Filed under: Software, Freeware
Beta Beat: Freedom leaves you internet-less
Are you tired of being distracted by the internet? Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Google Earth could all be considered "distractions" or "time wasters." So, if you're looking to get some work done without physically un-pluging from the internet then Freedom might be what you need. Freedom allows you to set a time limit for internet access. For instance, if I need to set aside 30 minutes for a project that doesn't require internet access, I could tell Freedom to block internet access for those 30 minutes, Freedom will then disable WiFi and ethernet access for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes are over your WiFi and ethernet access will be restored.
You can download Freedom for free (donations accepted) from the developers website or from MacUpdate.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Caitlin said 5:32PM on 7-07-2008
Maybe it would be better if it blocked or only allowed access to certain sites for an amount of time?
For example, as a web developer, it would be cool if it blocked digg and twitter for 30 minutes. Or that it would only allow me access to the current dev site I'm working on, and maybe a couple other needed sites (w3c, php, etc.)
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2shae said 5:21AM on 7-08-2008
This is exactly what I was looking for 1 month ago when I had my exams.
Especially when I need to study I get bored and restless and keep going to my iMac. No internet would improve my studying.
I tried leechblock but that only works with firefox which is fine but I also needed something for my messengers and RSS reader.
JaXX said 5:37PM on 7-07-2008
You forgot Plurk :-) it's really addictive aswell :-) and has less problems than twitter !
http://plurk.com/redeemByURL?from_uid=24989&check=549228414&s=1
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eric f. said 10:41AM on 7-08-2008
Um, I don't think people reading this post are looking for more addictive stuff.
Gilbert said 5:42PM on 7-07-2008
OMFG! This is crazy! I thought about this kind of app today while browsing icanhascheezburger. I'll donate right away...
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ekinnee said 5:42PM on 7-07-2008
Maybe this is one of those "if you don't know what to do with it then it's not for you" things. But, wouldn't a little self control take the place of this app?
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south said 7:54PM on 7-07-2008
yes, it would. so assume this is an app for people with weak or no self control (like me). i've been using it since i heard about it on Macbreak Weekly and it suits me perfectly.
Mikey said 5:43PM on 7-07-2008
You mean I no longer have to click that pesky little icon in the Menu Bar?! My prayers have been answered!!
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Zak said 5:45PM on 7-07-2008
When you say it blocks "ethernet access", what exactly does that mean? For example, does it only block web pages, or does it disable your network port? I might want to block internet but still be able to access servers, printers and other machines on my network. From the way this is worded, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that.
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jonathanstark said 6:00PM on 7-07-2008
C'mon... This is a joke, right?
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LuminousNerd said 6:33PM on 7-07-2008
I don't get it. Who would find this even remotely useful? Just unplug, or use the built-in wifi disabler if you're on wireless...or, you know, just DON'T USE THE INTERNET. It's not that hard.
Whatever, it takes all kinds I guess. This just strikes me as a waste of energy.
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Andy said 9:13AM on 7-08-2008
Out of all the weird Mac applications out there, this strikes me as the strangest one yet.
Don't want to use the Internet? Then turn off Airport, unplug the Ethernet cable or, perhaps, just close your browser, quit mail and sign out of iChat?
Having the self-control to ignore the 'Net for a while builds character!
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FoundInTheFlood said 1:26PM on 7-08-2008
This has to be the BEST APP since the invention of 1's and 0's. I really mean this. I need this, or a cloister :D
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