Time Enforcement Software for Linux?

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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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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?

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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.

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

Fuck that’s brilliant

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OP

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)

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Yes the cron job would run as root.

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OP edited

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

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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.

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

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OP

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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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OP

It all depends on how “forced” you want to be.

I would say: It should take at least 3 minutes (better more) to circumvent it.

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.

This sounds like it would take me around 10 minutes, so its enough for me to stop and do what I should be doing instead.

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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.

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

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