I hate prying eyes. My computer, my work... for my eyes only! Do you feel the same way? You may want to try out TunnelVision.
TunnelVision is simple, lightweight, and open source application which blocks out your whole computer screen except a select area where you mouse cursor is currently located:
With TunnelVision you have the option of configuring how large area is visible, what shape the area is, and the color of the area which is blacked out (you may even add an image):
Here is my visible area changed to rectangle and made larger (40 percent):
One thing you should be warned about: when you first run TunnelVision it will only show you a small area where your mouse cursor is (like my first screenshot above) so you will have to manually find your way to your system tray and change TunnelVision settings via the system tray icon.
Admittingly using TunnelVision may get annoying seeing as you yourself cannot see much of your computer screen. However if you think you have the need for blocking out parts of your screen... what is better than an open source application to do it with? You can download TunnelVision from the following link:
Version Reviewed: v0.02
Supported OS: Windows 95+
8 Comments
Yipee! I run this when I fly. Good program.
Dear Ashraf,
There is a similar programme called as MouseShade.
works pretty well
Especially useful when running a powerpoint show
Dr Nitin
@Dr Nitin: Hmm MouseShade may actually be better than TunnelVision because it allows for a bit more customization in options (i.e. change opacity). Then again TunnelVision allows for you to use an image in the covered area while MouseShade doesn’t.
Do I smell another review coming up?
I like the options of MouseShade better, but Avira gives a malware warning, as do 5/32 scanners in VirusTotal. Your opinion Ashraf?
@Bob: I haven’t downloaded it yet so I can’t say. However I would avoid it if it is 5/32 detected on VirusTotal. They are probably just false positives but why risk it for a program that has an easy alternative?
@JJSlider: I was thinking about it until Bob mentioned the malware detections LOL.
@Any programmer: Since TunnelVision is open source maybe someone can modify it to have more features?
Although they are pretty pricey, you could always use a ‘laptop screen’ or ‘desktop screen’ privacy filter:
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/26/review
http://www.privacyscreens.co.uk/
@A. S.: Ya they are really nice. I plan on getting myself one soon as I get around to it…