[Tutor] Timer with exe command

[Wayne Werner]

On Sun, Feb 27, 2011 at 9:02 PM, Kaden McLaws <killerpancakes at msn.com>wrote:

>
>
> I would like to set up the following using python: A timer that is
> activated when a user logs on to our computer, then shuts the computer down
> when the timer runs out (no matter what, ending all programs). First, a raw
> input is used, so that if you know the password, you may shut off the timer
> (set for 90 mins). Otherwise, it is activated. This is a timer to be used so
> (anonymous) can only spend 90 mins playing Modern Warfare, and not hours
> upon end like he does.
> I was also wondering about parsing. It would be effective if the last time
> the timer activated was recorded in a txt file, logged, so that the program
> can check and ensure that the last time the timer ended was at least 12
> hours ago, so the computer just isnt turned right back on for another 90
> mins repeatedly.
> Is there also a way to run the python hidden in the background so he cannot
> just figure out how to close it?
> If you aren't sure off all the details, email me back. Thanks for helping
> me save (anonymous) from wasting too much time on MW2! :)
>

Well, most of this should be possible on a windows box, however it would
probably make more sense to get one of the net cafe softwares - unless
you're truly interested in learning.

Having made my own kiosk software for some internet terminals at work, I can
tell you that it's a fairly difficult process - and I was using Linux which
makes a lot of these things easier to do.

But if you get some of the software gaming cafes use it should have exactly
what you need - and unless you make about $0.25/hr, it will probably be
cheaper to spend $50-100 on one of those solutions.

Also, I'm very impressed that you thought out the requirements and possible
steps to accomplish your desires.

So, to summarize - spending the amount of time to make such a specific
software will probably not be worth your time - unless you're interested in
learning - so you could get a commercial solution. However, if you /are/
interested in learning, I'll recommend the win32api which should make
possible several of the things you want.

HTH,
Wayne
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