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Purchasing and Licensing

Answers to frequently asked questions about purchasing and licensing our software.

How To Use

Answers to frequently asked questions about how to use our software.

  • How does ComputerTime prevent the use of the computer when the time limits have been reached?

    With ComputerTime installed, after logging into Windows, the ComputerTime logon dialog screen appears, and nothing else is visible on the screen. After logging into ComputerTime, then the Windows desktop becomes visible. After some warning messages and time runs out, the screen is blanked and the ComputerTime logon dialog appears again. This prevents use of the computer outside of the limits set. Note that when time runs out, if there are any programs open, they remain open, but are just not visible.

  • How will my child know when he is out of time?

    At 15, 10, 5 and 1 minutes remaining, a warning balloon message appears along with an audio warning announcing, "You have 15 minutes left". There is then a 30 second countdown with tones played. Once out of time, the screen blanks and the ComputerTime logon dialog appears.

  • Can I turn off the audio portion of the time-remaining warning messages?
    Yes, click here for details on how to control the audio warnings, and the warning messages in general.
  • Can I solve the problem of my children not sharing the computer fairly?

    Yes, create a Profile for each child. Then for each child, you can either enter the amount of time per day (either Daily, Weekly and/or Monthly limits) or you could enter a different time of day for each child. See the Types of Limits topic for more details.

  • How can I provide extra time without having to change the limits set?

    By using a feature called Time Tokens, you can provide extra time beyond the normal limits. You create Time Tokens using the ComputerTime Admin tool. A Token is simply a six digit code generated for you. You enter the amount of time each Token is worth. When someone needs extra time, give them one of the Tokens and they enter it into ComputerTime.

  • What are Time Tokens?

    Time Tokens are a feature that allows you to provide extra time beyond the normal limits without changing those limits. You create Time Tokens using the ComputerTime Admin tool. A Token is simply a six digit code generated for you. You enter the amount of time each Token is worth. When someone needs extra time, give them one of the Tokens and they enter it into ComputerTime.

  • How do I make sure the computer is only used when I am at home?

    There are two ways to accomplish this goal. If you are always home at a certain time of the day, you can set a Time of Day limit. For example, if you arrive home from work at 6:00 PM, you could specify the computer can only be used from 6:00 PM until midnight, or earlier. If you are in and out at different times, you could enter zero for the Daily Limit and then hand out a Token when you are home.

  • How do I make sure the computer cannot be used past bedtime?
    The easiest way to set a bedtime limit is to use the Time of Day feature. For each day, you can enter the start time as 6:00 AM (or later if you don't want your child on that early) and then set the end time as the bedtime, for example 9:00 PM.
  • Can I set different limits for weekdays versus weekends?

    Yes, for Daily amount of time, you can set different amount of time for weekdays versus weekends, and even set a different limit for each day of the week if you wish. In addition, you can set different time-of-day limits for each day as well.

  • Can I set different limits for a vacation period?

    Yes, you can relax (or tighten) restrictions using the Alternate Limit feature of ComputerTime. Alternate Limits are the same as the regular limits, but they are in effect for a calendar period that you specify. When your child logs in during that period, the Alternate Limits are used instead of the regular limits. For example, maybe you've set a 2 hour daily limit, however during vacation week from February 16th to the 20th you wish to allow 4 hours per day. You can specify this in Alternate Limits.

  • What are Alternate Limits?

    Alternate Limits allow you to specify a different set of limits during a certain time period without altering the normal limits. For example, perhaps during a vacation week you want to allow more or less time on the computer.

  • Can I restrict computer use to a certain time of the day?

    Yes, you can set a Time of Day limit. They will not be allowed to log on to use the computer any other time during the day. In fact, you can specify more than one time of day limit. For example, you could set 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and then again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

  • Is there a way to prevent the Away feature from being used?
    Yes, click here for details on how to disable the Away feature. For some families, this is a problem if one child invokes the Away feature because then another child cannot get on the computer.
  • Can I limit the total time the computer is used in a day?

    Yes, to set the total amount of time the computer can be used during a day, set a Daily Limit.

  • Can I limit the total time the computer is used in a week?

    Yes, to set the total amount of time the computer can be used during a week, set only a Weekly Limit.

  • Can I limit the total time the computer is used in a month?

    Yes, to set the total amount of time the computer can be used during a month, set only a Monthly Limit.

  • Can I prevent computer use entirely?

    Yes, by turning on the "Disable computer use" feature, your child will not be allowed to log on and therefore, will be unable to use the computer.

  • Can I ensure my child uses the computer only when they ask to use it?

    Yes, since ComputerTime requires you to log on to the computer with a name and password. If you want your child to only use the computer when they ask, you can setup a single Profile, and enter a password that only you know. To use the computer, your child will have to ask you to enter the password for them. The approach above works only if you are at home since you must type in the password when they ask to use the computer. However, if you aren't home and they wish to use the computer, there is another approach using ComputerTime Tokens. Enter a daily limit of zero minutes to prevent your child from using the computer. Then you give them a Token when they request to use the computer. They can enter the Token whenever they wish to log on. For more details on creating Tokens, see the Using Tokens topic.

