Any way to limit access to MS-Messenger by time

[davout]

My kids are spending too much time on MS-Messenger to the detriment of their
school work. Is there any way to limit by time when MS-Messenger can be
used?

 

[James Donnelly [MVP]]

"davout" . Is there any way to limit by time when MS-Messenger can be used?

As far a MSN goes i do not know of a feature to do this. When my son was
younger i used http://www.cyberpatrol.com/ .
It is not free but it will do what you want and more.

 

[Patrick Dickey]

Also, if you're running XP, you can use a third party firewall to eliminate
the connection. Depending on the firewall, you can specify times that they
are allowed to use it, and times they aren't.. But, I would probably take
James' suggestion as a first option.. Simply because cyberPatrol will not
only regulate messenger, but also their internet surfing as well.

One thing I would do if you choose to install CyberPatrol. Put a block in
for http://webmessenger.msn.com as it is an online version of MSN Messenger.
It would defeat your whole purpose, if they simply logged in that way
instead of with the client version (MSN Messenger).

Hope this helps you.
Patrick.

 

[Zack Whittaker]

what you could do is limit msn messenger by using a program called 'Ranger'
try it, ranger solo would be best. www.rangersuite.com

zack )

 

[Bob Christian]

....and when I was a kid it was the telephone (which was easy for Dad to get
on and start talking) and rarely the computer.

If you block MSN Messenger/.NET Messenger then they could go to AOL IM or
Yahoo IM, etc. When you get 5-10 kids together they will learn to
circumvent your restrictions. It's almost like spy vs. spy. You put in
measures, they develop countermeasures, and you have to then counter their
countermeasures.

Getting a program that will touch all of those applications is a good idea.
Note that some of the IM services now have web-based clients...AOL's has
been out for a while. MSN has one in Beta, and I am not sure if Yahoo! has
a web-based application.

Bob