malcontent provides parental controls for Linux, allowing administrators to restrict the applications and content accessible to non-administrator accounts. It is particularly useful for parents who want to establish appropriate boundaries for children using a shared computer.
The software supports application restrictions based on content ratings and individual application access. Administrators can prevent selected applications from being launched and restrict the installation of software with unsuitable content ratings. These restrictions integrate with compatible desktop components and software management tools.
malcontent also provides screen-time monitoring and management. Parents can review computer usage, set daily screen-time limits and establish bedtime schedules. When a supported GNOME session reaches its limit, the session can be locked until the restriction expires. Administrators can temporarily extend the permitted usage period when necessary.
The project includes a graphical Parental Controls application, supporting libraries and background services. It integrates with GNOME and AccountsService to manage restrictions for individual user accounts. Unlike mandatory access control systems, malcontent depends on cooperating applications and desktop components to enforce its policies.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Restrict application access for non-administrator user accounts.
- Configure parental controls independently for different users.
- Prevent selected applications from being launched.
- Restrict application installation using Open Age Ratings Service (OARS) content classifications.
- Control access to web browsers and other applications.
- Monitor screen-time usage and display historical usage statistics.
- Set daily screen-time limits for child accounts.
- Configure bedtime schedules to restrict computer usage during specified hours.
- Integrate with GNOME Shell to lock restricted sessions when screen-time limits expire.
- Allow administrators to temporarily extend a child’s permitted computer usage.
- Provide a graphical interface for managing parental control settings.
- Use AccountsService integration to store and retrieve application restrictions.
- Expose libraries and D-Bus services for integration with compatible applications.
Website: gitlab.freedesktop.org/pwithnall/malcontent
Support:
Developer: Philip Withnall
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1
malcontent is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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