Program to lock the computer (with unknown password) for a given time

[horacioemilio]

HI,

I am looking for a computer program (on windows xp) which would lock my computer so I can not use it for a specified period of time (two hours for instance) and most important, that I can not use any password or any method to log again. So then it would be a good method to avoid procrastrination.

Do you know about some related program/hardware/method ?

Thanks

[Caveman Joe]

I sincerely doubt it can be done. Even if you knock up a quick script (using, say, AutoHotKey for example) that'll disable your keyboard for a little while, Windows will always respond to shortcuts such as Start+E for Explorer. Even if not, then you can always boot to safe mode.

You do realise that looking for this program is in itself an act of procrastination, right? Say you can't find one, and sit down to make one - how much time would that save you? Say you find several, and have to evaluate each one in terms of how easily bypassed they are? Wouldn't it be easier to just not turn on your computer?

[Brutha]

I sincerely doubt it can be done. Even if you knock up a quick script (using, say, AutoHotKey for example) that'll disable your keyboard for a little while, Windows will always respond to shortcuts such as Start+E for Explorer. Even if not, then you can always boot to safe mode.

It doesn't always respond to such command. There a bunch of programs that can run in Kiosk mode.

In addition the work required to trick a program might be enough to stop the urge of starting the computer.

You changing the Desktop background to one with: If I turn on the computer before 14pm I'm a loser might be enough (or something similar), to interrupt your pattern.

[thesnowyeti]

good idea changing your background, i changed my homepage to something of that nature and it helped me cut back on my internet use a lot

[Jennihul]

Try Net Nanny. You can set it to keep your kids off while you aren't home, etc. I'm sure you could modify it for your own needs. Of course you could bypass as the admin it but really, you must have a speck of control...no?


Jennifer

[horacioemilio]

hi, you are completely right

that's why i decided just to post the question here and wait if somebody has a better idea than programming this by myself or try different programs

but at the moment, as i don't now anything useful for this idea, i just stop it and don't try anymore

unless somebody gives a good hint !

thanks

Originally Posted by Caveman Joe

I sincerely doubt it can be done. Even if you knock up a quick script (using, say, AutoHotKey for example) that'll disable your keyboard for a little while, Windows will always respond to shortcuts such as Start+E for Explorer. Even if not, then you can always boot to safe mode.

You do realise that looking for this program is in itself an act of procrastination, right? Say you can't find one, and sit down to make one - how much time would that save you? Say you find several, and have to evaluate each one in terms of how easily bypassed they are? Wouldn't it be easier to just not turn on your computer?

[horacioemilio]

Hi,

this kind of programs would be a nice idea but are not appropriated for me. Just because I would always know the password and in any moment I could "break the break"

thanks

Originally Posted by Jennihul

Try Net Nanny. You can set it to keep your kids off while you aren't home, etc. I'm sure you could modify it for your own needs. Of course you could bypass as the admin it but really, you must have a speck of control...no?


Jennifer

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by horacioemilio

Do you know about some related program/hardware/method ?

Here's a program that you can install that may help you. It may take a while to install it, but it's totally worth it. Best of all, once you've got it installed, it'll be very easy to transfer it to other kind of device, and other types of operating system.

[Jennihul]

Originally Posted by horacioemilio

Hi,

this kind of programs would be a nice idea but are not appropriated for me. Just because I would always know the password and in any moment I could "break the break"

thanks

Then you real issue is control. Not a program. Why don't you work on the core issue? You may find that the positive ripples affect other areas of your life exponentially.

Jennifer