📖Control System Access
Don't let too much
Last updated
Don't let too much
Last updated
In elementary OS, you have the option to control the user access to the Internet sources, certain applications, and even to the entire system.
These restrictions can help, for example, if an office computer is used by several staffers, or if it's a family computer and you want to lock sensitive apps from your kids. You can even restrict the time of overall computer usage for yourself not to forget that the real life exists and it's beautiful.
To configure these restrictions in the System Settings, navigate to Screen Time & Limits.
Screen Time & Limits settings require administrator rights. Click Unlock in the top-right, and enter the administrator password when asked.
To limit the screen time for a user:
Enable the toggle against the name of the user you want to configure the limits for.
Select Screen Time.
Enable the Weekdays toggle, and specify the time on weekdays when the user is allowed to use the computer.
Enable the Weekends toggle, and specify the time on weekends when the user is allowed to use the computer.
After the time limits are configured, the user will be automatically logged out once the specified period ends.
To remove the configured restrictions, disable the associated toggles for weekdays and/or weekends.
To prevent a user from visiting certain websites:
Enable the toggle against the user you want to configure the limits for.
In the bottom field, enter the URL you want to deny access to, and click Add URL.
Repeat step 2 to add as many websites as you need.
Rules affect all apps for the chosen user, even if they use a different web browser. To remove a website from those prohibited, click the trash bin icon against the URL needed.
By the moment this section of the handbook had been described, the feature of denying access to websites didn't work on the author's system.
To prevent a user from using certain applications:
Enable the toggle against the user you want to configure the limits for.
Repeat step 2 to add as many apps as you need.
Optionally, you can allow access to the added apps with administrator permission by enabling the associated toggle in the bottom.
To remove an app from those prohibited, select the app you need, and click the minus icon in the bottom.
To lift all configured restrictions for a user at once, navigate to Screen Time & Limits in the System Settings, and disable the toggle against the user name.
In the bottom, click , and select the app you want to deny access to.
