Good prog to keep my kids safe browsing the net? – 3138 days old

[easy-e]

Nothing is better than close supervison for sure, but I'm after something that will filter the nasty shit out of my kids web searches now that they get to use the lovely broadband connection.

It will have to be flexible as my kids are of vastly different ages. It's not relavant for the 19 month old but the nearly 10 needs minding and the nearly 18 can download porn on someone elses internet connection if he wants it The first thing he did was install a load of spyware along with 'bearshare'... DOH!

Any recommendations??

[Case]

What browser are you using?

[floppybootstomp]

Spyware Blaster stops stuff from downloading. It particularly stops ability to access porn sites (don't ask me how I know this )

Adaware 6 & Spybot Search & Destroy clean out most of the crap.

Links available in this forum's software downloads section.

They won't stop everything, only education will do that. Having said that, despite me trying to explain stuff to my lot, I still have to clean out crap on a regular basis.

I really do suspect MSN, though I haven't investigated it much and so have no real proof.

It just seems to me they spend hours on that shit and often end up with crap on their hard drive.

[TheHeretic]

I know its not exactly what your looking for but I use the History to check to see where the kiddies have been surfin. I can than make the appropiate punishments. You could even go so far as to make a login for each kid to furhter narrow down who's on when.

I have now found (long story involving renters, her kids, and my PC's) that the best way is to only allow them to be on when you are in the room and able to see the screen. This mean for me I simply had to sit and read and glance up from time to ttime. So far not to many issues with this but.... I knwo there are better ways out there.


TheHeretic

[easy-e]

Case says
What browser

It'll be only IE later versions

flopps says
don't ask me how I know this

Bad boy!

I've got adaware & spybot S&S already but not spyware blaster... thanks for that tip.

TheHeretic says
a login for each kid

Good idea! Done. Thanks.

I also found the modem/router can log URLs and email me the log. Trouble with that is that it's after the event that I find out. I can dish out computer bans after that & block the sites, but I'm really after some kind of filter so they can't get there in the first place.

Any other suggestions welcome.

[Case]

But it is free to try. Holy Hell!

you should read the reviews on these programs. They all suck, in one way or the other. Why not just use the filters in IE?

Most people I know who have content filters, have it at the ISP level.

[Case]

I found this, is somewhat appropriate. It's from a Church Website, looks like, which figures . . .


Pornography and Internet Safety

Parents can do many things to safeguard their homes from the harmful influences found on the Internet. While there is no foolproof system, some simple steps can help reduce the risk of family members seeing pornographic materials on the Internet.

1. Place computers in high-traffic areas of the home. Kitchens, family rooms, and studies usually have the most traffic. Because these rooms usually don’t have doors, they are typically less secluded than bedrooms. Position computer monitors so the screen faces out for public view.

2. Install a filtering program, and learn its features and how to use it. Good filtering programs allow you to view a history of which sites (including chat rooms) have been visited and when, as well as a record of incoming and outgoing e-mails.

3. Teach family members about the dangers of Internet pornography, including how to escape if an inappropriate site is accidentally accessed. This usually involves shutting down the entire system.

4. Teach family members to tell parents if they encounter any form of pornography while on the computer. This will help reduce the fear or shame of accidental exposure. It also serves to open discussion about the dangers of pornography.

5. Teach family members to use the Internet for a specific purpose only. Aimless surfing makes it easier to wander onto inappropriate sites.

6. Instant messaging is a cost-effective, easy way to communicate with family and close friends. However, teach family members to avoid public chat rooms, bulletin boards, or unfamiliar areas on the Internet. Such places present an unnecessary risk for children and adults.

7. Teach children not to share any personal information online without parental knowledge and permission. Many predators pose as children to gain access and information that may put children at risk.

8. Educate yourself about your computer and how the Internet works.

9. Be aware of what your children’s school and public library policies are regarding Internet use and accessibility.

10. Teach family members to never open e-mail from someone they don’t know.

The Internet is a wonderful tool and resource for families, but caution must be exercised in order to protect families and individuals from the potential dangers that are present online.

[Case]

OK, here's a good site for educating yourself . . .

http://www.internetfilterreview.com/

[Case]

Wow, look at these stats . . .

[026TB4U]

Off the top of my head I was going to say Cyberpatrol and Netnanny. I think they've been around the longest. I just recently set up my kids' machines with parental control that was free and provided by my isp. Works great so far.

[easy-e]

Case says...
However, teach family members to avoid ... bulletin boards ... on the Internet. Such places present an unnecessary risk for children and adults.

Haw! Must be careful next time I stop by here in case all you dodgy folks lead me astray!!

Seriously though, good links case, and amazing stats! My woman got worried just glimpsing them!

I've heard of net-nanny in the past 026TB4U, been around awile that one maybe. I'll give it a trial I think, and look at the built in stuff in IE.

Unfortunately my ISP doesn't do filtering that would have made a good starting place.

Thanks for your input folks.