Parental Control

[HotDamn!]

I've tried a few parental controls out for my mom because she is wanting one on her computer (for the little ones ) and the one's I've tried seem to block Facebook and a few other sites she likes to use...

I was hoping someone could suggest some to me that wouldn't do this or maybe one that will just let you block certain web pages.

BROWSER: Mozilla Firefox

Thank you for any help with this.

[johns0]

Windows has a built in content advisor that lets you control what sites that can be visited and and needs a password to go to other sites.

controlpanel/internet options/content

[HotDamn!]

Windows has a built in content advisor that lets you control what sites that can be visited and and needs a password to go to other sites.

controlpanel/internet options/content

Would that be limited to IE users only? She uses Mozilla Firefox, I'm not for sure so figured I would ask before changing any settings.

[Nelson37]

Most any kid will have the controls cracked in less time than it takes to install the software. Just Google how to crack whatever you choose.

Put the PC in plain view, make a secure login password and have Mom logout whenever she is not physically present to monitor usage.

[HotDamn!]

I would have to disagree with that.. A few that I have tried make the program itself password protected and won't even give you the option to uninstall it without a password.

It's just all about choosing a good password and I'm not too worried at all about the kids "cracking" the parental control, they wouldn't know how to start to try any of that.

But thanks for the help?.. I guess..

[usually_quiet]

Firefox can use the parental controls settings from Vista and Windows 7. There is more information at http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Parental+controls?bl=n&s=parental%20controls

[Poppa_Meth]

OpenDNS.com

You set up a free account, define the categories you wish to block, and add exceptions to the whitelist if there are certain pages you want to see despite the category. Change your DNS servers for the internet connection on your PC from the default to the OpenDNS servers and every computer using those server settings will be protected.

[Bjs]

K9

Free and works across web browsers ... can define sites as permitted

Thou it's best at preventing young ones from clicking on links in search engines which may lead to adult content

You have nothing to lose by giving it a try

[Nelson37]

If they are under the age of 10 or so, you may be OK.

Otherwise, I repeat, simply Google how to crack whatever protection you choose to install. A good password is worthless when the program can be bypassed easily. I've seen them all broken by kids under 14, often with a simple registry edit which takes about 20 seconds.

A Live Boot CD will bypass any software loaded. Blocking at the router is defeated by a simple press of a button, and a router reset could be caused by a power surge or problem. Many 12-year-olds know this.

If the kids can't figure it out, they will have a friend who will. These programs are kind of like a really good lock on a screen door. They may make you feel better, but offer no real protection.

Putting the PC in plain view and preventing ALL USAGE unless a parent is present is the only method guaranteed to work.

If you decide to rely on software, also decide on the policy which will be followed when you discover the kids surfing porn.

[guns1inger]

OpenDNS.com

You set up a free account, define the categories you wish to block, and add exceptions to the whitelist if there are certain pages you want to see despite the category. Change your DNS servers for the internet connection on your PC from the default to the OpenDNS servers and every computer using those server settings will be protected.

I second this option. I have one desktop on ethernet to the router, and one desktop and three laptops on wireless. Trying to maintain the settings on multiple machines is a pain, and I also found that most lead to performance issues. OpenDNS covers the entire network, does not require installation or maintenance on a per machine basis, and allows for a reasonable degree of control. For example, you can block a whole category, such as search engines, but make an exception for kid friendly ones.

OpenDNS has a basic free package which is pretty comprehensive, then subscription based packages that offer more detailed features. The free service suits me fine.

[HotDamn!]

Thanks guys, sorry I didn't get back sooner but the OpenDNS works great!

[El Heggunte]

I've tried a few parental controls out for my mom because she is wanting one on her computer (for the little ones ) and the one's I've tried seem to block Facebook and a few other sites she likes to use...

I was hoping someone could suggest some to me that wouldn't do this or maybe one that will just let you block certain web pages.

BROWSER: Mozilla Firefox

Thank you for any help with this.

Just a side note: IF the "kids" are of the "perseverant kind",
then they WILL find a way to see the "inadequate content" when/where they're
FAR from the watchdogs's eyes.

[HotDamn!]

As long as I can "somewhat" keep my moms computer virus free from these infected sites and give her a piece of mind than it's ok. I realize and know that they may or may not find a way around it but it's working VERY well and has been for a couple weeks now, I've been checking the browser history and double clicking links that they've TRIED to go to and guess what... No go for them so success so far

[isogonic]

or you could move to China or Australia