PlayDead

[kalvanotherwhen]

I sometimes back up large files, and batch process large amounts of files,
I also try to perform other time consuming tasks such as downloads etc.

I would like my computer to play dead.

I would like it to appear off when I leave it.

I do not want anyone to turn it off because they think it is not being used. (or that they are saving the earth by turning off my PC when
they leave a gamesystem on for days even when not using it.)

I also do not want anyone to see what I am working on.

I would like to redirect the keyboard keys to avoid the use of the three finger salute (ctrl, alt, del).

It would be best if the keys were all dead/redirected (but the dead/alive hotkeys )

I would also like to kill the trac pad, though leaving the wireless mouse alone would be good.

I would like to mute all sound, and turn off the screen,
alternately I would like to be able to put up a Windows is updating wallpaper/screensaver to try and avoid people messing with my computer.

To use the windows is updating wallpaper it would be best if all desktop links were hidden.

Also if it is possible to send function keys I would like to send function key strokes: Fn F1 (turns off all lamps)

[Ath]

Could an electronic KVM switch be of any use?
The computer keeps running, unless someone presses the power button (which is unavoidable ), the screen stays empty, even when the mouse/keyboard are activated (moved/pressed), until you switch to the correct 'port' (A/B would be enough, AFAICS), and with a little luck that can be protected by a key-operated switch (did no research on that).

Turning off all leds could be impossible without tinkering with the BIOS, unless you have connections with mainboard manufacturers
The sound of the harddrives & fans, probably depending on the load of the system, would still reveal it's not off, though...
And then someone pulls the power-plug from the back of the powersupply

[Edvard]

I use a hand-drawn skull and crossbones and the text "Do not touch or else" on a piece of printer paper taped to the monitor.
The screen is then locked (Win+L) so the process continues in the background, but it doesn't display and only a valid login can 'unlock' it.

[Curt]

I may have a more efficient solution, if you have the lungs and the attitude to do it...

Imagine that you are in an extremely noisy environment but you very life is depending on the computer, and then...
"tell" her to keep off that machine!

[bhuiraj]

I use a hand-drawn skull and crossbones and the text "Do not touch or else" on a piece of printer paper taped to the monitor.
The screen is then locked (Win+L) so the process continues in the background, but it doesn't display and only a valid login can 'unlock' it.

-Edvard (April 15, 2011, 05:18 AM)

I have found this to actually be a very effective solution.

[bhuiraj]

I may have a more efficient solution, if you have the lungs and the attitude to do it...

Imagine that you are in an extremely noisy environment but you very life is depending on the computer, and then...
"tell" her to keep off that machine!

 (see attachment in previous post)  (see attachment in previous post)  (see attachment in previous post)  (see attachment in previous post)  (see attachment in previous post)  (see attachment in previous post)

-Curt (April 15, 2011, 09:37 AM)

Why do you assume it's a "her"?

[Deozaan]

Because only a woman would be awesome enough to turn off your computer for you while it's "not in use" so you can save a few cents on the power bill.

[psionics]

tie an evil dog near your computer ^^ just kidding..

my idea is to mount your motherboard and other peripherals inside your cabinet and put a dummy PC casing, mouse and keyboard out..

[iphigenie]

I can think of tools that would disable all keys but a subset, but making the power button be ignored is not all that common (well, i would know how to on linux/bsd)...

In your specific circumstances I would think that a screensaver or tool that makes the computer look very busy might be a better scenario

[Edvard]

Ooh, reverse psychology... Good call.

[nosh]

In your specific circumstances I would think that a screensaver or tool that makes the computer look very busy might be a better scenario.

+1 - an ultra geeky screensaver with a mash up of real+fake data might actually be fun to make/watch.

A regular trick I've used with pesky kids: Start defrag, set the visualization to go fullscreen on both monitors so it looks really hardcore and industrial. "Games?!! Ha ha! You have NO idea how much data I'll lose if I stop this thing right now!"

[kyrathaba]

How about this? (requires .NET) --> file attached as a zip

If you like it, I'll need to figure out how to disable Alt-tabbing, and the 3-fingered-salute.

[Target]

In your specific circumstances I would think that a screensaver or tool that makes the computer look very busy might be a better scenario.

+1 - an ultra geeky screensaver with a mash up of real+fake data might actually be fun to make/watch.

-nosh (April 25, 2011, 09:03 PM)

don't nirsoft do a BSOD screensaver?

[steeladept]

The problem is if someone walked by, they would still shut it down since it "Obviously" is broken and doesn't need to be on anyway!

[Target]

The problem is if someone walked by, they would still shut it down since it "Obviously" is broken and doesn't need to be on anyway!

-steeladept (July 12, 2011, 12:01 AM)

of course they can recognise a crashed machine, just not a working one