Guess what? I'm actually getting high-speed internet tomorrow!! (I hope. the last time we scheduled this the guy didn't show up.) I'm excited. I'll be able to read many more blogs in the same amount of time. You wouldn't believe how slow this thing is now. I actually try to link to somebody and then go in the kitchen to do something real quick so as not to have to just sit here and wait. I'm looking forward to getting caught up with everybody. Maybe I'll actually be able to post some pictures without having to tie up the computer ( and the phone!) for 45 minutes. LOL
Does anybody know if you can put a password on internet explorer to prevent people from getting on the internet unsupervised? We will, of course, install a filter but I understand no filter is foolproof. Right now we have to put in a password to go online. With cable it will just come on, right?
Maybe I'll check with Jody at "Technology for Mothers Reviews and How Tos".
Anyway, here's keeping my fingers crossed.
9 comments:
There are programs you can buy ("Net Nanny" is one) that password protect access. But you have to have an adult install them, or the tech-savvy teen will know how to get around them ;-)
A clean ISP, like RC Net, is always the safest way. Hopefully, they will join the 21st century soon and offer high speed access. But until then, keep the computer in a public place, and protect it as well as possible.
If you are getting Comcast, I believe it gives you Mcafee for free, which includes a "Privacy Service"
http://us.mcafee.com/root/landingpages/afflandpage.asp?affid=108&lpname=pcs&cid=24978
(See bottom of page)
I am not sure how well it works, but knowing your family you *probably* do not need hard core protection, just a deterent.
XP does have a built-in parental controls settings. See http://www.microsoft.com/canada/home/internetandsecurity/2.4.8_protectwithparentalcontrolshowtosafeguardyourcomputer.aspx
I cannot reiterate enough, how useful setting up multiple accounts on a computer can, especially when you would like to tailor access to programs and content depending on the child. Also, it keeps them from messing with things like colors and backgrounds.
See my old post on this topic: http://momtechreview.blogspot.com/2006/10/porn-patrol-browser-history.html
If RC Net, filters that one out because it discusses "Porn", email me and I will send you the article via email.
We have multiple accounts set up on our computer. If we don't want the kids using the Internet we don't log them in--we have control over passwords.
Like others have mentioned, we've set it up so that each person has their own log in to the computer.
Once a person is signed in, and then attempts to go online, our AT&T/Yahoo Internet has a fantastic parental control feature. We've set it up so that each kid has a certain number of websites that they can go to; they're pre-approved. If they try to go to another site that isn't approved, a window pops up with two options: 1) the child can get immediate permission from a parent who has to enter a password; 2) if the parent isn't around, the kid can click the option to e-mail the parent, and the parent either approves or declines permission next time they check their e-mail.
When my oldest has some research to do online, I just sign in with my own account because I KNOW where she's searching. But, if they're just "doing their own thing" online, they use their accounts and only visit those sites which we know are safe and good.
Congratulations - we went highspeed in August, and I'm still grinning!
Congrats to you! I have been on broadband for about, oh I don't know, I guess, maybe 2 years. Really, it was one of the BEST investmets. It's a great aid for the kids homework, for making online purchases, for blogging etc. I used to hate waiting to see if the computer connected to internet...I also hated it tying up my telephone landline too.
Wouldn't be without it!
Thank you. Great suggestions. I actually don't even know how to set up separate accounts on the computer but I think my husband does. Sounds like that's the best first step. I'll check out that Mcafee too, Jodi. Also, your previous post. And Net nanny too, salome Ellen.
So, how do you like it? Dumb question. Isn't it great?
It's wonderful, Esther. I can do so much more. I'm all for efficiency. (smile)
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