Timed Computing Sessions

[RogerL]

We're about to place 9 computers into a Student Workroom. The idea is a simlple one. Once a student has logged onto the domain (Windows XP / Windows Server - Network) they will be able to use the computer for a fixed amount of time. For example 10, 15 or 20 minutes, whatever the decision is. Once the time is up they will be 'politely' kicked off the machine. We're not expecting data-loss through this policy because the compters are primarily for quick email checking.

 

Any suggestions? I'd hate to re-invent the wheel.

[steveg]

You could use the shutdown command as part of a login script, set to log the pc off after xx minutes. It will then start its countdown as soon as they logon, so they can see how long they have left.

 

Steve

[powdarrmonkey]

In a startup script or startup shortcut:

 

shutdown.exe /r /t 900 /c "You are eligible for a 15-minute fixed session."

 

You have to restart though, which is a slight inconvenience.

Edited September 22, 2009 by powdarrmonkey

[sharkster]

In a startup script or startup shortcut:

 

shutdown.exe /r /t 900 /c "You are eligible for a 15-minute fixed session."

 

You have to restart though, which is a slight inconvenience.

 

cant you just use /L instead of r? that will then log them off with out restarting

[powdarrmonkey]

In my (brief) testing I couldn't use /l and /t together (or possible /l and /c, I don't remember).

[sharkster]

l and c cant go together...

 

MS-DOS shutdown command help

 

this site should help with the command

[K.C.Leblanc]

PSShutdown should be able to do what you want. Or you could use an autoit script.

 

Another option might be to use a bit of scripting to add a sheduled task to do shutdown /l after 15 minutes.

 

EDIT: This should do it in Autoit (might need a little tweaking)

 

MsgBox (0,"RogerL's School","You session is limited to 15 minutes.",20)

sleep(900000)

Shutdown(4)

Edited September 22, 2009 by K.C.Leblanc