1 More Arn

February 22, 2006 4:20 PM

Is there any software that can limit the number of hours you spend at a certain domain, or with a certain piece of software? I want to be more productive, but don't want to go cold turkey on MeFi or Battlefield 2 (a video game).
posted by parallax7d to computers & internet (12 comments total)

You can probably rig something up with your router's parental control software.
posted by orthogonality at 4:47 PM on February 22, 2006

Maybe you need something more like methodone -- a slightly crappier version of MeFi or Battlefield 2.
posted by StickyCarpet at 5:01 PM on February 22, 2006

Plug your computer into a timer... 2hours up.. *click*
posted by edgeways at 5:05 PM on February 22, 2006

Temptation Blocker
posted by blag at 5:09 PM on February 22, 2006

Windows Vista includes this functionality in its parental controls, including per-user timers, time-of-day controls, and I *think* per-program access.

Battlefield2 is a time black hole. Get out now.
posted by disillusioned at 5:09 PM on February 22, 2006

Someone wants to build it.
posted by davar at 5:14 PM on February 22, 2006

Will try temptation blocker, thanks.

Disillusioned, yeah I've already put @ 125 hours into it, but it's such a cool immersive experience I simply don't want to cut it out of my life. I think 30 minutes should be enough to claymore a few noobs without artying my night.
posted by parallax7d at 5:33 PM on February 22, 2006

Temptation blocker isn't going to work, I'm going to need something that lets you use a program, but for only so long each day.
posted by parallax7d at 5:47 PM on February 22, 2006

Here's what you need for the web browser part of it anyway:

Lifehacker's Invisibility Cloak Greasemonkey script.
posted by MsMolly at 7:57 PM on February 22, 2006

Is there a Temptation Blocker equivalent for the mac? Something I could set every day, depending on my workload & distractability, would be perfect!
posted by soviet sleepover at 9:12 PM on February 22, 2006

It's not exactly what you asked for, but I use MarkTAW's Get Back To Work timer all the time. It helps me keep on track.
posted by evariste at 9:24 PM on February 22, 2006

He has an essay about positive reinforcement that goes along with the tool. It's a good read.
posted by evariste at 9:25 PM on February 22, 2006