B-locker includes two parts: client and server. The client is installed on every computer that is rented to users on time basis. Server is installed on the administrator's computer. For a large network of rented computers several servers may be installed.

The B-locker server runs on the system administrator's workstation. It allows you to monitor the current state of every client computer. In the main control panel you will find a list of all clients with their names, IP addresses and current state. If the workstation is allocated, you will see a count-down timer at work.

B-locker server alerts you with a message box if a client computer changed its state on its own: it got blocked due to timer expiration or it went "off" because the computer was rebooted or the B-locker client was terminated.

It provides user interface for monitoring clients and controlling them.

Release Information

  B-locker version 1.0 is licensed according to the terms that are found in the Registration Page. The license fee is calculated according to the number of rented computers.

A 30-day trial version, limited to management of 10 computers, is available free of charge from the Download Page.

In order to get a full version of B-locker you need to perform the following steps:

• Download and install the trial version of B-locker from the Download page
• Register on the Registration page
• Insert your generated license in the B-locker's "Update License" dialog panel
• As you receive your permanent license by e-mail several days later, insert it again in the B-locker's "Update License" dialog panel