Hi all,
I’m a web developer mainly working with JavaScript, React, Next.js, Node.js, and related tech. Currently preparing for interviews, and I wanted to create something better than the usual CRUD apps that everyone creating. Something I could actually show during interviews and aslo use it by myself, and that would challenge me to learn new things.
And I made this small app - Guard- a two-part, open source(C# part) app, which allow me to set rules via online account for blocking access to web resources on remote(in my case my kid’s) windows device:
1. Web App (Next.js, Node.js, TypeScript, Prisma, PostgreSQL, Tailwind CSS, NextAuth):
The web dashboard lets you set up a PIN, create custom rules and schedules, and choose categories of sites to block (like social media, gaming, etc.). It uses server actions, secure API endpoints, and advanced state management (custom context providers) for a smooth and responsive experience. Authentication supports both JWT and Google OAuth.
2. Windows Client App (C#): (Open source - i made it open source to apply for open source certificate, but was declined, because project needs to show more activity to apply.)
Wanting to learn something beyond my usual stack, I built a native Windows client in C#. This app syncs with your Guard dashboard, receives instructions, and enforces them locally by updating the hosts file and Windows firewall according to your chosen schedules. It includes a two-process architecture for reliability, time integrity checks, secure uninstall with PIN, and event logging.
3. A dedicated Express.js API endpoint connects the two, allowing the web app and Windows clients to work together independently.
I tested it for all possible conditions and protect by uninstaller functions from any leftovers - it run cleaning functions on uninstall. Added it to my portfolio while job hunting—and I also needed a way to manage my kid’s YouTube time! Rather than yet another simple web app, this project let me combine my main skills with a real exploration of C# and system-level programming.
I will be very thankful if someone will try it out and provide some feedback. Maybe will be able to find some issues.
https://github.com/ganjie/guard-windows-client/https://guard.alexweb.app/
I’d love your feedback:
Thanks for checking it out and for any feedback you can share!
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