way to limit internet usage?
 

I need to control the time I spend on the internet. The ideal thing would be a timer that pops up when I log in; Everything works like normal for a set amount of time, for example one hour, and after that all connections go down until the next day, forcing me to go offline.

Is there such a program? Or a very easy way to solve it? I know how to edit the hosts file and can copy and paste and run a simple script, but that's about it.

Found two apps already - SelfControl and SelfRestraint, but they both work with a timer on the internet block instead of a timer on the amount of time the net is accessible, and only work with specified sites.

I need a system wide block, not browser-specific like Leechblock and StayFocused.

Appreciate any help!

I don't know about any applications, but how about a kitchen timer? It will probably be harder to ignore than a program on the computer. And it's delightfully low tech.

Alternatively, you may be able to configure connection times in your router by MAC address. I used to block the "family computer" from the internet in the router between midnight and 6 a. m. so Second Son couldn't be chatting on AIM all night.

Not that it made him any easier to get up and get to school in the morning . . . .

As frankbell alluded to, doing things like this in the central router is often easier and more effective than through iptables restrictions on one specific computer (it'll block all internet traffic through the router, including laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc., rather than just internet traffic on one computer).

My girlfriend actually uses this quite often...I'll get a text message at work saying something along the lines of "Block facebook, I'm not getting any work done", and I'll log into the router's web interface and block facebook either indefinitely or for a predetermined length of time. Depending on the router, it's usually easy and effective, and it keeps her off of facebook on the server, her laptop, and her iphone.