Maddie for Windows

Name: Maddie
Rating: 4.8 (19 reviews)
Author: David Blume

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Used Maddie for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

This app creates a safe, simplified environment for young children to interact with the computer, temporarily disabling keys and hiding windows to prevent accidental changes.

Top Recommended Alternative

ParentPower

Free

Pros
- Disables Windows key to prevent accidental exits.
- Hides other windows for a focused experience.
- Creates a simple and safe toddler environment.
- Highly customizable settings.
- Designed for key pounding and mouse play.
Cons
- Requires user to disable keyboard functions.
- Primarily for very young children.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 18, 2002

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 1.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows ME
Windows 95
Windows NT
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows 2000

Additional Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 11,737

Downloads Last Week: 14

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.8/5

19 User Votes

Wow Super !!! My little one loves it.-freewebs.com/abdulmalick/
abdulmalickSeptember 18, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
Perfect for busy little fingers!
Skele-KittyMarch 16, 2007
Pros
This neat little program was obviously created by someone who had a 12 month old! - It has kept my work safe from "the attack of the toddler" (that wants to participate), and - kept my toddler happy by making her believe that she is actually doing something! I like the fact that you can personalize the program, by allocating names of family members to various keys.
Cons
A step-by-step (for dummies) procedure is needed in the read-me attachment, for parents who know absolutely NOTHING about computers. Reprogramming Maddie 1.0 is simple enough ... IF you know what to do. Open up the "MaddieMap" - Text Document attached to the extracted program, and to insert a name into a letter, for example: "MAP a apple" simply change it to: "MAP a Adam" and don't forget to SAVE. Likewise, change "WINDOWS ON" to "WINDOWS OFF" if you want to be rid of the frames. Then again, don't forget to SAVE. You can even change the QUITWORD if you want!
Summary
Great for Little Ones Obsessed with Keyboards
ketra1416September 13, 2006
Pros
When my 2 year old nephew came over a while back, I had to turn off my computer because he was obsessed about the keyboard. Now, I won't have to worry about it. It is easy to exit out of: all you have to do is type "Maddie."
Cons
None at all. This is a great program.
Summary
it is free and effective
jbennettrnFebruary 22, 2006
Pros
it is free and it works, now I have something my 15 month can play with without upsetting the delicate balance I achived with mp xp. For those people who did not read maddiemap.txt simply hitting ALT+CTRL+DEL will exit the program. Can not get more simpler than that
Cons
none
Summary
Great way for a baby to explore the keyboard!
LouieInSeattleDecember 5, 2005
Pros
I like the large letters, numbers and signs (=,+, etc.) that come up on the screen, and that they change color and position if the baby holds the key down. I tried this with a 8-month old boy, and he liked it, but I did have to move the monitor down closer to the keyboard so he could see it without having to crane his head upwards. He also liked touching the screen.
Cons
You have to type Maddie in upper and lower case to exit. No big deal, but they could have made this more clear.
Summary
Just what I was looking for!
PigafettaJune 28, 2005
Pros
Does exactly what it says it does! You can also change the little words that pop up with the letters. It beeps too, and a smiley face just for hoots!
Cons
One tiny observation since few reviews have mentioned difficulty in escaping. The Caps Lock key remains active and the exit command is case sensitive. So, if you dont notice the little caps lock light on your keyboard, it isn't gonna work!
Summary
Excellent - My 3 yr old loves it!! Helps her learn the keys too!!
SplashieMarch 6, 2005
Pros
Child cannot get out of the program to do damage to your files.
Cons
Nothing!! Great product!!
Summary
Software does exactly what it claims.
fedexguy247February 26, 2005
Pros
Very usefull for keeping my curious 18 month old from altering my PC in any way. It's very simple to use and it's free!
Cons
I have not found any. Just run the .exe and remember to type a CAPITAL "M" when exiting the program.
Summary
December 27, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Great program! Has kept my son from deleting things off the computer or opening files if I'm not there.
Great for kiddies that love banging on the keyboard!
November 22, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Some of the comments here are that its hard to exit... well it is, if you dont type Maddie with a capitol lol!

Developer’s Description

By David Blume

Temporarily disable keyboard fuctions to create a kid-friendly environment for key pounding.

From the developer: "This program creates a simple, safe and kid-friendly environment to let toddlers pound on the keyboard and play with the mouse. It temporarily disables the Windows key, and hides the other windows to prevent your baby from accidentally reconfiguring anything. It's highly customizable, and recommended by my 18-month old."

Maddie for Windows

Editors’ Review

Top Recommended Alternative

ParentPower

Pros

Cons