Making internet browser timeout to homepage

An almost free solution to a common question on the Web4lib list. How do I get Netscape/Internet Explorer to time out to the library homepage after a period of inactivity?

Try this solution for win95 machines -

• Install Batsh. This is a freeware scripting program for windows. Follow the installation instructions included in the download.
• Install Microsoft System Agent. This is part of Microsoft Plus. This is where the almost free part comes in. If you havent't got a copy of Microsoft Plus you'll have to buy it. As far as I am aware System Agent is not available for free download.
• Extract timeout.bsh to the directory in which you installed Batsh.
• In System Agent schedule timeout.bsh to "Run" - When idle and to "Start" after computer has not been used for say 10 or 15 minutes.

Timeout.bsh is setup to close and restart Netscape. If you are using Internet Explorer you will have to modify it. The script gives a dialog box warning and 15 seconds for user to abort the restart.

Traps for young players -

• Batsh does not like long filenames. Save it to a directory name with 8 characters or less.
• If Netscape closes but does not restart try adding the Netscape directory to your path statement.