How Can I Enforce Website Time Restrictions for Mac OS X
My daughter gets easily districted when doing her homework. I'd like to restrict access to certain web sites (e.g., Facebook) during certain times while not blocking Internet access altogether, as there are legitimate uses. I know I can block inappropriate content using parental controls and enforce time restrictions, and there are commercial products like Net Nanny, but so far it looks like they all do about the same thing, and it doesn't look to be what I'm looking for. Anyone have any suggestions? She uses one computer primarily, so the solution could be on that one computer, or it could be something network based. Thanks.
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ComputerMunkey:
I've found similar products and that may be an option if I set it.
maestropsm:
I may consider an external proxy as you suggest. Do you know if that can implement time-based URL restrictions?
Pippik:
I've already looked at the Mac's built-in controls but they're too "broad brush" -- I'd like something that can block specific sites but not everything since some of her homework does actually require Internet access.
I can do this using time-based ACLs in my Cisco ASA but that would be based on IP address, not URL.
Thanks for the input.
I've found similar products and that may be an option if I set it.
maestropsm:
I may consider an external proxy as you suggest. Do you know if that can implement time-based URL restrictions?
Pippik:
I've already looked at the Mac's built-in controls but they're too "broad brush" -- I'd like something that can block specific sites but not everything since some of her homework does actually require Internet access.
I can do this using time-based ACLs in my Cisco ASA but that would be based on IP address, not URL.
Thanks for the input.
try Leechblock with firefox perhaps
The easiest way is to setup parental controls, which is built into Mac OS X. I found a link that may help you set this up:
http://macs.about.com/od/switchersnewusers/ss/parentalcontrol.htm
and setting time limits:
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2659/os_x_leopard_parental_controls_limit_computer_usage_times/
Let me know how you go