Help me block some software and some internet at some times.

February 3, 2009 6:59 PM

I would like to find software that will restrict both software use and access to particular internet sites (by whitelist or blacklist) based on the time of day.

I would like to be able to set my computer so that during particular hours in the week it will not run particular programs. Further, I would like to keep internet access always available, but during some hours I would like to either restrict it to certain web sites or block certain websites *cough*metafilter*cough*.

I found Chronager in a previous AskMe, but that either blocks the internet all together or blocks particular programs from accessing the internet. It doesn't seem to allow one program (firefox, explorer, etc.) to access the internet but only for particular sites. Ideally said software would be non-trivial to override (more than a ctrl-alt-del).

I'm thinking software designed for parental computer filtering and monitoring is my likely best bet. I'm not looking at router solutions because I would also like to block non-internet-based programs. I am willing to pay for such software.

Yes, I realize I'm looking for a technological solution to a social problem and that no technological solution will be perfect. Please help me find an imperfect solution anyway.

posted by If only I had a penguin... to computers & internet (6 comments total)

You don't say what your OS or browser is but ... LeechBlock is a Firefox extension which stops access to a list of sites (optionally within certain time ranges). More info here.

Can't help with the blocking of application execution.
posted by southof40 at 7:08 PM on February 3

In theory you could run a batch script to kill the programs you have in mind. But you'd have to run it every so often during the times you don't want them to run. Personally though, I'd find it even more annoying to be playing a game or something and have the thing die on me, so that might not be a bad solution.
posted by theichibun at 7:16 PM on February 3

For what it's worth, Vista offers parental controls that allow you to restrict programs and websites based on access times... but I'm not sure if it lets you combine the two.
posted by disillusioned at 7:45 PM on February 3

Ok, I've downloaded leachblock, which combined with some dislike for internet explorer should help with the web issue. I guess we'll find out how much I dislike explorer.

Software-wise it's not so much games as movies/tv shows that suck me in. I'm on XP. It has parental web controls but they only work on explorer, and they're too easy to override.

I suppose I could use leachblock for web and get Chronager for other software, but if anyone knows of a one-program solution I would be eager to hear it.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:50 PM on February 3

I have used an opendns account, which allows a granular filtering for anything that goes through the router that is accessing the internet. Or an alternative is anyutils weblock which is free. it works with all browsers i think, I use chrome, firefox and explorer.
posted by spyke23 at 6:00 AM on February 4

hmm, sorry that may not cover your specifications.
posted by spyke23 at 6:01 AM on February 4