New version provides desktop and application security.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

Contact: Duane Fahey

Visual Automation, Inc.

(517)622-1850

Grand Ledge, MI

Visual Automation, Inc. today releases Secure Desktop(TM) version 5. This version now supports Windows 2000 in addition to Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0. This version also provides menu/toolbar restriction capabilities for Office 2000 products and Internet Explorer. Secure Desktop 5 is a desktop shell replacement for the purpose of restricting access to end users in a public computer environment.

Restricting User Access To The File System Is Challenging

Secure Desktop 5 provides many different methods for restricting access to the file system. Secure Desktop 5 is a replacement shell, replacing the start menu and desktop icons normally found in Windows. The icons displayed are chosen by the administrator and may be password protected. Explorer-like features found in file open and file save as dialogs can be disabled. Menus and toolbar buttons in Office 2000 programs can be disabled, as can local file access features found in Internet Explorer. Task switching hot-keys and the right mouse button can also be disabled.

Controlling A Window Is A Powerful Tool

Using Secure Desktop 5's Window Wizard, a window can be chosen to be acted upon. For instance, a window may be forced to a maximized or minimized position. A window can also be hidden from view. You can even force a window to be closed immediately, useful for a preferences or options window.

Controlling Windows Startup and Shutdown May Be Important

Inter-application communications, such as COM, OLE, or DDE are necessary in many different environments. It is important to have programs start in a certain order, with time to start their communications process, before the next program is allowed to start. It may be necessary to shut down programs in a certain order also, for similar reasons. Secure Desktop 5 provides this kind of control.

Secure Desktop Used In Many Industries

Secure Desktop is widely used in manufacturing in a broad range of industries that include: food & beverage, metals, dairy, mining, automotive, chemical, water, pharmaceutical, power generation, and telecommunications. In these industries, Secure Desktop is commonly used in conjunction with HMI/SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software from companies like Wonderware (wonderware.com), Rockwell Software (software.rockwell.com), Intellution (intellution.com), and Ci Technologies (citect.com). Secure Desktop is also used in the retail industry for point of sale, in libraries for public internet use, and in universities.

Availability and Pricing

Secure Desktop 5 is available direct from Visual Automation, Inc. or any of its authorized resellers at the list price of $195 USD, 5-pack of $700, and 10-pack of $1,275 immediately. Online purchasing is available via Digital River at visualautomation.com.

System Requirements

Secure Desktop 5 is designed for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000. Features vary slightly between different operating systems.

About Visual Automation, Inc.

Visual Automation, Inc. is a provider of security software products. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is recognized worldwide as a leader in Windows desktop security. Products include Secure Desktop 5 for Windows 95/98/NT 4.0/2000 and iLock for Windows 95/98, a desktop security solution for home & classroom. Companies worldwide depend on Secure Desktop for their industrial automation manufacturing.

Secure Desktop and iLock are trademarks of Visual Automation, Inc. Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Screenshot at http://www.visualautomation.com/img/secure5.gif