Abstract: An access restriction interface system for use in a computer system of the sort comprising an operating environment and an application program and user interface apparatus, wherein the access restriction system is adapted to limit user access to the computer system by restricting user input through the user interface apparatus and computer output through the user interface apparatus. Preferably the access restriction system comprises a workspace hierarchy characterized by at least one top-level workspace and at least one lower level workspace on which items may be positioned; at least one class hierarchy for items and attributes of items positioned in one or more of the workspaces, the class hierarchy being characterized by a base class and one or more lower level classes; user restrictions selectively assignable to one or more of the workspaces and implemented in the workspace hierarchy; and class restrictions selectively assignable to one or more of the classes and implemented in the class hierarchy.