software to lockdown a PC

[Amourek]

I have a friend who is a single dad who works odd hours. He can't be around all the time to restrict his kid's computer usage. I suggested beating him, but he just won't go for it. He wants some software that will prevent him from turning on the computer after a certain time in the day. I know this can be circumvented, but frankly the kid's not that bright and I'm not that worried about it. Any suggestions?

[xOnic_]

why not set a password to log into the computer. I understand the whole issues with not wanting kids to spend too much time on the computer, but at a certain point, they can easily run off to an internet cafe.

[berniebennybernard]

The software is called Windows. Just set a password and voila!

[Amourek]

He needs to keep him off at certain times of the day, not completely restrict his access.

[bmaz]

You do mean software to keep him off the 'internet' right?
Most routers has the option to restrict internet access based on time.
In my D-Link Router I find this option in Advanced -> Filters.

[12th hour]

You do mean software to keep him off the 'internet' right?
Most routers has the option to restrict internet access based on time.
In my D-Link Router I find this option in Advanced -> Filters.

There is a way to beat that idea, it's called unplugging the router and plug the pc directly into the modem.
Does software like net nanny not have a timer in it?

[Amourek]

You do mean software to keep him off the 'internet' right?
Most routers has the option to restrict internet access based on time.
In my D-Link Router I find this option in Advanced -> Filters.

No, the PC, not the internet. Internet restrictions are already taken care of.

[talktwo]

Something like http://www.fspro.net/lock-pc/ but with a timer?

or even http://leithauserresearch.com/software_time_lock.html

[MrDisco]

well since you haven't told us what OS they're using we can hardly provide relevant suggestions.

if using vista its dead easy. create an account for the kid, enable parental controls, then set the hours they're allowed to login. disable all other accounts, get rid of the admin account and create a new account for the dad with admin rights.

xp? same thing. here's a geeky way to do it:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Restr...XP-49441.shtml

want more? use google. tons of sites on how to do it, or even software to do it if you so choose.

[talktwo]

well since you haven't told us what OS they're using we can hardly provide relevant suggestions.

if using vista its dead easy. create an account for the kid, enable parental controls, then set the hours they're allowed to login. disable all other accounts, get rid of the admin account and create a new account for the dad with admin rights.

xp? same thing. here's a geeky way to do it:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Restr...XP-49441.shtml

want more? use google. tons of sites on how to do it, or even software to do it if you so choose.

WOW!!! That one was useful THANKS!

[MrDisco]

WOW!!! That one was useful THANKS!

uh ok?

[Amourek]

xp? same thing. here's a geeky way to do it:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Restr...XP-49441.shtml

Now that is interesting, and extremely covert. Thanks! Great avatar, btw.

[talktwo]

Actually here's a curious question MrDisco. Let's per say you only want a person to be able to use the computer between 4:00pm - 6:00pm. If the user logs in prior to 6pm ... will the system automatically log them out at 6:00pm? Because if it does not, that sort of defeats the purpose no?

[Desolatax]

There is an app called Enuff which can let you set time limits for user accounts, It works surprisingly well and is quite customizable, google for it.

[YLSF]

Saw a timer/lock device at liquidation places (Liquidation World, XS Cargo and Princess Auto) that you plug in and lug down. It controls power to whatever device you want (i.e. to a computer, tv, video game system,etc). Maybe something like that?