Parent control of time/content in linux
 

Hi,

I am looking into how to control the time my kids spend on the computer and the content they view access on the net. I am currently using dreamlinux (debian).

There appears to be a good program called Dan's something which I ran across for content filtering. The issue I seem to have is scheduling/controlling time.

If I go to a library they will have me reserve a machine and a time slot. Of course then have filtering also. Is there a way to do this on a stand alone machine based on a users login.

Example: I might limit my kids use of the computer to some predetermined time or range of time. Or I might allow the kids an accumulated amount of time per day.

Restricting the time my kids spend on the computer may help in a number of ways:
It would help keep them from becoming net zombies (like their dad:-)Very much like what I saw them do with video games.
It would help focus their attention and encourage efficient use of their time and resources.
It could be used as a form of reward or encouragement for a job well done.
It would take me out of the "argument", "begging", "whining" loop. "Hey its the way the computer's set up. What can I do?"
It may also encourage them to learn to hack a way around it. They would most certainly have to learn some command line to try and do so. Who knows might even end up with a linux programmers in the deal :-)

If anyone has experience with this issue or can point me in the direction of a resource for parents, librarys or internet cafes, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for your consideration.

Jared

If you are on a always-on internet connection, then you can see if your router has a time scheduling option. I have come across some routers that allow you to block specified IP or MAC addresses from the internet based upon a time schedule.

Also, if you have a low usage computer on your network you can configure a proxy server to control the time and content.

For basic time slot restrictions you could fool around with the /etc/profile file (or whatever Debian equiv is) ie global login ctrl script, or use root's crontab to kick off a script every few mins to check/kill processes by login name.
For accumulated time you might have to write your own daemon.
Of course there may be scripts out there.
Have a look at http://www.ltsp.org/; not exactly the same situation, but they prob have dealt with the same issues. See also http://www.k12ltsp.org/.
HTH