is there any way i can program my computer to switch off at a certain time , and be turned back on after a certain time, i want to limit my childrens time on the computer. i am running windows xp home
...mmm...sounds like you have a problem with your kids mm......TELL them when and when not to go on the PC....THAT'S the way to do it..............commoner. ;-))
You can buy a timer that you plug into the socket, then plug your computer into that. It's like a central heating timer where you put in little pegs into a timer wheel at the time you want the "plug" to turn off and on. Obviously if your kids wise up to this they can just unplug it.
Not wanting to disagree, but gammaray's idea of a plug in timer isn't so good, as windows goes through a complicated process when shutting down, so simply switching off the power isn't the best plan.
Software solutions are much better.