Timing Application for other applications...

[comda]

Alright here is my issue,

I have a sibling that is "addicted" to gta sa and "samp" and he will spend up to 7 plus hours a day and doesn't even realize it. He will use excuses and other things why he need to use the computer and once hes on it he wont get off. My question to the world wide web is, is there any program for windows that can:

a) keep time that a certain or all applications are being used.
b) schedule a time limit of use of that application, and or others.
c) being able to lock it self out after that time limit is up.

My current system is running windows XP Sp3 (32 bit version) please help me with this issue. thanks in advance. 

[Mulreay]

I'm not sure you could create/download anything that could be so specific but there programs out there that may work. Without looking to far in Google I found this:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/automatically-turn-computer-shutdown-timer-windows/

May be that will give you a point to start from.

[quaxo]

Talk your parents into installing parental control software on the computer. This can limit computer and internet usage times and total time spent on the computer. Many of these programs can limit or block certain other programs and games from being opened or played too long.

There are pay versions (many pay A/V suites include this) and also free versions. Search Google for "parental control software" and you'll find tons of programs that do just what you're asking. Get your parents' permission before installing anything.

[Squashman]

Microsoft created an application a few years ago called Windows Steady State (formerley known as Shared Computer Toolkit).  I know Microsoft discontinued this product but I think you can still find it for download on a lot of Download sites.

The functionality you seek is for the most part built-in to Windows Vista and Windows 7 as Parental Controls.

[quaxo]

Microsoft created an application a few years ago called Windows Steady State (formerley known as Shared Computer Toolkit).

Steady State only has the option to block a program entirely, not limit a person's time on it. The OP wants to limit the time.

Likewise, Vista and 7 controls will only entirely block or allow a game/program, but not set a time limit. While you can limit the games by title or rating, you can't limit the amount of time one spends on it. You can, however, limit the amount of time the person uses the computer altogether, but this can be achieved without the OP upgrading to Vista or 7.

[Geek-9pm]

The firsts step is to have accounts for each user on the computer. The user in question can not have full administrator profligates. That user will belong to a group with restrictions.
User Accounts overview
Otherwise, if you make some kind of thing to time out, he could just go into system settings and change it back.

[quaxo]

There aren't parental controls in XP anyway, so it doesn't matter unless they're willing to shell out for the upgrade.

What needs to happen is the parents need to step in and lay down some rules, which obviously isn't happening. The first thing should be talking to the parents about issues instead of taking matters into his own hands.