script to childproof gnome desktop
 

Someone I know recently acquired a Ubuntu box in a different country. This person has basic skills and a child that it doesn't want to have access to system folders and preferences.

I would ideally recommend having the gnome login only present the options: games, graphics, internet, sound and video under the applications option, no places, and under desktop only the option to logout.

The script would ask for the user name and make the necessary changes to the profile. Ideas?

You can create an account for the child, log in and then right click on the menu bar (applications places system ,etc). ==> Edit Menus ==> Then you can customise which entries you want in the menu bar, you can get rid of all system/preferences programs and terminal.

edit: and pray that the child won't find this option by accident:)

probably there's a better solution:)