Program to restrict time on a computer

[pinetec]

Does anybody know of an application that can be installed on a MAC that limits a user to a specific amount of time on the computer (i.e. 2 hours per day)?

I've set a time limit for my daughter and her use of the computer but I don't want to have to monitor every minute she is one the computer, and I know she won't always keep track of the time she is on it.

Thanks

 

[iGary]

Does anybody know of an application that can be installed on a MAC that limits a user to a specific amount of time on the computer (i.e. 2 hours per day)?

I've set a time limit for my daughter and her use of the computer but I don't want to have to monitor every minute she is one the computer, and I know she won't always keep track of the time she is on it.

Thanks

Yeah, it's called "parent."

 

[gallagb]

i know there was a thread on this a few months back
it blossomed into a wonderful arguement about bad parenting

i'll check around & see if i can find it

i don't - however- remember if anyone had any good software to use-

i do know a neighbor of mine has something on his PC that will shut down his DSL at 10p

 

[robbieduncan]

Let's hope your laziness in this aspect of parenting does not extend too far.

A search on Version Tracker for "Parental Control" results in a number of hits.

This sounds like what you want, although it sounds very buggy.

This one sounds perfect.

Really, how hard is a little basic research? Also your kids can probably outsmart whatever you use if they want to...

 

[eidrunner247]

Well.... You probably won't want to do this BUT... If you go with an older computer, say, anything capable of running OS 9, you could put on At Ease, limit the applications and schedule start-up, shut down times... But even with that, there are ways around it... any it's probably such an archaic suggestion that I feel bad recommending it..

 

[SilentPanda]

Just go old school. Tell them to get off the computer at the time you state "or else". Or if you fall asleep before 10pm then get one of those christmas tree light timers and super gule everything in place.

 

[dmw007]

Just go old school. Tell them to get off the computer at the time you state "or else". Or if you fall asleep before 10pm then get one of those christmas tree light timers and super gule everything in place.

Excellent idea SilentPanda!

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Yeah, it's called "parent."

I find it funny how people asking simple questions get so much crap on these boards. Particularly when it comes to a parent simply wanting to install parental controls on their son/daughters computer.

Jeez, just answer the questions and keep your parenting expertise to your own kids!

Here ya go Pinetec, these are options to check out. Hope it is what you are looking for.

MacMinder

Watcher 3.0

And an article that talks about both the programs:
http://www.mac360.com/index.php/mac360/comments/760/

 

[GoCubsGo]

I find it funny how people asking simple questions get so much crap on these boards. Particularly when it comes to a parent simply wanting to install parental controls on their son/daughters computer.

Jeez, just answer the questions and keep your parenting expertise to your own kids!

Here ya go Pinetec, these are options to check out. Hope it is what you are looking for.

MacMinder

Watcher 3.0

And an article that talks about both the programs:
http://www.mac360.com/index.php/mac360/comments/760/

I could be wrong, but not nearly as wrong as the people giving the OP flack for actually asking this question, but the responses are probably coming from people who don't really have kids. If I am wrong, I'm no more sorry for my response than you would be for yours to pinetec.

There is no indication from pinetec that the software is supposed to take the place of a parent. However, the majority of two-parent homes have two working parents and there is a time between getting home from school and getting home from work where the children can be unattended providing they're of age. So it is a very legitimate question imho. Not to mention, if it is summer break and the kids are home a lot during the day, then yeah, how to you parent remotely? It's not an easy job.

So telling someone to be a better parent is just absurd. I supposed you have something against other software programs that limit where kids surf, cable TV parental controls, or even seat belts. I mean, hell...if pinetec is any kind of a parent he/she would prevent their kid from being harmed in an accident...that is if pinetec is any kind of a parent. Right? Give the OP a break, no one said this was being done in lieu of parenting.

Moving on. I think the Christmas tree timer is a nice idea, but then again, it only puts the Mac to sleep---which is safer than just shutting it off like a windows box I presume, but still something they can work around.

But, if it is the internet they're primarily on, then maybe that timer could be used with the router and shut down the internet that way.

 

[pinetec]

To those who had helpful answers I thank you.

For the rest of you who question my parenting skills. . . . Unless you know me very well and understand the complete situation I would advise you to keep your parenting comments to yourself.

Again, thanks to all those who replied to my originally question.

 

[pilotError]

Restriction - a different approach

I have a Belkin Pre-N router.

In the router setup, I can restrict the hours that a connection can be made to the internet. It's done by Mac address (the ethernet cards address) and can be set to a specific time period.

I assume that without internet access, the Machine is not nearly as fun. I have never used it myself, but I did notice I had it.

Might be worth looking into.

Mike...