New GroundHog released 1.10.4

I managed to get some time together over the Christmas break to get the feedback from all the beta users together and into the new version.

This version includes:

• Curfew system (Allows you to  choose when the computer can be used and when it can’t)
• Password protected un-install (Only parents can remove GroundHog)
• Auto child time reset (at 12:00  midnight) (No need to restart the computer)
• Easier Blind reset (Drop down replaced the complicated blind settings)
• Longer Parent time option (Up to 480 minutes now)

First look at new feature, Curfew window

Welcome to the new Curfew configuration. As I have mentioned on this blog I have been working away to create this new feature. There is a pile of changes under the covers to support this thing, but it has been worth it.

 

There are three types of time,

Free time: kids can use the computer without using their daily quota

Controlled time:   kids need to use their time quota

Closed Time: The computer will not give access, even if you have time

 

I am looking for Beta testers, so expect an e-mail soon to request volenteers!

Curfew Configuration screen

When is your GroundHog Day?

Groundhog

This is the day when you say Enough is Enough, something has to be done to limit these kids computer time, and install Groundhog.

My guess there will be many GroundHog days coming up this summer, as parents get home and find nothing has been done and that the kids spent all day on the internet.

Let me know does this sound like you?

Today’s communication connections to your home: Add to the list if you think of more!

I was thinking of how many connections there are coming into our homes, and as you would expect how to manage them; what I found was that I quickly got lost in the number of them and the variety. Here is the list that I came up with:
1. Telephone (Audio + internet modem)
2. Cable TV
3. Cell phone (Audio + internet on device)
4. Telephone DSL (internet)
5. Cable modem (internet)
6. Cell Phone Data Stick (internet)
7. WiFi (from the house) (internet)
8. WiFi (from the neighbor) (internet)
9. WiFi (from the city) (internet)
10. Satellite TV
11. Satellite Phone
12. Satellite Data (internet)
13. Radio (audio, HAM, FM, AM, CB)
14. Radio (data, Microwave) (internet)
15. Utility (Water, Gas, Electricty, Road, Mail, Sewer)
All those with internet are data connections that kids can use to connect and waste time on the internet. Managing these connections, especially the cell phone, will become an increasingly difficult challenge for parents, not only from the standpoint of cost but also of time spent.

Larger installers/Users of GroundHog, Schools, School boards, Private schools, Colleges, others…

If you are looking to role out GroundHog in your student computer system image, please note that GroundHog is distributed via a signed MSI file, so the role out should be an easy task.

Also if you require a special configuration, for example a pre-installed license key, please let me know and I can make up something to make you life easy.

Busy at work

Yes my day job has got me working more hard then normal, but I have been thinking about a couple of entries. I am going to explain the a bit more about the LOG. This is a feature of GroundHog we use all the time and I know is likely a bit daunting at the first look.

Changed GroundHog Licensing #parent #teen #internet #computer

GroundHog Gary

Today changed the way licensing works on Gary, instead of using an e-mail address as a unique ID, now I create them and send it in the Welcome to Gary e-mail. I found that most people don’t like to put there e-mail address into applications, probably to keep anonymity, and I get that.

So I changed the license server to accept this new code that nobody would guess is you. Don’t worry, if you have already put in your e-mail address as your license that is OK it still works.

You can get Gary Internet time limit program here

How do you control kids with laptops from school? #parent #internet #computer #teen

How GroundHog works

This is a really tough question! If the kids need the laptop for school then it is an integral part of what they do on a daily basis. What is the best way to manage internet time when they are at school and when at home, suggestions?  

Limit internet time with Gary the GroundHog

GroundHog has a introduction Video #parent #teen #computer #internet

I created this video to give you an idea of the basic features of GroundHog and introduce the look and feel of how Gary will work in your home.

If you want to download Gary you can click here to get him…

Spring break is close: What are your kids going to be browsing? #teen #parenting #internet #computer

Spring break on the internet

Spring break is always one of those strange times, when everyone else in the world is working and the kids are off. For the teenager in the house this means sleeping in and free for all on the internet.

For me spring break means doubling the amount of time the kids get the internet, and then watching the browser history very other day. 2 hours each is enough for them to do what they want and then go do something else, like clean their room and lunch dishes.

I must say it is nice to know that the kids only have a given amount to time to do the things they want to do, a peace of mind thing.

Get a GroundHog in your home to simply limit internet time.