this post was submitted on 30 Jul 2026
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32
Time Enforcement Software for Linux? (lemmy.today)
submitted 4 days ago by Remy@lemmy.today to c/linux@lemmy.ml
30 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Hello,

I am looking for a program that can force me to stop using Linux when I need to do something else, like eating dinner or going to bed.

This time enforcement could be as simple as changing the user password and then logging me out at a certain time (of course it should also change the password back later)

It should also require a password (different from the user password) to change its settings or uninstall it, so that I can't tamper with it in a weak moment.

Is there such a program for Linux?

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[–] Cyber@feddit.uk 15 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Not a direct answer for you, but a different approach.

Psychologically the carrot is better than the stick, meaning you'll keep fighting the lock-out mechanism, eventually resenting it and removing it.

Having an alert to remind you that you wanted to stop will be more pursuasive. (I have a "go to bed" alarm with a gentle, gradually increasing volume on my phone)

What's even better is tying a habit you want (eating, going to bed, etc) into another habit which already exists, but obviously, I don't know you well enough to suggest anything specific, but perhaps something else happens near those times you want to stop and that'll help?

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 1 day ago

Psychologically the carrot is better than the stick, meaning you’ll keep fighting the lock-out mechanism, eventually resenting it and removing it.

The logout mechanism just needs to though me out of my way and take at least 5 minutes (better more) to circumvent, this will probably be enough for me to do the right thing.

Having an alert to remind you that you wanted to stop will be more pursuasive. (I have a “go to bed” alarm with a gentle, gradually increasing volume on my phone)

I tried this for many times, but ended up just canceling the alarms because my will is weak

[–] comrademiao@piefed.social 8 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Why’re you wording this as if the act of using Linux is what’s addictive? Lol

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Not necessary the operating system it self, but the things I do with Linux, like researching stuff, enganging in discussion's and playing games, are addictive for me

[–] comrademiao@piefed.social 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Researching what? Engaging what? What aspect of this has to do with Linux?

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I do them with Linux, why is this so hard to understand?

[–] comrademiao@piefed.social -1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

One are you a researcher or just Wikipedia-ing things? Two again you’ve provided no examples of how Linux makes this better in any way. Three you just have a computer addiction and are blaming it on an OS

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I never blamed Linux for it, I would have the same problem with Windows or MacOS.

But since I use Linux, I ask for a solution that works on Linux

[–] comrademiao@piefed.social 1 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

You say linux three times in your post on a linux com, bruh

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 16 hours ago

So that you understand the point.

If I would be on Windows, I would ask for a Windows solution

[–] eldavi@lemmy.ml -1 points 3 days ago

how is it not addicting? lol

[–] barryamelton@lemmy.world 8 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

Starting from version 50, Gnome (the desktop stack) has screen time block configurable in the settings. So it's just built-in if you use Gnome.

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 4 days ago

Will it be possible to set multiply block times?

[–] solrize@lemmy.ml 13 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (2 children)

cron job that launches the lock screen at the specified time and unlocks it later?

My idea for this has always been a battery powered computer, where the battery gets charged by a pedal powered generator. So I can use the computer as much as I want, but I have to at least get some exercise to keep it running.

[–] anotherspinelessdem@lemmy.ml 10 points 4 days ago

but I have to at least get some exercise to keep it running.

Fuck that's brilliant

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

cron job that launches the lock screen at the specified time and unlocks it later?

Is there a way to only allow changing it when entering a password (that is different from the user password)

[–] solrize@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yes the cron job would run as root.

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

So I can't stop it or change it because it has a higher rank and a different password then my main user?

[–] solrize@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Usually the password is different, yes. If you're unfamiliar with Linux system administration you might ask for more specific help. Root is the administrative account that lets you add and delete user accounts, access all the system's files, and that sort of thing. Ultimately though, it's like the joke about how many psychiatrists it takes to change a light bulb (just one, but the light bulb has to want to change). If you want to break through your time limiting software, you will find a way to do so. So you have to be willing to go along with it.

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 2 points 4 days ago

I think if it will take longer then 5 minutes to circumvent it, then I will do the right thing

[–] CallMeAl@piefed.zip 8 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I haven't personally used it but I think that is what pam_time is for.

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Is this the Github of it: https://github.com/linux-pam/linux-pam ?

Could I pam_time root or something that has a higher rank and a different password then my main user?

[–] RIotingPacifist@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

You can prevent root login entirely using sudo and no root password.

Of course you could then override your init to give you a root shell, which you could avoid by having a grub and bios password.

But you'd be able to reset the bios password if you have physical access anyway.

[–] Remy@lemmy.today 1 points 2 days ago

As I only use sudo to update my system, I could use a user that doesn't has sudo access and set up some a cron job to do updates once a day. And flatpak instalation and updating doesn't require sudo at all

[–] SingularEye@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 4 days ago

looks right

[–] panda_abyss@lemmy.ca 6 points 4 days ago

Write a script that installs one random AUR package a day.

Then you’ll either never be able to leave, or distrust your system forever and want to spend less time on it.

[–] sudoer777@lemmy.ml 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Pipe /dev/random to passwd for your user and put it in a chron job, then have another chron job that echos your original password back

[–] JamesBoeing737MAX@sopuli.xyz 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That sounds like a great way to permanently lock yourself out.

[–] communism@lemmy.ml 4 points 4 days ago

It wouldn't permanently lock you out if it failed because you can boot into a live ISO to change your password back if it fails to change it back to your original password.

[–] MangoCats@feddit.it 4 points 4 days ago

It all depends on how "forced" you want to be.

Generally, in Linux, if you've installed it, you have the power to uninstall it. Once your lockout gets put in effect, you can boot from USB, mount the hard drive, modify the files necessary to bypass your lockout, then reboot and proceed as if your lockout didn't exist.

Given that perspective: wouldn't a nag reminder popping over your screen that you actually pay attention to be better than "locking your account" with locks so easily picked?