Hi, I've used Ipad for a long time but I don't want to upgrade anymore or deal with it throttling my apps, anyway - what I used to do was use the three button screen lock allowing my child to watch a specific video and have access to nothing else without activating the lock again. I'd like to do the same thing on Zorin. Does that option exist?
Any sort of keys I start a video then lock the PC
Moving the mouse would bring up a pad to enter the lock code etc.
Any help on this would be great. I'm a total noob here.
I don't think you will have much luck with that as Zorin is a specially crafted version of Gnome DE (Desktop Environment). This is what I found using Brave A.I.:
" The search context does not provide a native GNOME feature to create a parent-sanctioned screen lock that restricts access to a specific video file while leaving the rest of the system open. GNOME’s built-in screen lock (accessible via Super+L or the power menu) locks the entire session, requiring a password to regain any access.
To achieve a video-specific restriction in GNOME, you would typically need to use one of the following workarounds, as no direct "video-only lock" extension is detailed in the provided context:
1. Use a Video Player with "Kiosk" or "Locked Mode"
Some media players allow you to lock the interface so users cannot exit the video without a password.
VLC Media Player : You can use the View > Lock Interface option, but this does not prevent closing the window. However, you can use GNOME's AppArmor or systemd restrictions, or third-party tools like LockApp or KidSafe to restrict the VLC window.
MPV : You can use MPV scripts to create a locked interface, though this requires technical setup.
2. Use a Parental Control Extension or App
Extension Manager : You can install the Extension Manager app from the Ubuntu Software/App Center. While the Live Lock Screen extension mentioned in the context plays videos on the lock screen, it does not restrict access to specific files.
Third-Party Parental Controls : Tools like kdeconnect (if using KDE, not GNOME) or dedicated parental control software can restrict application access, but GNOME lacks a native "app-specific lock" for media files.
3. Manual Workaround: Rename and Hide
Rename the video file to something generic and move it to a hidden folder.
Create a desktop shortcut that opens the video in a full-screen player.
Use GNOME’s Privacy > Screen Lock to lock the entire system after inactivity, requiring a password to exit. This is not video-specific but is the standard GNOME method.
4. Consider KDE Plasma Instead
The context notes that media controls and similar features are more common in KDE than GNOME. KDE Plasma has more flexible parental control and window management features that might allow for more granular restrictions.
Recommendation
For a parent-sanctioned, video-specific lock in GNOME, there is no direct built-in solution . The most effective approach is to use a third-party parental control application that can restrict access to specific files or applications, or to use GNOME’s automatic screen lock (Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock) to secure the entire system after a set time.
What the Parental Control does in Zorin is to ensure that a child account has absolutely no access to the internet when they login to their account, They can only access installed applications with no access to other accounts or associated files.
You might try launching hte desktop in Kiosk Mode for the restrictied user.
The following guide is involved because it covers all the steps, including Ubuntu. You can skip down right to Kiosk on Gnome.
Hey thanks for all that! That was a lot of info and I'll look into each of those. As a side note I wonder how hard it would take for one of the Linux guru's to create an app like that (as you can see I have little idea as to what I'm talking about and it's probably a monumental feat) Thank you again.
Well it is a bit ironic that Apple used an openhsource OS called Darwin and monetized it. I am not an Apple fan because of labour exploitation of rare earth minerals. I was tired of a QTVI telling me that the RNIB wanted to give Apple an award for its Accessibility features which they refused to accept. If you look closely VoiceOver is not an Apple product it is a third party application that Apple incorporates into its system.
@Aravisian I don't think a Kiosk front end is the solution as that is looking at an interface where someone can access specified information and adds another layer of additional work.
@saharawinds On my search there was mention of Plasma being more suited to what you need but does require some tweaking and potentially third party tools.
" To add a screen lock for a video in KDE Plasma, you can use the Smart Video Wallpaper Reborn extension to display the video as a wallpaper or screensaver, which remains visible while the system is locked.
Method 1: Use Smart Video Wallpaper Reborn
This method allows a video to play on the lock screen, effectively keeping the content accessible without unlocking the device for other tasks.
Install the Extension :
Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/luisbocanegra/plasma-smart-video-wallpaper-reborn
cd plasma-smart-video-wallwallpaper-reborn
./install.sh
If you encounter crashes with AMD GPUs, switch to the GStreamer backend by installing qt6-multimedia-gstreamer and gst-libav .
Configure Plasma :
Right-click the desktop and select Desktop and Wallpaper .
Change the Wallpaper type to "Smart Video Wallpaper Reborn" .
Select the specific video file you want your child to watch.
Set Lock Screen :
Go to System Settings > Screen Locking .
Configure the appearance to ensure the video wallpaper is applied to the lock screen.
Method 2: Disable Media Controls (If using standard media players)
If you are using a standard media player and want to prevent controls from appearing on the lock screen (though the video itself may still play or pause), you can modify the configuration file.
Edit the kscreenlockerrc file located at ~/.config/kscreenlockerrc .
