pcNanny : Keep track of what your kids are doing on the computer

Overview

As a parent, I wanted to set limits on how much time my kids could spend on the family computer. I couldn't find anything simple and free to do this so I wrote it myself in C#.

Requirements

This application only works if your family has a single shared PC computer where each person has their own account and only parents have "admin" accounts.

It should run under Windows 98/XP/Vista with .NET Framework 2.0 or later.

If anyone wants to port this to Mono, please let me know.

Downloads

Features

• keeps track of how much time your kids spend on the computer
• allows you to set time limits for each day of the week
• nags your kids when they exceed their time limit (popup every 3 minutes)
• optional key logger so you can see what your kids say online*

DISCLAIMER: *This app includes an optional key logger to allow parents to see what their kids are saying online. I strongly discourage anyone from monitoring any computer that you do not own or do not have intellectual property rights over. It is illegal and punishable as a crime under (state law) to intercept electronic communications.

Quick Start

To install the application:

1. Create a program folder and copy the binaries there - C:\Program Files\pcNanny.
2. Copy a shortcut into the "Start Menu" for all users - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu.

Note: Since the EXE stores data in the same folder as the EXE, it needs to be in a folder where all users can have write access. That is, somewhere like "Program Files".

History

• 6 Sep 2007 - Created.
• 13 May 2008 - Added bar graph, all users, and screensaver + screenlock events.
• 10 July 2008 - Improved annoy code, added sessionTimeUsed, and fixed reported error.
• August 2008 - Added key logger. Major overhaul. Moved to Sourceforge.

Contact

Please post your question/comment in the the forum or send me a mail.