Creating Simple Exam Software

[bombard]

I have started to look into a project at the school I attend to enable students to type there exams on laptops, however, I must find a way to take away the possibility of cheating. I am looking into the possibility f creating a software (like software known as ExamSoft) that reboots the computer only to a word processor when the program is ran from windows. The word processor would only allow users to creat new files an not open files from the the harddrive (but still have the most of the usability of MS Word) Exiting the processor would save the file as a read only file (possible with a preset password) and after exiting would reboot the computer to the original state. I am looking for ideas, possibilities, and places to start researching this. ANy help wouls be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dustman]

Well, I know that there are probably several solutions but I would suggest doing the security with another program. There are several good computer security programs out there that will lock down a computer and restrict access to everything. If you are doing this on several machines.. I would suggest using Novell. Just restrict the access of the "Exam" login to your application. Most of the security programs you can buy have all kinds of options.. you'll just have to play with them till you get it right. Just remember one thing though... nothing is uncrackable. The best thing you can do is to make it, and give the students permission to hack at it... trust me.. they will find a way to get though. Each time they do.. have them show you how they did it and then fix it.

I hope that at least gets your mind thinking on something.. I'm sorry that its not much but I've been up way too long and my brain is fried.. Good luck!

-Dustin