Childproof
Your Computer
A key switch
mod so your kid can't turn it on or off
I
childproofed my wife's computer
because she was tired of our little daughter turning it off while she
was working. It's cute once or twice but when your kid starts pushing
that on/off button it's time to mod the computer.
 A
computer on/off switch is not like a
wall light switch that stays in “on” position when actuated. It's
spring loaded like a door bell switch and close the circuit only for
as long as you're holding it down. I could not find a spring loaded,
key actuated switch at the local store. Instead I bought a Philmore
key switch [Fig. 1] and connected it in series with my existing
computer on/off button.
The
new key switch acts as a master
computer switch. When it's in the off position the existing switch
can't turn the computer on or off. When the key switch is it's in the
on position the existing switch works as designed. When the
computer is on I can set the new key switch to off position and my
daughter can't power it down by pressing the on/off button.
The
photos on the next page illustrate how I put the
switch in although you will likely have to modify the steps to make
this hack work with your computer. The process should not take more
than a couple of hours. You will need basic tools and supplies like an
electric drill with a large diameter hole cutter or a jigsaw, insulated
copper wire, soldering iron and electrical tape. 1,
2
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