Top 5 Tools to Stop you Slacking

by Startacus Admin
If, like many of us, your work requires you to spend more than a few hours every day using a computer, you’ll know only too well how easy it can be to get sidetracked.
Of course if you have a boss breathing down your neck, that sidetracking doesn’t always last too long.However, if you work for yourself, it can be a very different story. Staying focused on work can be a pretty impossible task when there are all those interesting tweets and facebook statuses to read, and all those new viral cat videos that you just have to watch. If you’re a tad guilty of wasting precious ‘work hours’ in this way, we think you’re gonna love this - our Top 5 Tools to Stop you Slacking....
Nanny for Google Chrome
This is an extension for Chrome which can help your online productivity by blocking sites that hold you back. You can block particular sites for certain times or can limit your access to sites to a certain time period every day. If you don’t want to be that ‘controlling’, you can instead simply use Nanny to track and record the amount of time you spend on certain sites every day and then if the results are pretty scary, start using the other features.
LeechBlock
If you’re a Firefox user, this extension is the one for you. Again you can specify which sites you would like to block and the times you would like to block them. LeechBlock lets you block up to six sets of sites at any one time and you can also block sites for distinct time periods or set a time limit for yourself where the blocking comes in once your allocated time expires.
Lockout
This app is the one to use if you’re a Linux user in need of something to keep the productivity up. It can be used to install a firewall which stops you browsing the web. This clever little app also changes the root password for a specified time period, so you can’t sneakily remove the firewall and browse the web regardless.
MacFreedom
Don’t let the name mislead you with this one - it’s available for both Mac and PC. Acclaimed by many of the world’s leading writers, MacFreedom disables the internet for whatever time period you specify. Whilst it’s running, you would actually have to reboot your computer should you want to access the internet. Unlike the other tools listed here, MacFreedom is not free - it costs $10 although a free trial version is available.
Anti Social
If it’s addiction to social networks that is keeping you back, this is the tool that can help. Currently only available for Mac, it prevents you accessing Twitter, Facebook et al and thereby can have a real positive impact on what you get done. A free trial is available and a fully registered version costs $15.
If you’ve used any of these tools, we’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any non-app methods for stopping the whole slacking off thing, let us know. Spill the beans over at the forum...
If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 10th September 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.