  • Can I give out computer time as a reward?

    Yes, this can be done using ComputerTime Tokens. Enter a daily limit of zero minutes to prevent your child from using the computer. Then you hand out a Token to them when they request to use the computer. The can enter the Token whenever they wish to log on. For more details on creating Tokens, see the Using Tokens topic.

  • Can I limit the time spent on the computer in one sitting?

    Yes, using the Session Limit, you can specify the amount of time your child is allowed to use the computer at one sitting. In addition, you can specify a Session Wait time, which controls how long they must be off the computer before it can be used again.

  • Can time provided by a Time Token be used across days?

    Yes, the extra time provided by entering a Time Token is available across days. The extra time is available until it has been used up, either in a single day, two days, or more.

  • Can I create a Time Token that does not extend Time-of-Day limits?

    No, however, this is a feature we intend on adding in a future version.

  • Can I restrict the extra time provided by a Time Tokens to a specific day?

    No, however, we intend on adding this feature. At present, the extra time provided can be used across multiple days.

  • Can I set which time remaining warning messages are displayed?

    Yes. Click here for a list of ComputerTime "commands", including which time remaining warnings are displayed.

  • How can I change the audio message played for the time remaining messages?

    You can add customized audio messages by creating a .wav file for each message you wish to customize and place it into the appropriate folder. In Windows Explorer, open the folder were ComputerTime is installed (the default being C:\Program Files\SoftwareTime\ComputerTime). Then open the subfolder named "bin". In the "bin" folder, create a new folder named "Sounds". Inside the Sounds folder, put your own custom sound files. The file must be a .wav file, and the files must be named as follows:

    • m15.wav (15 minutes left)
    • m10.wav (10 minutes left)
    • m5.wav (5 minutes left)
    • m1.wav (1 minute left)

    You can provide any or all of the files above. If a file does not exist, ComputerTime plays the default audio message.

  • How do I set a Time-of-Day limit past midnight?

    It is a two step process, since a single time-of-day range cannot span across multiple days. For example, from Friday at 8:00 PM to early Saturday morning at 2:00 AM. You must set a limit from midnight until 2:00 AM, and then a second limit for the other part of the day, for example, from 9:00 AM until midnight.

    Follow these steps to accomplish the task.

    Start the ComputerTime Admin tool and logon. First let's set the midnight (which is 12:00 AM) to 2:00 AM range using the Profile Wizard as follows:

    1. From the Profile menu, select Wizard.
    2. Click on "Next", and select the 2nd option, to "Edit the limits set in an existing profile", and click "Next".
    3. Select the profile from the list, and click "Next". You may receive a warning saying that the current limits are too complex to be edited in the Wizard. If you get this, you will need to review all of your daily, weekly, monthly or session limits at the end of this procedure. For now, choose the option to continue with the wizard.
    4. Click "Next" on the page that has the User Name and Password (no changes needed here).
    5. If you want to set a daily limit, do so here and click "Next". (If you want to set more complex limits for the amount of time, just click next, as you can add them using the profile editor later.)
    6. On the "Set Time-of-Day Limit" page, for the "On weekends..." values, type the time "12:01 AM" and "2:00 AM".
      NOTE: You must enter "12:01 AM" and not exactly "12:00 AM" as there is an issue using exactly midnight here. This issue will be resolved in an update of the software. Do the same for "On weekdays" values as well if needed.
    7. Enter a Session Limit if desired, and click "Next", and finish the wizard.

    That takes care of midnight to 2:00 AM. Now we need to set the other time-of-day range, for example, 9:00 AM until midnight, otherwise the child won't be allowed on during the day.

    1. Open the profile by double clicking the icon and the Edit Profile dialog displays.
    2. Click the "Limits" button, and the Limits dialog displays.
    3. Select the Time-of-Day tab at the top of the Limits dialog. NOTE: You won't see any limits displayed because the 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM ranges are "off the edges", but don't worry, they are still set.
    4. On Friday, click and drag the mouse from 9:00 AM (or whatever time you wish) until midnight.
    5. Visit the other tabs to verify that the Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Session limits are all to your liking, and when satisfied, click "OK" to save the changes.

    That's it, you now have time limits set on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM the next morning.

  • Is there a way to stop ComputerTime from automatically logging out when the Screen Saver appears

    If you wish ComputerTime to leave you logged in when the Windows screen saver appears, click here. To display the Away dialog when the screen saver starts, click here. To revert back to being logged off, click here.

  • Should I use a single Windows logon or multiple logons with ComputerTime?

    ComputerTime will work either with a single Windows logon or multiple Windows logons. Either way, after logging onto Windows, the ComputerTime logon dialog is displayed.

  • Does ComputerTime limit specific programs?

    ComputerTime limits overall computer usage, not specific programs. This has been very effective for thousands of our customers who say their child knows their overall time limits, and use that time wisely on the computer. A future version will limit specific programs.

  • Can ComputerTime limit just Internet time?

    ComputerTime limits overall computer usage, not specifically Internet time. This has been very effective for thousands of our customers who say their child knows their overall time limits, and use that time wisely on the computer. A future versions will limit Internet time.

