TimesUpKidz for Windows

User Reviews

• exploitable by limited user

  okkervilAugust 28, 2013

  Pros

  worked until son figured out exploit Windows 7 Home

  Cons

  exploitable by limited user

  Summary

  When I discovered my son found out how to get around this as a Limited User on Windows 7 I sent the following to TimesUpKidz help. That was on December 29, 2012. I never received a response beyond the automated message stating "You will usually receive a response within a few hours." Well it's been 10 months now. When can I expect a response? ===================== My teenager discovered an interesting way to circumvent this on Win 7 64bit home premium. After his time has expired he logs in again and immediately presses control-alt-delete. He then waits a minute or so and then clicks the Cancel button. Then it behaves as if he has unlimited time. It doesn't always work on the first try. He just showed me and it took 3 attempts before it worked. I'd love it if you could release a new version that prevents this exploit.

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• The best! No frills, just time control. Really good!

  SwedLingteJune 19, 2013

  Pros

  Everything...

  Cons

  None that I can think of.

  Summary

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• Very Satisfied

  Douglas KeithMarch 5, 2013

  Pros

  Does exactly what it promises, easily.

  Cons

  None. I can't think of any.

  Summary

  TimesUpKidz is pefect for our two-kids-one-computer family. It easily gives the parent (administrator) a way to limit each child's computer use fairly and transparently. I was sick to death of telling kids to get off the computer and having them beg for 5 more minutes and complaining that the other kid got more time, etc., etc., etc. With this program you can set maximum limits for each session, day, and week in any combination (e.g. 1 hour per session with 1 hour break between sessions, 2.5 hours per day max, 12 hours per week max) and you can set hours when the computer is not available (no computer time between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am). You can also add or subtract time for the current day, or for the next several days. The program is easy to install and easy to use. To make it work, you must have your computer set up with one password protected parental computer-administrator account and limited accounts for each kid. Obviously, you can't let your kids know your password. A couple additional tips, from this XP user: I think it's a good idea to "hide" the program files folder on the C: drive so kids can't access the TimesUpKidz program by finding its executable file. In XP if the administrator hides the program files folder it can't be seen by limited users. I also hid the icon deep in the administrator's my documents folder so kids won't immediately see it on the start menu or desktop if they happen to jump onto the computer while I'm logged on as administrator and I happen to leave the room for a moment. So far this has worked very well for us. The kids know their time limits and accept them. I also like the breaks between sessions so they will have to take turns if they are left in the house alone. I am quite happy with this software.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Mar 5, 2013<p/>One more thing: The kids can "kill" the program from their limited accounts using the Task Manager, but this only kills the part of the program that gives them pop-up reminders ("5 more minutes") and lets them see how much time they have left. The main part of them program, which will log them off when their time expires, still runs and cannot be stopped from the limited account.

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• Arguments over computer time stopped cold!

  mtnrainbeauxFebruary 8, 2013

  Pros

  Ability to control all computer access (not just internet); ability to set up time limits for each day of the week; ability to change privileges on the fly.

  Cons

  Dearly wish there was a remote access capability.

  Summary

  This program was well worth the $30 license fee. Arguments over computer time and limits stopped almost immediately, which blows me away. It took a little finagling to get all of the programs my child likes to play to work on a limited account (Windows XP) but we succeeded and I couldn't be happier with this program.

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• Was great but stopped working after Windows update

  jl2013January 10, 2013

  Pros

  This program was great for limiting our kid's computer usage when it was working.

  Cons

  Stopped working entirely and haven't heard from developer, despite emailing about this problem.

  Summary

  A required Windows update crashed the entire TimesUpKidz program so, until they fix this bug, don't waste $30. If they manage to fix this bug, we'll heartily recommend this program.

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• We have PEACE again!

  MrsShoopNovember 21, 2012

  Pros

  Easy to use and install; Lots of options for limiting time; Great value for cost; Ends computer time arguments; Hard for even tech-savvy kids to defeat

  Cons

  I really can't think of any...

  Summary

  This software is awesome! It is well worth the one-time cost of $30, and I love that you can try it completely free for 30 days. I LOVE that I don't have to be the "computer time police" anymore - the program does it for me! It's really easy to set up and use - it simply works with the clock on your computer and is protected by the password on your profile. Our most computer-literate-and-therefore-obsessed child was vehemently opposed to this program at first but after using it for a couple of days, he admitted it wasn't so bad, and now he actually likes it a lot, and asked if I was going to buy it. This has seriously eliminated nearly all of the computer-time related arguments we used to have and our household is SO much more peaceful. Check it out!

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• Simple and easy to use AND it works!

  2marvinsSeptember 21, 2012

  Pros

  Simple to set up, simple to adjust and it works which is more than can be said for the Microsoft Family Safety application.

  Cons

  Only keeps track of usage time when the PC is actually in use and not just logged in to.

  Summary

  Microsoft Family Safety quit working and there was no help to get it running again - just empty promises. TimesUpKidz works.

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• It just works!

  teylynAugust 21, 2012

  Pros

  Easy to install. Easy to configure. Easy to quickly change settings and make exceptions. Works across all Windows OS and computers in our household. One license can be used on all computers in the home. No more arguments. No more "Just five minutes more, please" turning into another hour. When time's up, time's up. And the kids accept it. My 12 year old told me he was very happy with the concept. Reduces stressful situations for both parents and kids.

  Cons

  Have not found anything amiss running the trial for two weeks on both Win7 and Win XP setups.

  Summary

  Well worth the spend. Restores peace in the family arena.

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• Excellent product!

  LG2012August 5, 2012

  Pros

  Quick and easy to use Inexpensive No arguing with kids about their computer time! Easy to add more time if needed Doesn't interfere with other programs or slow my computer down

  Cons

  Sometimes it does not warn the kids that their time is up. Not sure why this happens...

  Summary

  I have two teenagers that would spend hours on the computer if I let them. TimezUp allows me to set time limits on their time using their Windows account. Each teen has their own password and settings. When their time is up, the computer just logs them out of their Windows account and they're done. You can set a day and time limit or set the total number of hours "used." For school work we have a separate Windows account with no time limit on it they can log into to complete school work (but with limited Internet access--controlled using the parental controls in Windows) Super easy--highly recommend.

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• Simple and Functional

  CJB000000March 22, 2012

  Pros

  actually manages time. Limits length of use and sets start and finish times, then actually logs out at those times.

  Cons

  $30 bucks. I should have taken programming.

  Summary

  There's so much garbage out there, I don't know why Windows 7 still has no duration settings for parental controls, but this does the job. Frigging 30 bucks though. In the app store it would be $5, and I wouldn't have to buy it because Mac parental controls actually work. This is my last PC.

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