Mobile users encounter another problem; Playing media in the background while the mobile computer is locked will drain the battery faster.

The following two programs add functionality to Windows Lock.

Mute On Lock is a basic program that mutes the system sound when the operating system is getting locked by the user. The program reprograms the Windows-L shortcut so that the sound gets muted whenever the lock combination is pressed. It will also enable sound again when the system returns to its normal state. The sound is also turned off if the user locks the computer from a program shortcut or the Windows start menu.

mute on lock

Two additional hotkeys are added when the program is running. They can be used to mute or unmute the sound immediately (without locking the computer) and to exit the program. A double-click on the system tray icon can be configured as well to mute or unmute the sound.

The program needs to be run in Windows XP compatibility mode on Windows Vista or Windows 7. The mute functionality won’t work otherwise. The fastest way to do that is to right-click the executable of the application and to select the properties option from the context menu. The compatibility tab offers a drop down menu to select to run the program in compatibility mode for another operating system.

mute lock

Mute On Lock can be downloaded from the developer’s homepage at Superutils. The software is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows. It is offered as a setup and portable version.

Monitor ES is the second useful program for users who lock their systems regularly. The program is more advanced as it provides additional functionality next to being able to stop the sound of a computer system that is locked by the user.

The software can auto pause media, auto mute the volume, change the messenger status automatically, turn the display off and screensaver on.

monitor es

Monitor ES is fully compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7 so that the compatibility mode is not needed to enable the program’s functionality on those two operating systems.

Footprints of both programs are nearly identical making Monitor ES the preferred choice for most users as it provides those additional options. Especially the option to turn off the monitor on lock should be very handy for laptop, notebook and other mobile users.

Monitor ES is available as a setup and portable version at the project’s website over at Google Code.

A Windows session would be locked by simply removing the connected USB drive from the computer system. Connecting the USB flash drive again would unlock the system. This without having to enter a password to do so.

Predator needs to prepare an USB flash drive before it can be used for that purpose. This process writes a keyfile on the USB device that is read by the software program whenever a computer needs to be unlocked.

The user needs to specify a backup password as well. This backup password can be used to unlock a session if the USB flash drive is damaged or not available at all.

Predator will not harm any files that reside on the USB flash drive during the process. It offers several additional options that are used to configure the process in more detail. This includes enabling support for multiple monitors, setting the screen darkness, hiding all desktop items or minimizing all windows.

The screen will go black whenever the user removes the USB drive from the computer system.

Predator will write events to a log file that can be used to analyze attempts to access the computer system. The software will also change the keys on the USB drives frequently to prevent that a copied keyfile can be used to access the system.

Predator can also be configured to sound an alarm whenever someone tries to access the PC. The software is a viable alternative for users who (have to) lock their Windows sessions frequently.