Time Enforcement Software for Linux?

2026-07-30 20:31 UTC

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?

Replies (8)

@solrize@lemmy.ml 2026-07-30 20:35

cron job that launches the lock screen at the specified time?

Open ##4252565
@CallMeAl@piefed.zip 2026-07-30 20:46

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

Open ##4253222
@MangoCats@feddit.it 2026-07-30 21:31

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?

Open ##4254257
@Cyber@feddit.uk 2026-07-30 22:18

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?

Open ##4255622
@panda_abyss@lemmy.ca 2026-07-31 00:44

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.

Open ##4259582
@barryamelton@lemmy.world 2026-07-31 06:46

Starting from version 50, Gnome (the desktop stack) has screen time block configurable in the settings.

Open ##4268877
@sudoer777@lemmy.ml 2026-07-31 08:59

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

Open ##4279568
@comrademiao@piefed.social 2026-07-31 08:14

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

Open ##4343736