How to Enforce a Maximum Use Time on Mac OS X

Posted on 9 October, 2011 by Graham Miln

Use time restrictions are often essential for Mac computers in shared environments such as schools, labs, and public buildings. A computer’s use time is the maximum amount of time a user can use the computer. After that period has elapsed, the user should log out to allow others an opportunity to use the computer.

Enforcing this time restriction is not trivial. You need a solution that is flexible enough to allow for different policies, that provides ample warning to the user, and avoids burdening staff with implementing the policy.

We were recently approached to see if Power Manager could help enforce a use time policy. The feature is not built-in but it seemed possible.

Download a copy of the Enforce Maximum Use Time Schedule for Power Manager.

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This recipe requires Power Manager. Download Power Manager for 30 days for free.
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Thank You Steve

Posted on 6 October, 2011 by Graham Miln

Thank you for all you have done for us.

Today we learnt that Steve Jobs has died. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Steve Jobs’s family.

Steve Jobs 1955 – 2011 - apple.com

Steve Jobs 1955 – 2011 - apple.com

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Extend Your Power Manager Events

Posted on 30 September, 2011 by Graham Miln

Power Manager 4.1 introduced a powerful new event editor. The new editor is included in Power Manager and Power Manager Professional.

When you first create your energy saving schedule, you will be guided through the process using the Schedule Assistant. The assistant includes numerous common tasks and events to get you started quickly.

After a little time with your new schedule, you will probably want to start adding extra touches, tweaks, and general refinements. This is where the event editor comes into play.

With the event editor, you can see how your schedule is put together. Each events’ triggers, conditions, and actions are presented in the editor.

Triggers control when your event will occur. A trigger might specify a certain time each morning. Another trigger could opt to act after a period of user inactivity has passed.

Conditions control if your event will occur. An event can be triggered numerous times, but if the conditions are not met, then the event will not be performed. Conditions can check a wide range of information before coming to a decision.

Actions are the reason the event exists. Actions determine what happens when the event is successfully triggered. Actions include running scripts, opening files, and putting your Mac to sleep.

The event editor not only lets you see your events’ components but it lets you add to them. You can add additional triggers, conditions, and actions to your events.

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New Preview of Sleep Monitor 3

Posted on 23 September, 2011 by Graham Miln

We have released a new build of Sleep Monitor 3 Preview. This update is available immediately and recommended for anyone running Sleep Monitor 3.

Sleep Monitor includes automatic software updating. The easiest way to update your copy is to launch Sleep Monitor and select the Check for Update… menu item:

  • Sleep Monitor (menu) > Check for Update…
Sleep Monitor supports automatic software updating

Sleep Monitor supports automatic software updating

This build includes file size improvements to the event database and cache formats. The build also fixes a handful of minor bugs.

Download your free 30 day demonstration of Sleep Monitor 3.

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