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Parental Controls

Protect my family from inappropriate websites.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.opendns.com/

The absolute first thing to do is set up very limited accounts for them to use. Never allow administrator rights, never use an admin password that they could figure out or find.
I agree using opendns is an excellent way to block unwanted sites access.

There's lots of information about setting up and using it, just google it, and it is free.
This is a good article from windows secrets newsletter

http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/use-opendns-to-surf-safely-with-these-tricks/

http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/use-opendns-to-surf-safely-with-these-tricks/

Here is a link that might be useful: How to use opendns

I also wanted to mention that using a browser like firefox and installing addons like no script will help a lot. Plus keeping all the things on the pc fully updated including java, flash, adobe, and of course windows and the security products including anti malware programs like malwarebytes free.
Using secunia osi scanner to help you find what you need to update is helpful.

Thank you ravencajun. I will read the article and explore opendns. Our family computer is closely monitored and password protected but I want to protect kids from accidental finds. My 19 year old son received his own laptop for the first time and I want to install this on his as well. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I still have so much to learn.

I highly recommend Open DNS, which Mikie gave the link for. It is used by many businesses, schools, libraries, as well as private users. It is free. I have used it for several years, and it can be set for various levels of protection.

One thing I forgot to mention is that it can be set up in your router configuration so that anyone using your signal will have the same protection.

What exactly is Open DNS? Could someone explain what it does and is it complicated? What is DNS? I looked at the web page but it doesn't say what it is.

I don't understand these things at all, but it sounds like a good thing. An explanation might help the OP also.

Jane

every time you type in a web address . its a friendly name like yahoo.com.

Well thats nice for humans, but the computers work with numbers.

DNS servers are used by every computer,,, they keep a list of the friendly names, and convert those friendly names to the real IP numbers... which is basically the address to the website.

OpenDNS filters those numbers and serves you a subpage saying ... cant allow you to porn or virus sites. And such... they have a list of check box for you to filter what you want or dont want fairly easy.

Thank you mikie for the explanation. I will install opendns today on router. However, son takes his laptop to college (where he is likely protected, I know) but not protected other places that have wi-fi. I probably need to download software onto his. My concerns are will it slow his computer down? Are there any recommendations for this software? Any free recommendations? Thank you all so much.

if you go to the opendns site you will see to the far right family shield I would go with that it is a bit easier to use and configure all made by the same people.
FamilyShield

"FamilyShield can put your mind at ease. It automatically filters out adult and other objectionable websites. You can set it up on a specific computer, or you can set it up on your home network's router. Putting it on a router protects all computers and Internet gadgets in your home.
FamilyShield is a service from the same people behind OpenDNS. You can actually use OpenDNS the same way, but it's more difficult to set up. For a really simple way to block adult sites, go with FamilyShield."

Use OpenDNS to surf safely with these tricks

I wanted to make the link I had mentioned in my first response a clickable link. It is a very good article on opendns and explains a lot.

@Joanie38: Yes, put this on your son's computer before he leaves. No, it will not slow down his computer at all since it uses no resources. Emphasize that this is absolutely Free.

Umm, a question for those who do or have used OpenDNS.

What happens if the college lad uses a live Linux CD?

Not trying to be argumentative in the least but it seems to me a 19 year old in college might have 2000 to 5000 friends who will help him over ride any unwanted features. Better that Joannie understands she may not have the last call but has at least done the very best she can.

You have brought up a very good point owbist. However, my 19 year old has already discovered pornography and we are trying to reduce the chances of an addiction to porn. We are doing what we can to help him but ultimately, it is his decision. Just not in my house or on the laptop that we bought for him to use in college, if we can help it.

don't worry mom.. at college he wont find time for the porn :)

With all due respect and I do appreciate a mother's concern, you son is old enough to vote and die for his country. I'm thinking he'll find a geeky friend in college that will quickly bypass any security measures you might add anyway.

I'm sure your son is a decent and respectful young man. Treat him that way. "Not in my house" should be sufficient.

Also set the monitors facing the door or set their computer up in the family room where people come and go.

If he wants to watch porn he will find it no matter what you do, your a great parent to try & protect him but he's no longer under you roof, he's now on his own to make his own choices and you can only hope he makes good choices from here on.

You know this thread is over a year old right? It was brought back by a scammer but the post was deleted.