OpenLock vs TAO

OpenLock is a free, open-source lockdown exam browser built natively for Linux. It aims to provide Safe Exam Browser-style controls, but the project states that it is not exam-ready because SEB key derivation is not byte-exact and the LMS handshake currently fails. It parses .seb files and sends Browser Exam Key and Config Key headers, although those keys do not yet match an LMS handshake. Kiosk mode uses fullscreen takeover through X11 or Wayland/Cage. A process guard monitors and terminates prohibited software such as screen recorders, virtual machines, and remote desktop tools. Input controls block shortcuts including Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, Ctrl+C, and PrintScreen, while browser hardening disables developer tools, downloads, right-click, console access, and drag-and-drop. Security measures include URL filtering, cgroups v2 isolation, VM/debugger/hypervisor detection, optional self-hash checks, and an off-the-record profile. Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard adapters are listed but not validated live.

TAO is an online platform for creating, delivering and managing digital assessments. Authors can build tests manually, convert existing exam files, use AI-assisted drafting or import QTI packages. Question formats include Choice, Extended Text, File Upload, Hotspot and Text Entry. Scoring supports automatic and manual methods, partial credit, weighted responses and cut scores, with branching logic also available. Results can be reviewed through session and test-taker reports, custom reports, CSV results, Data Explorer and TAO Insights. TAO supports QTI 2.2 and QTI 3.0, and promotes interoperability through QTI and LTI. Delivery options include online, LMS via LTI, test centers, local proctoring, and cloud-hosted or self-hosted configurations. TAO Cloud offers shared or private hosting using providers including AWS, Google Cloud and Linode. Starter is free for one author and 50 learner attempts monthly; Community Edition is a free, self-hosted open-source option. Paid plans include TAO Author at $149 a month and TAO Ignite at $990 a month; custom plans are also listed.