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5 Cool Tools to Block Distracting Websites

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What I do on the internet and what I was supposed to do isn’t always the same. I bet my lovely iPad 1*, that it is the case with you and everyone else. Over the years I have struggled to keep myself away from distracting (yet lovely) websites like Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Reddit, Youtube and others. No wonder most of the work places block these websites, hoping it would increase productivity of their employees. But, what about keeping away the distracting and time consuming websites at home? Well, we have put together some of the best tools to keep you away from them completely or partially depending upon which browser and OS you are using.
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1. Chrome Nanny – Chrome Nanny is a simple extension for Google Chrome which can be used to block particular websites. You can set up white-lists, black-lists and the extent to which the black-listed web sites are blocked. It provides all the flexibility you would need to effectively use your time online and can also be disabled or uninstalled with a click. But then, the purpose is to be focused, right?

2. Website Blocker – This free extension for Google Chrome is an alternative to Chrome Nanny and is currently in beta. Not as simple to use as Chrome Nanny, but equally effective. Decide a particular time when you want to use these distracting websites and this extension will force you to follow the same.

3. LeechBlock – LeechBox is like Chrome Nanny for Mozilla Firefox. It is highly customizable and even lets you configure specific times to block individual time-wasting web sites. You can create six sets of websites to block, with each set having multiple sites and time restrictions. Make sure you go through all the available options to properly make use of the extension.

4. FocalFilter – FocalFilter is a Windows based application which helps you focus by temporarily blocking distracting websites. After the block timer runs out, your websites are available for you to view again. The only reason for you to use FocalFilter is that once you set up the application, it blocks the websites in almost every web browser including Chrome, Firefox, Safari and IE.

5. SelfControl – As you might have guessed it, SelfControl is a mac based app which blocks access to incoming and/or outgoing mail servers and websites for a predetermined period of time. Unlike other programs and extensions, you cannot unblock a website once it is started even if you restart the computer! You just have to wait for the timer to run out. Self control is tough, isn’t it?
Hope you have found this post useful. Do let us know through your comments. But remember, you can always disable or uninstall these tools, but the real point is to keep reminding yourself how much time you are wasting on the web. And by the way, none of the 5 tools listed above allow you to block TechPP.com, don’t even try!

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