KidDesk Family Edition (Version 1.5) for Windows

 

To update your KidDesk Family Edition, access the Internet , visit the following page http://www.edmark.com/ts/pctech/kdfe15patch.html and download the 1.5 Patch (file name: KDFE15 Patch). Once patch is downloaded, find and double click on the kdfe15patch.exe to install the patch. Answer "yes" in a series of dialog boxes and wait for the installation to finish. You are now ready to use your upgraded KidDesk.

Gaining access to the adult section

Hold down the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys (at the same time) and press "A" to enter the adult section.

Setting up a personalized desk

Add a child:

  • Click the "Kids" tab to see the "kids card," then choose "Add Kid" from the "Kid" menu.
  • Type the child’s name in the "First Name" box. Use the tab key to advance to another blank box or click in the blank box.
  • Click "Change" and select a new icon from the choices offered. To acquire a photo image of the child, click on the "Import Image" option. Locate photo file (i.e. floppy disk, hard drive, desktop, or zip cartridge). The picture files must be formatted as .bmp files. Before importing an image, use a graphic program (i.e. PhotoStudio, Photoshop Deluxe, or Print Shop) to crop the image, resize to appropriately 60 x 60 pixels, and save as a bmp file.
  • If a welcome message is desired, locate the "Welcome Message" box and click "Record" to record a message for a child or the group.
  • A "Kid Password" can be added for each child’s desktop but this can be problematic, particularly if a child is unlikely to remember her password.
  • After setting up a child’s desk, click "OK" to complete the process.

Add an application

  • Add applications to KidDesk, after creating desktops for each child.
  • Before adding applications to KidDesk, "test drive" the software programs to be used and complete any required installations.
  • Click the "Applications" tab to see the "Applications" card. By adding an application, an icon is created for the software program which launchs that application. Choose "Add Applications" from the "Application" menu. A dialog box containing "Instructions for Adding an Application" may appear. It will contain two items: "Help" and "Continue". To disable the dialog, and keep it from appearing in the future, click in the check box at the bottom. After checking the box, click "Continue."
  • In the "Add Application" dialog box, select the drive (hard drive, floppy drive, or CD- ROM) where the software to be added is located. Find the icon representing that application .. KidDesk automatically opens the "Programs" folder. Locate the folder for the application being added (the Living Books folder contains Harry and the Haunted House; Knowledge Adventure folder contains JumpStart Toddler). The .exe file may be several folders deep, making it difficult to find. If an appropriate icon or the .exe file cannot be found, access the CD-ROM drive (the corresponding software CD-ROM must be in the drive) and find the program icon. The objective is to find an icon that is representative of the software. (As might be expected, there are times when these options will not work! If this happens, refer to the installation directions that came with the software.)
  • Once the application to be added has been found, click on the application icon and then click "OK."

Hiding applications

Choose the "Kid" card. Select a child by clicking on the icon or her picture. Select "Limit Applications" from the "Kid" menu. Click on a software icon not to be included. A large "X" will cross through the icon causing that selection to be disabled. The ones not crossed through will appear on the child’s desk. To reactivate an application, click on the child’s icon, choose "Limit Applications" from the "Kid" menu, and choose "Enable."

Kid exit option

  • Choose "Kids" Exit Options" from the Options menu. Choose from: "Exit KidDesk from Adult Section Only," "Allow exit to Windows," or "Allow Shutdown."
  • If you select "Exit KidDesk from Adult Section Only," the child will be unable to quit KidDesk. There will be no icon displayed in the lower left corner. An adult will have to enter the "Adult Section" and choose "Exit" in the "File" menu.
  • The option "Allow exit to Windows," permits the child to access the Windows desktop and hard disk.
  • By selecting "Allow Shutdown," the child will be able to shut down the computer by clicking on the Stop icon found on the opening screen.

Password protection

By selecting "Adult Password" in the Options menu, KidDesk is accessible only by the adult who knows the password. Before choosing this option, consider other adults, such as a substitute teacher or volunteer who might use the computer and may not know or remember the password.

Returning to KidDesk

To return to the child section of KidDesk, choose "Return to Kid Section" from the "File" menu. Click on an icon or picture to access a child’s desktop. The stop sign on each desktop will take the user back to the opening screen where the children’s icons or pictures are located. With any computer, always "back out" of the system to prepare the hard drive for shut down. When using KidDesk quit programs in the usual manner.

Shutdown

  • Quit any programs and return to KidDesk. From there enter the "Adult Section," hold down the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys (at the same time) and press the "A."
  • Choose "Exit" from the "File" menu to return to the Windows desktop.
  • Click on the "Start" button and select "Shut Down."
  • Turn off the monitor, computer, and printer to complete the shutdown process.

 
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