XP Pro - Limiting Login time

[wesleyw]

What is the easiest way of limiting the time a standalone XP machine can be used? GPO, Third party Software?


Wes

[Edu-IT]

With GPO I don't think you can set the actual amount of time a computer can be used for but I could be wrong.

[wesleyw]

Along the lines of it can be used between 6pm - 7pm or something to that effect more than it's been used for 60 minutes shutdown machine.


Wes

[cookie_monster]

If it is to be used as a terminal then:

Remove 'Domain users' and 'Authenticated users' from the local users group on the station and then add a 'Domain user' to the group, this will mean the only this one account can be used to logon, the set logon hours for that account.

If you want it to be used by multiple users then you might need third party software. Steadystate might do it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.mspx

[Michael]

A third party solution is definitely the way to go. Time restrictions are applied within Active Directory, per user, so they're not available to standalone XP machines.

[wesleyw]

Really looking for a Freeware or open source solution as it's for a parent not the school.


Wes

[elsiegee40]

Some of the Parental Control software products do time limited sessions. I believe both Norton and McAfee include this... it may be worth checking some of the freeware solutions out.

[cookie_monster]

Did you check out steadystate? One of the featues says "Apply a time limit to your child's computing sessions"


Windows SteadyState