What is Launch Pad?

Launch Pad Product Demonstration

The enclosed product demonstration is for Berkeley Systems's Launch Pad, the computer desktop for kids. Designed for children ages three to ten, Launch Pad enables parents to let their kids freely use and explore the computer while adult files remain safe and separate. 

Blast off with Launch Pad and kids enter an animated world right on the desktop, with six exciting environments to explore. Here Bingo, the desktop dog, escorts the child through these dynamic landscapes in Launch Pad's rocket car.  Children are invited to find the hidden, animated surprises, which activate with a simple click of the mouse.  Each scene illustrates Berkeley Systems's high standard of graphics, animation, and sound.

Launch Pad adapts to each child's needs by adjusting the interface to match both the child's age and ability. Launch Pad can start up automatically when the computer is turned on or whenever the adult activates it.  Parents have an adult password, which allows them to return to the adult desktop. 

To start the Launch Pad demonstration click on the icon called "winlpdem.exe".  To stop the demonstration hold down the Alt-F4 keys simultaneously.

NOTE: The draggable apps and talking menu features are available only for Macintosh.

Requirements

Launch Pad for Windows requires a 386 or better, Windows 3.1 or later, 4 MB of RAM, and a hard disk with approximately 12 MB available; a sound card is recommended.

Launch Pad for Macintosh requires a Mac Plus or better, System 6.0.7 or later, and a hard disk with approximately 4 MB available.  (Launch Pad for Macintosh doesn't require any additional memory [uses zero K of RAM] because it replaces the Finder during operation.)

Launch Pad is available in stores and by mail order for approximately $29.99.  To order your own copy of Launch Pad, call (800) 344-5541.

Launch Pad is a trademark of Berkeley Systems, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

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Launch Pad, from the maker of the popular After Dark screen saver, is a new utility that takes the worry out of sharing your Mac with kids. Instead of the desktop, your child sees an animated puppy in a rocket-propelled car. Clicking on his or her name at the bottom of the screen opens an account that lets the child access only the desk accessories, applications, and documents that you preselect.

Launch Pad also adjusts controls like mouse sensitivity and key repeat rate to suit your child’s dexterity You can even tell Launch Pad to speak menu items and file names out loud, a boon for kids too young to read. For maximum protection, you can set Launch Pad to load automatically at start-up. Once it’s running, you have to enter a password to exit Launch Pad — even hitting ⌘-option-escape doesn’t force the program to quit.

The only drawback to Launch Pad’s security is that the installer makes changes to your System file, which could lead to incompatibilities on some Macs. With Launch Pad installed, extension managers such as Casady & Greene’s Conflict Catcher no longer respond to the keyboard at start-up, although you can still turn them on and off from the Finder.

The Last Word

A few minor inconveniences are a small price to pay for peace of mind, though. If you want to share your Mac with your kids. Launch Pad is a worthwhile investment.

Tessler, Franklin N. (January 1995). Launch Pad 1.0. Macworld. (pg. 78).

Download Launch Pad for Mac

Architecture

Motorola 68K

Compatibility notes

Emulating this? It could probably run under: Basilisk II