my kids are on minecraft constantly. I want to restrict its use but it seems impossible since it runs on java.
They are using windows 7 but I'm asking this question on here since Java is platform independent (er right?) Also this forum was very helpful with my AWK question a few years ago.
Anyway my thinking was I could use scheduler to disable Java at certain times to restrict their minecraft use. The problem is I dont know how I would go about automating disabling and re-enabling Java. would simply renaming some important files work? if so, which ones? or is it even possible?
Hi, if you generally disable Java, everything else on the PC that uses it will get problems too. So maybe just check what link on the desktop starts Minecraft and add some character in there so it can't start and produces an error message.
Else I would have a look into Windows operating system features that might forbid to start exactly the command that is behind the link.
As scheduler you might have a look into "Win AT", the windows Scheduler. Maybe just copy a file here and there or renaming it would work too, to disable/enable it.
hi thanks for reply but my kids will work that one out and workaround it. Id like to try disabling java by renaming an important file and making the changed file read only for non admin that way they kids cant change it back. There is of course the possibilty they will reintall java but cant without admin password:)
alternately is there a java file that, if changed to read only, will not allow java to run properly?
-there is prob nothing else on their pc they need to run java-
There are parental controls built into Windows 8. I gave my son access to the laptop from 7 AM to 9 PM. He is in high school now, so he uses a laptop from his high school now. I'm not sure what Windows 7 has for parental controls. But you can just look for parental controls and see what it will let you lock down. I think locking the laptop when they should not be on it is easier. They will get a 10 minute notice when they get the the end of the time allowed, you can give them a time extension if you want. But you need to type in an admin password to do that.
By the way, make sure that your kids log in without admin privileges, otherwise they can do anything that they like.
hi,
yes I realise there are parental controls built in to win 7 8 10. I already investigated this option. The problem is they are not designed to control programs such as minecraft which run on java
Aftermarket parental controls cannot even control minecraft.
Ive set my router to allow 1 hour internet access per day. I cant restric t the pc since they need it to do homework. I cant watch them since Im working.
I have asked Mojang via twitter but they also dont know/care so doing it myself is the last option. If/when I work it out I'm going to post the solution online to help other parents in the same basket as me.
Yes and obviously kids can read too, thus no kids admin access:eek: will prevent them messing with a solutioin.
I know Windows 7 has AppLocker but I don't think you can do this on time-of-day. Perhaps you'd need to schedule a task that imported a local security setting.
Gaming is quite addictive and I remember from growing up my parents wanting to restrict my computer use only made me more determined to play my favorite game when they were not looking.
My suggestion is maybe not one you're looking for but perhaps a better option, minecraft is obviously their current passion, try to get them actually interested in what actually goes in to minecraft and how a game is built, inspire them to see past the game and educate themselves on how to make something like that. Its a lot more productive use of time, learning design, maths, hardware, programming, etc.
I did try to get them interested in learnin programming java so they can build mods, but they cant be bothered, thy just want to play. I#'m sure I would too if I was their age; it looks great fun. I really wouldn't mind if it wasn't affecting their schoolwork.
Surely someone on here must know how to banjax java by renaming a specific file or two? I think once I know which files to hit, I'll be able to figure the rest out.
Its crude but Im thinking of trying a batch file to rename all exe extensions in the java bin directories.
This isn't really a Unix/Linux problem. You might be able to use Powershell to kill their minecraft game while it is running. So a simple solution would be to build a power shell sniper program that runs every minute and kills any Minecraft processes that are running. Then you schedule it to run every minute that they are not allowed to play the game.
This does not stop them from finding another distraction though. Ultimately you just need to check that their homework is done.
windows 7 
Also this forum was very helpful with my AWK question a few years ago.