Need a free program to allow computer usage at appointed times only

[amikkwe]

I Have three teens who all have their own computers, and it is a lot keeping up with all three on computer usage time. I would like to restrict the days and hours they can use their computers. I need something that is free, works on xp, and will not use a lot of computer resources. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[kendall]

You might want to check out this link. I think K9 might be what you are looking for:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best...tal-Filter.htm

[MidnightCowboy]

An option to physically restrict computer use would be a programmable power supply adapter, but you would need one for each PC. These were available in the UK when I was still there but I'm not sure about other locations. A simple digital programmer could be set so that power was only available to whatever was plugged into it within the periods set. This also had a tamper feature so that any attempt to mess with it required a pass code to be entered before power could be restored.

[shemp howard]

Originally Posted by amikkwe

I Have three teens who all have their own computers, and it is a lot keeping up with all three on computer usage time. I would like to restrict the days and hours they can use their computers. I need something that is free, works on xp, and will not use a lot of computer resources. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, check your router configuration settings.Mine has the ability to set usage to certain days, hours of day ,ect. hope this helps

[amikkwe]

Thanks to all of you. I will try out some of these suggestions, but what I was really hoping for was a freeware program that does something for xp similar to vista's parental controls. I myself have not used the vista parental controls,but had readsomething on them that sounded like what I was needing for the kid's xp computers. But still again thanks, and I will try these things out!

[Sope]

As already mentioned above, I think your best course of action would be via router configuration. Many routers offer the ability to restrict internet access to certain times of day with regard to the individual mac addresses you choose.

[George]

I also recommend to use the router for that configuration. One simple reason is, if you use PC based software you have to install it your kids workstations. Guess how long it takes for them to work around that...

On your router you can usually assign specific IP addresses to each of your PCs in the house. For each of those you can configure online times (like Mo-Fr 9:00-17:00). Often routers also allow to block certain web addresses. Check it out. Your router will probably have all you need.

You can configure your router through your browser. Just type in the IP address of your router into your browser (e.g. 192.168.0.1), enter username and password and look at the options there.