Holding down the Shift Key during Startup on a Mac running System 7 or later disables the loading of Extensions, Control Panels and Startup items. Some users may find this annoying if they are trying to prevent other users tampering with their Machine. Shift Switcher is a simple utility to disable the Shift Key of your Mac during the Startup process. The changes it makes are permanent (unless you change them back of course) - you do not need to leave Shift Switcher on the machine for the Shift Key to be disabled. Reinstalling the System software will also re-enable the Shift Key.
Installation
System 7
Just run Shift Switcher from your Hard Disk or a Floppy Disk
System 6
Shift Switcher doesn't run under System 6 because the Shift Key has no effect under this
version of the System.
Options
When Shift Switcher launches you only get 3 options;
Enable the Shift Key - This is how a normal System 7 is set up.
Disable the Shift Key - This turns the Shift Key off.
Quit - This Quits Shift Switcher (you probably guessed this one).
Shift Switcher displays a menu but it is not accessible for 3 reasons. Firstly there aren't many options so there wouldn't be much to put in the menu anyway. Secondly, as Shift Switcher modifies the System, it means I get more control of what does what and when - no nasty surprises from users accessing there favorite DA or Tank Battle game (Bolo rox). Thirdly and most important, I can be lazy and forget about implementing menus, balloon help etc, and get on with getting the thing working as quickly a possible.
Bugs
I have tested this software on a whole range of machines including PowerMacs and System 7.5 with no problems, if you find a bug let me know and I'll try and fix it. (No promises).
BootBlocker is a Control Panel which contains INIT code and requests a password before it will allow your machine to startup or 'boot', hence the name BootBlocker. It also contains the Shift Switcher code to make it more difficult to bypass. It isn't the ultimate in security products but it keeps the majority of users out and it's FREE. Copies on your favorite BBS or try the info-mac archive.