Software for kids

funkyphantom

funkyphantom

funkyphantom

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Joined
4 Oct 2004
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1,277
Hi guys, I made a pc for my lad at christmas, and got my girl her first netbook. They're both connected to the internet, but i'd like to hide the 'darker side' of the net from them for a fair few years yet. Is there any software available to do this? I've heard of 'Net Nanny' but haven't got a clue how good it is. Preferably free would be good but would pay if its worth it.
Regards
FP
 
I use Windows Live Family Safety, this works fine. With the web filtering set to 'Designed for Children' he can only really access childrens sites, Moshi Monsters, CBBC etc.

You can also white list websites has you come across them, you can manually override the settings with the parents password and block downloads etc.
 
Another vote for OpenDNS.

You can choose to use their FamilyShield option which is free, or pay an annual subscription of 10$ and select your own filters. Familyshield is not infallible, there were reports of RedTube being accessible a couple of years ago.

The benefit of a premium membership is that you can also view the domains that have been accessed over a given period:-

opendns1.png


You can then look at individual domains:-

opendns2.png


You can see which domains have been blocked:-

opendns3.png


If any domains get through that you don't like, then you can block them (this takes 3 minutes to upload to all servers) and then refer the domain for review.

Finally, you can customise your settings so that the internet access is exactly how you want it:-

opendns4.png


Obviously, the DNS settings are applied to your router and then your router secured so that DNS settings cannot be altered.

If you use a dynamic IP, then you can also install software that updates the IP if it should change.

OpenDNS also prevents access to Phishing websites automatically.

Hope this helps :)
 
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