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Thursday
March 11, 2010 Since 1922 |
Internet safety for loved ones
By Aaron Barbee
Contributor Published October 31, 2009 Question: I’d like to control what my kids are doing on the Internet. Is there something I can put on the computer to keep track of where they go and deny certain places?
Answer: There’s some really neat software programs out there that will help you lock the Internet down for kids, and even spouses if that’s what you’re after. Most of these programs will be visible to the computer user, so just be aware of that. It’s always best to talk to the child before installing these programs. Explain to them the perils of going to the wrong places and what information to not give out online.
One of the top two parental control programs is called CyberPatrol and it can be found at www.cyberpatrol.com. Not only can you block bad Web sites, but you can also set up levels based on age and maturity. CyberPatrol allows you to set time limits on how long browsing is allowed too. I have never used CyberPatrol, but it seems like you can block other programs like chat, and instant messaging (AIM, Yahoo, etc) as well. It’s a yearly fee, but you should get good product support for that.
The other of the top two parental control programs is Net Nanny. You can visit their site at www.netnanny.com and download a demo program. NetNanny is not a yearly subscription, and it appears to have good tech support if needed. With NetNanny, you can schedule Internet access times, block specific Web sites and use it to monitor where your kids go. Interestingly, it appears you can also get email alerts and generate reports. They also have a business class service in which you can get equipment to help control where employees surf at the office.
Rounding out the list is one I haven’t heard of. It’s called Safe Eyes. Visit their Web site at www.internetsafety.com and check them out. Safe Eyes also appears to be a yearly subscription fee. Their Web site not only has information on their product but general information for parents on Internet usage for kids. It appears that Safe Eyes has the same capability as their competitors, such as web blocking, time limits, program blocking, reports and email alerts.
It seems that these three programs essentially do the same thing, just a little differently and with a slightly different look. I highly suggest you check out each Web site and see which one fits for your particular needs. All of them appear to offer a trial demo, so you check it out without having to pay anything. As I said before, it’s best to talk about Internet safety in conjunction to using these software titles. It’s the best way to protect your loved ones.
Check out my Web site www.TexasComputerGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.
Contributor Published October 31, 2009 Question: I’d like to control what my kids are doing on the Internet. Is there something I can put on the computer to keep track of where they go and deny certain places?
Answer: There’s some really neat software programs out there that will help you lock the Internet down for kids, and even spouses if that’s what you’re after. Most of these programs will be visible to the computer user, so just be aware of that. It’s always best to talk to the child before installing these programs. Explain to them the perils of going to the wrong places and what information to not give out online.
One of the top two parental control programs is called CyberPatrol and it can be found at www.cyberpatrol.com. Not only can you block bad Web sites, but you can also set up levels based on age and maturity. CyberPatrol allows you to set time limits on how long browsing is allowed too. I have never used CyberPatrol, but it seems like you can block other programs like chat, and instant messaging (AIM, Yahoo, etc) as well. It’s a yearly fee, but you should get good product support for that.
The other of the top two parental control programs is Net Nanny. You can visit their site at www.netnanny.com and download a demo program. NetNanny is not a yearly subscription, and it appears to have good tech support if needed. With NetNanny, you can schedule Internet access times, block specific Web sites and use it to monitor where your kids go. Interestingly, it appears you can also get email alerts and generate reports. They also have a business class service in which you can get equipment to help control where employees surf at the office.
Rounding out the list is one I haven’t heard of. It’s called Safe Eyes. Visit their Web site at www.internetsafety.com and check them out. Safe Eyes also appears to be a yearly subscription fee. Their Web site not only has information on their product but general information for parents on Internet usage for kids. It appears that Safe Eyes has the same capability as their competitors, such as web blocking, time limits, program blocking, reports and email alerts.
It seems that these three programs essentially do the same thing, just a little differently and with a slightly different look. I highly suggest you check out each Web site and see which one fits for your particular needs. All of them appear to offer a trial demo, so you check it out without having to pay anything. As I said before, it’s best to talk about Internet safety in conjunction to using these software titles. It’s the best way to protect your loved ones.
Check out my Web site www.TexasComputerGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.