Solutions to Common Issues

Answers to frequently asked questions about common issues encountered with our software.

  • What is the best way to request technical help?

    If you have ComputerTime installed already, the best way is to open ComputerTime Admin and under the Help menu, select Customer Service, then click Request Help. This way log files are transmitted along with your request to help us diagnose your problem. If you do not have ComputerTime installed and have a question, email support.

  • Can't limits be bypassed by killing the ComputerTime program?

    No, if ComputerTime is killed, it automatically restarts and displays it's logon dialog.

  • What prevents a child from uninstalling ComputerTime to avoid being limited?

    When you start the uninstall of ComputerTime, you are prompted for the ComputerTime Admin password. If you don't know the password, you are not allowed to uninstall ComputerTime.

  • What prevents the by passing of limits by simply changing the clock on the computer?

    ComputerTime prevents the changing of the clock on the computer. However, if you log on using the ComputerTime Admin password, you may change the clock.

  • What should I do if I forget my password?

    If you forgot your ComputerTime Admin password, click the link "Forgot your password?" on the logon dialog. An email will be sent to you containing a temporary password. The email address is the one set when you first installed ComputerTime. You can see, or change, that email by clicking the Help menu in ComputerTime Admin and selecting "Set Email...".

  • How do I reprint my list of Time Tokens?

    You cannot reprint it, however, you can simply create a new set of Time Tokens.

  • I think my child has found the list of Time Tokens I printed. How can I remove those Tokens so they cannot be used?

    To remove all Time Tokens, click here on the computer running ComputerTime.

    A confirmation dialog will be displayed confirming you wish to delete all Tokens. Note that this removes all Tokens, including any Token that may have already been entered.

  • Is ComputerTime compatible with my firewall software?

    ComputerTime is compatible with all firewall products. Upon installation of ComputerTime, it does a check to make sure it has access to it's settings and our web site to check for updates. Your firewall software may display some messages during this check, so be sure to "Allow" or "Accept" or "Give full access" to ComputerTime in those firewall messages.

  • Is ComputerTime compatible with McAfee Privacy Service?

    Note: The information below relates to McAfee Privacy Service, not McAfee Anti-Virus which is compatible with ComputerTime.

    It depends on your version. Older versions of McAfee Privacy Service block ComputerTime on startup, unless it is configured in a certain way. First, make sure that version of McAfee is at least 7.0.0.28. A few customers have had problems with versions prior to this. McAfee seems to have fixed the problem in 7.0.0.28.

    With older versions of McAfee, we have had reports from customers stating that if you set up the default McAfee Privacy Service account with "young child" settings, everything seems to work.

  • Does ComputerTime require a certain type of Windows user account, such as an Administrative account, to run?

    No particular type of Windows account is required to run ComputerTime. However, it is recommended that a Windows "Limited" account be used, as recommended by Microsoft. Read more on Microsoft's site here:
    How the right user account can help your computer security

  • Why doesn't ComputerTime automatically start when I boot my computer?

    Some spyware removal software incorrectly identifies ComputerTime as spyware, which of course it is not. To correct the problem, open ComputerTime Admin, check your settings, exit and then reboot your computer. The Admin tool should correct the problem. However, you may need to configure your spyware removal software to prevent it from removing ComputerTime again. Read the documentation for your spyware removal program on how to do that.

  • Why is my child on the computer past their limits?

    It could be because of:

    • Time Tokens - If you have provided a Time Token, the extra time allows the child to be on the computer beyond their normal limits, including Time-of-Day limits. To remove all Time Tokens, click here on the computer running ComputerTime.
    • Admin Password - They may know the ComputerTime Admin password and have either changed their own limits, created tokens, or simply logon using the Admin password. We have seen many cases of children obtaining or guessing the password.

  • How do I reinstall and activate ComputerTime if I had to reformat my hard drive and/or reinstall Windows?

    You can simply download and install the trial version of ComputerTime from our web site. After installation, the Trial dialog will appear. Click the Activate button and enter your ComputerTime Product Key.

  • How can I prevent the use of Windows Safe Mode startup so that ComputerTime cannot be bypassed?
    Please note that using the method below will cause an error screen to be displayed when attempting to boot Windows into Safe Mode.

    WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

    To disable "Safe Mode", follow these steps while logged onto Windows using an "Administrator" account:

    1. Go to the Start Menu and select "Run..."
    2. Enter "regedit" into the text box (without the quotes) and press the Enter key to start the Registry Editor.
    3. Locate the following key in the registry:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
    4. Under Safeboot, you want to right click on Minimal and select "Rename".
    5. Change the name from "Minimal" to "Minimal-Off" (do not type the quotes). Then do the same for Network.
    6. Exit regedit.

    Now when you attempt to reboot into "Safe Mode", the reboot will start, but then a blue error screen displays, and Windows will not start. If you want, you may choose only to disable "Safe Mode with Networking" and only rename the "Network" registry key. This might be safer as if you need to get into Safe Mode you will still be able to.

  • Can I set time limits with ComputerTime across multiple computers in my household that are connected via a home local area network (LAN)?

    No, however, we have plans to provide this feature as soon as possible.