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Upgrade Today!
Still using ComputerTime 2.0? Upgrade today to the latest version of ComputerTime to take advantage of the great new features! You can upgrade for a special price that is 50% off and even get the Family Pack.
Managing the kids' computer time is even easier and more fun with the latest enhancements.
In This Issue
- Gift the Gift of ComputerTime!
- You've experienced the end of frustration and the return of peace in your home. Now help another family by giving ComputerTime to them. Special coupon code makes gift giving economical!
- Instant Time Tokens - Extend Limits On-The-Fly
- A new way of giving Time Tokens on-the-fly is a real time saver.
- Disconnected Holiday Weekend and Tree Hunt
- Getting away from home and the screen habits for a weekend can turn into a really special time for all to remember.
- Read on for the great stuff...
Give the Gift of ComputerTime!
You Ended the Frustration For Yourself. Now, Do it for Someone Else.
ComputerTime eliminated the frustration caused by trying to get your kids off the computer. Hopefully your stress level is much lower now, thanks to ComputerTime.
Don't stress over what to buy your friends and relatives for Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanzaa. Do they have kids? Do those kids have computers? Then here's the perfect gift for which they will thank you over and over again — Give them the gift of ComputerTime!
ComputerTime will bring peace into their lives, just as it has helped yours by eliminating the fights over the computer. Most people have enough "stuff" already. What most families need is more time together. Parents need peace of mind their kids are balancing activities with healthy routines, and assurance that the computer is being used safely. They need a less stressful holiday.
With the economy the way it is, let us help. Here is a coupon to purchase ComputerTime as a holiday gift for someone, or as a gift for yourself if you don't have it already. During checkout, enter the coupon HOLIDAY08 and save $10 on ComputerTime or ComputerTime with the Family Pack.
Maybe you know somebody who could really use ComputerTime, but you normally don't exchange gifts. If so, you can still be kind and generous by forwarding this offer to them.
ComputerTime requires Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Home Server, Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003. ComputerTime is not available for Apple Macs. Coupon is valid through 1/7/2009.
Instant Time Tokens - Extend Limits On-The-Fly
The regular Time Token feature is so easy. The only thing that it requires is that you create the Time Tokens ahead of time, and have them handy to give out.
When you don't have a Time Token handy to give, but you're present when somebody asks for extra time, the Instant Time Token is a big help!
Just type in the ComputerTime Admin password, and the amount of time. Snap! The time is added to the person's ComputerTime Profile in the form of a Time Token.
There are two ways to give Instant Time Tokens
On the Add Time Window
A person who is being limited can Add Time by entering a Time Token or a parent can give an Instant Time Token. Instead of the child entering a Time Token code, the parent can just provide the ComputerTime Admin password, and how much time they would like to give, and then click OK.
From within ComputerTime Admin
Say the child is logged onto the Den computer, and Mom is in the home office on her computer. Mom can start up ComputerTime Admin on her computer, click on the child's profile and then choose Instant Time Token... from the menu (or click the Inst Token Icon on the toolbar). Just specify the time, click OK, and that time is applied to the child's Profile as a Time Token.
They Work Just Like Regular Time Tokens
The only difference between an Instant Time Token and a regular Time Token is that you don't see the Time Token label (e.g. "459885"). The token is created and immediately applied to the Profile.
If you go into the Time Tokens area in ComputerTime Admin and you display the Assigned Time Tokens, you'll see the Instant Time Tokens there as well. You and the recipient just didn't have to deal with the printing or writing down, and typing the label in.
When you Delete Time Tokens, then Time Tokens that were given instantly are also wiped out along with the regular Time Tokens.
In the ComputerTime Options, the choices of how Time Token's extend Time of Day limits or override the Disable profiles apply to Instant Time Tokens.
Instant Time Tokens are a big convenience.
Disconnected Holiday Weekend and Tree Hunt
A Weekend Away, Unplugged, Brings Families Together
Here in the northeastern US, it's getting cold and holiday cheer is making its appearance. After enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal with family, the next big event was a weekend traveling to Vermont with a few other families for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and cutting down our Christmas tree.
Breaking away from the computer and TV was a factor in what made the weekend so special. It started with a three-hour drive. The kids were excited in anticipation of seeing everybody, playing games, going places. Finding a radio station that was playing Christmas music enhanced the mood. The drive was a great time to talk about things and tell stories. Hitting the Vermont border, the first snow of the season appeared and the kids cheered.
Admittedly, there was some iPod and Nintendo DS usage in the back seat — It's a three hour drive and a little bit of that in the car was OK. Pointing out scenic or unusual sites, like the "Moose Crossing" sign, the covered bridge, or the river that is starting to freeze over got them to pause their toys and got a little more conversation going.
Like When You Were a Kid
At the house, hanging out with relatives and friends, away from cell phone signals, video games and the Internet, everybody gives attention to everybody else for a change. The fire crackles. Older generations tell stories to the younger generations. The kids crack up the parents and grandparents with their funny insights on things.
The next day, the hunt for the tree begins. The field is full of adequate trees, but the perfect one is out there. The evergreens and fresh cut pine smells terrific , and sometimes the smoke from a not-to-distant chimney. Shuffling into position to cut the tree down, a variety little "stickers" grab onto fleece jackets and gloves. While the tree is being bailed, hot chocolate warms everybody's hands, noses, lips and bellies. Who doesn't appreciate hot chocolate more after an hour in the cold, winter sun. All of this adds up to a great weekend of family and fun.
Nothing Compares to the Real Thing
Families that have an artificial tree miss out on most of that fun. Getting the tree becomes a half-hour event with a trip to the basement or attic. The kids get to open a box of tree parts. Sure, it's better than no tree, and it's still an occasion to set it up. But it doesn't tingle the senses with all of those outdoor experiences.
Artificial trees may be convenient, but they eliminate the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that go along with the adventure of getting a real tree.
Real trees are to artificial trees...
...the way that meeting friends in the outdoors is to IM'ing them.
...the way that sledding and snowball fights are to World of Warcraft online.
...the way that chestnuts roasting on an open fire are to watching YouTube videos of chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Make sure that however you enjoy your holidays that it is safe, fun, and make some great memories!
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