parental controls

X-post, Fup2: misc.kids.computer

I am looking for a utility for Windows XP which
can control which programs can at one time be executed.

While I want my son to use his educational software etc,
I want to be able to turn installed games etc off at that time
and only grant access for certain periods of time (not even automated).

On a UNIX system I'd just write a shell-script to set the permissions
or such, but on Windows?

Ideally, the utility should also be usable (ie turn on-off) by Mom,
so an easy interface should be included. (I can configure the
settings, they must simply be switchable by Mom..)

There seems to be an option to have a separate account with
access to the games and one for school work etc, but that does
not sound like a good solution. I hope there is something better:

a) group games into categories
b) turn on/off categories
c) optionally a time-limiting function

Any hints, pointers etc appreciated.

Also, hints for other tools parents have found useful (other than
actual games, educational software which is OT for *this* thread) for
managing their children's computer usage would be appreciated..

I can summarize to the group (misc.kids.computer) what I learn

regards
Mathias

Read this.Special look at Parental control ,point 3


1 .Create as many computer accouts as you need.

If your computer is going to be used from more than one person
(family members,friends,colleagues ,etc...) ,
make others limited users and you - Administrator
So that you'll have full control of the PC,but they would only be
able to change their files and few settings only !

If you are a parent and would like your children to access the internet,
create the limited user accounts.More about the parental control below

!!! Windows XP has hidden built-in administartor account
accessable only in Safe Mode.
Get into Safe Mode and password protect it.

| How to boot your computer in Safe Mode |

Do this by repeatedly typing F8 while Windows is starting before
Windows logo appears.
Then you'll open the BIOS menu where you can choose to boot
the hard drive in SAFE MODE

(If you are XP user ,find more about Safe Mode
in Help and Support Center ; Start-Help and Suport)


2. Password-protect your account and your files

Make strong password,
with numbers,letters and at least one special character
Start - Settings - Control Panel - User accounts

Do not share your password with your kids


| PARENTAL CONTROL |

Internet is useful for everybody and even for the children
They can search information for school project,listen to music,play on-line
games
and even talk to friends
But it is even dangerous
What I would recommend is to talk to your child/children and to explain them
about
the activities they do not have to do while online
Then,do not trust your children fully.Install a good software/s/ to help
protect your PC and your family's privacy

So....
1. Create your children limited user accounts in Windows XP
So they will have their own My documents folder
but will not be able to access PC settings
Limited users can download everything but cannot install anything
,so they cannot install any spyware/virus in the family's computer.

Children limited account should NOT be password-protected !!!

Parent administartor account should be password-protected !!!


2. Turn on Internet Explorer's Content Advisor
It would help your children not to open pornographic pages
and pages with bad content
Start- Settings - Control Panel - Internet Options - Content tab
and then enable it and check the settings


3. Microsoft has made a component to help protect a computer
that is used by many people.It prevents limited users from access to
^chosen by the admin user^ programs and files and also prevent them
from downloading files and other things
It is easy to use and can be configured to meet everybody's needs

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/faq.mspx

/example : A parent with Administrator rights can prevent a children
with limited account to use a chat program or download a new one /


4. When a child uses the internet ,
the computer should have an antivirus software ON + firewall always ON

http://www.pandasoftware.com/about/resp_social/children_internet
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Panda Platininum Internet Security 2005



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