Simple Finder Solution

Recently, I wrote a blog post entitled Geeks In Training - How Young is Too Yonng? where I discussed my three year old son using my iMac and how much I disliked Leopard's Simple Finder solution for very young users.

For the past couple of months, I had not enabled Simple Finder. Instead, I set up parental controls to only limit access to certain applications on Cruz's account. However, I caught him numerous times clicking on the Finder in the Dock, changing the open window from icon view to columns view, and navigating back to the hard drives and getting into places I didn't want him messing with. When I found Bluetooth File Exchange on his desktop, I knew I had to find a new way to further limit his account without resorting to Simple Finder.

After a lot of searching the internet, I found a Simple Finder solution. I found a Terminal command that turns on the Finder's simplified interface while still allowing applications to be present in the Dock.

Log into the account and arrange the Dock the way you want. Next, open Applications > Utilities > Terminal and enter the commands below. Then log out and back in.

defaults write com.apple.finder InterfaceLevel simple

defaults write com.apple.dock contents-immutable -bool true

Parental controls can still be used to limit the account even further. This is a solution everyone is happy with. Cruz can use the computer and I can relax knowing that he won't accidentally delete any of my important data.

On a side note, Cruz has really enjoyed his iPod Touch he got for his birthday. There are numerous educational applications in the App Store which make this the perfect gift. However, he has already gone into the settings and set a passcode lock on the device and then couldn't remember the number combination to unlock the it. I had to restore his iPod and start over. I'm sure it won't be the last time I have to restore his iPod Touch, but there should be better parental control settings on a gadget such as this. As of now, I can only limit access to Safari, YouTube, iTunes WiFi Store, and App Store. I feel if I enable parental controls, I should also be able to set a parental password to restrict access to the settings on the iPod Touch. He shouldn't even be able to get in there to set a passcode lock in the first place. For now, I just discuss with him why he shouldn't change any important settings on his iPod and hope he will listen and not do that again. Other than that one incident, he has taken remarkable care of his iPod Touch.

I'm proud of my little geek in training. With a little bit a parental supervision and the use of parental controls, he can have a very enjoyable time using my computer and his iPod Touch. I can also feel confident that he is learning some important skills he can use throughout his life such as computer knowledge and how to take care of expensive items. I hope my experience will help anyone else who has a little geek in the house find harmony between their electronics and those little hands.

UPDATE: Poll Results 11/13/08 - 11/20/08

What do you feel is most important when your kids use the computer?
(More than one answer allowed)
50% Communication
50% Parental supervision
50% Parental controls
50% I don't have kids