Want to limit your kids' time on the computer?

[jmagaram]

I've built a simple but effective program that helps parents enforce time limits on their kids' computer use. I built the software because my boys- ages 8 and 10 - wanted to play computer games all day long and I often lacked the discipline to kick them off; I'd get quiet time in the house when they were on the computer. The program lets parents choose the total minutes-per-day, minutes-per-sitting, and hours-of-the-day. It then gives kids audible reminders of how much time is left, like "5 minutes left", and boots them off when their time is over.It has ended all the fighting over computer time in my home. It's not a webfilter. It works on Windows XP or Vista.I host the site here at discountasp.net. If you're interested in trying my software - there is a 30 day free trial -go to http://www.TimesUpKidz.com. I'm interested in feedback - good and bad - about both the product and my web site.

[wisemx]

Looks interesting. http://community.discountasp.net/emoticons/wink.gif
I had tested Microsoft SteadyState on Vista for my kids:
http://weblogs.asp.net/markwisecarver/archive/2008/07/01/shared-access-computing.aspx

Works great but was a hassleto activate what is needed on Vista for each account.
Nowadays even the games for young children require Internet access.
Peggle, Funkies, even theirSchool projects connect to the Internet.
Salute,
Mark

[Diane]

As my kids are tempted to stay inside rather than playing and exercising outdoors, I use parental control software and the problem is resolved. My kid has no reason to complain, because we all agreed on how much time he would have on the computer each night. I don't have to watch the clock, and my son is learning a little something about time management.[removed] allows me to set different time limits such as hours of the day, daily duration. It can also block Internet browsers, e-mails, messengers and keep them blocked for as long as you schedule it. I can easily add/remove time on any particular day with just a couple clicks. You can try it at [removed].

[mjp]

Nice spam "Just a mom"! But you should change up the wording a little bit every time you post it, then it wouldn't be so easy to find the other spam posts everywhere.

JustinM, can't comment on the software, but the site is good. Very clean and to the point, everything is where it should be, and you put a face to your product, which always goes a long way toward instilling confidence in people. Nice work.

[wisemx]

...Update

Note: My kids are 4, 6 and 9
Recently discovered KidRocket on a Parents blog and it has been working great on Vista.
Parents should check this out, it is free and safe: kidrocket.org/ (http://kidrocket.org/)
Salute,
Mark

Technical Evangelist for DiscountASP.NET

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[mjp]

Well that was disappointing. Here I was expecting something that would launch kids into space temporarily, so you could get some peace and quiet in the house... http://community.discountasp.net/emoticons/smilewinkgrin.gif

[wisemx]

...You did make me laugh...Thanks.

My 4 year old, Lucas, loves to sit on my lap anytime I'm at the PC.

'Can I play a game?' Not right now little man.
'Can I have a snack?' I just gave you chocolate.
'Chocolate is not a snack.'

I'm in big trouble with this little guy, he already rules me. /emoticons/tongue.gif

Technical Evangelist for DiscountASP.NET

Find ASP.NET code samples with my Dev Coop search tools below.
Google (http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=009244845836111659857%3Albvxsjj8mho)
Microsoft (http://search.live.com/macros/wisemx/aspnet/?FORM=OIJG)

DiscountASP.NET Technical Webcasts:
http://www.iis7test.com/webcasts/

My Microsoft Technical Blogs
http://weblogs.asp.net/markwisecarver/
http://blogs.windowsclient.net/wisecarver/default.aspx

[joer]

Well that was disappointing. Here I was expecting something that would launch kids into space temporarily, so you could get some peace and quiet in the house... http://community.discountasp.net/emoticons/smilewinkgrin.gif

Wow, my high hope's just went out the window, with thinking the same as MJP on this one.:(

[wisemx]

Wouldn't it be better if I do my best for my kids and then the Rocket takes me into space? :-)

[mjp]

Good point. I just wonder how the internet connection is from up there...