ereks mom Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 ...time on the computer. Is there such a thing as a timer that will give a 5-minute warning and then automatically shut down the computer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Mom Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 K9 is a free monitoring tool but I don't think it will shut the computer down. It might though. I used it for a while and after so long they had to enter a password I had to continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted June 24, 2009 Author Share Posted June 24, 2009 K9 is a free monitoring tool but I don't think it will shut the computer down. It might though. I used it for a while and after so long they had to enter a password I had to continue. Do you have a link to this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Do you have a link to this? K-9 is free web protection and it's good, but I don't think it's related to the timed password thing. http://www1.k9webprotection.com/ To enable the password protection, right-click on your screensaver. Choose Properties. Then choose ScreenSaver. There should be a box where you can click "On resume, password protect" and a place to set the # of minutes. This will only go into effect if the computer falls asleep. If you left home, she could be on the computer indefinitely unless you had it set to password protect at 2 minutes or whatever and she went to the kitchen to get supper for more than 2 minutes. I hope that makes sense. I think there is something that would set boundaries as you're describing, but I don't know what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 I know this isn't what you are looking for - but we use the kitchen timer on the microwave, as the kids' computer is near the kitchen. I thought about finding something like you are describing also, but gave up - not so much because I really didn't find anything (I didn't look that hard) but because I am concerned that it would mess up the computer. Or worse - if the kid had something they hadn't saved properly and cannot do it in time they would lose all that work. (Yes - I know - most programs "autosave" nowadays, but I have been burned by trusting them before so always save stuff). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted June 24, 2009 Author Share Posted June 24, 2009 To enable the password protection, right-click on your screensaver. Choose Properties. Then choose ScreenSaver. There should be a box where you can click "On resume, password protect" and a place to set the # of minutes. This will only go into effect if the computer falls asleep. If you left home, she could be on the computer indefinitely unless you had it set to password protect at 2 minutes or whatever and she went to the kitchen to get supper for more than 2 minutes. ...what I need is something that will alert her when her time is up --something she can't ignore. We've also used an old-fashioned timer, but she gets so involved in what she's doing (usually picture editing) that she doesn't even hear it -- or maybe she just ignores it?? Thanks, though! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Well, it involves buying a new computer for you - but Leopard on the Mac has great timers you can set up! http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2659/os_x_leopard_parental_controls_limit_computer_usage_times/ They aren't perfect - but do the trick for just the reasons you state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deidre in GA Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 (edited) a mac has parental controls that let you do this for free. for Windows i use a program called EZ Off. i think it's around $25 but the hassles it has saved me with my son is worth every penny. you can set specific log in/log off times, and cumulative daily use times. when the time is up you decide if the user is logged off or and the computer shut down or sent to hibernate. the user is given a 5 minute count down timer. works like a charm! EZ Off Edit: i see the price is up to $39.95 but that includes other programs. i bought my copy two years ago. Edited June 24, 2009 by Deidre in GA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I found these possibilities that are free: http://finaldownload.com/access_control_free_parental_internet_filter-34457-software.html http://www.sharewareconnection.com/titles/internet-parental-control.htm http://www.filedudes.com/SurfKeeper-getfile-22867.html Windows Vista Parental Controls also allows Time Restrictions on specific user computer usage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.