Tamper Resistant, Preset Modem Timer Controls Personal Internet Abuse

Problem:
I work alone with the computer for extended periods of time. I also compulsively waste time searching the internet for useless or naughty tidbits. Most of the useful work is done offline. Tried a modem control program, but it would not lock out the administrator. I must be the administrator to do the work.

Solution:
Locked the modem in a box with an appliance timer. Gave the combination to a couple of friends from http://www.sexaa.org/meetings.htm, who can stop by if changes to timing routine are required. (I don't know the combination.) A to-do list helps to manage the limited online time I now have. It works!

Comments

[jcaresheets]

I see some negative comments on here and I just wanted to chime in and say that I really like it. It is a very simple solution to a problem.

Now I am not trying to be negative with my next comment/question, just simply wondering. Tunneler said to use an add-on for firefox that can do quite a few different things and it seems like it would be very useful. However since windows is basically intertwined with Internet explorer and you can not have windows with out IE then what is stopping someone from just closing firefox and using IE? Just wondering.

[MairseyDotes]

Modem? As in "dial-up connection?" Poor fella!

[agent]

No, it looks like a broadband modem. Even I was thinking dial-up... *shudder*

[aphrael]

that's pretty harsh :P Itry to motivate myself by keeping track of what I do via RescueTime, which allows you to classify what you spend your time on and then serves you with a productivity meter and all kinds of nifty graphs on how well you're doing. And you can set goals, so you can strive to do better instead of locking stuff away.

[kretzlord]

A fantastic idea. I wish i had this a couple years back when my little sister began her internet addiction lol

[bonneyt]

how about practicing a little self control?? it seems to me your wasting a crapload of money by limiting your access... you may only get to use it for 2 hours with the timer but your paying for 24. but hey, whatever works for you!

[tunneler]

If you are a firefox user, try the applications LeechBlock and ProCon, both free. LeechBlock is awesome since you can set times when you are allowed to view a site, or time limits, or block sites completely. You can set it so you have you enter a randomly-generated 64 character string each time you want to access the settings...so it's incredibly annoying but not impossible to change settings when you want to. Or use your friends as password keepers. ProCon is a filter for 'adult' sites, but you can also customize whatever you want to be considered a 'dirty word' so you you are wasting time at homebrewing sites or whatever, add that to the 'dirty word' list. Together they work great: ProCon is more proactive and leechblock more reactive. Just disable IE so you don't have an alternative browser....

[mowdish]

Wonderful idea. This is a great example of using the rational part of your mind to guide or control the irrational part. What I could use is an internet filter that is equally inaccessible. Ideally, I would be able to add sites to the filter whenever I want, but I'd need someone else to remove them or change the times that the filters are active. If you or anyone else has some ideas I'd love to hear them.

[omnibot]

Brilliant!
_{Oh what feeble minds we have}