My kids are getting to the age that I want to start blocking sites on the internet (Chat, IM, etc.) What is a good program that will keep them out of the places they shouldn't be?
What I like about it is the following: Lets me set time limits for both the PC and Internet use per user. And also lets you set the time frame they can use the pc. You can adjust the time from day use or week use. So, give your give 20 hours of internet use for a 7 day period but only between 4pm to 8pm and longer on weekends. Once that 20 is gone, that's it. You can filter words they may type in chat rooms and if they violate these words or try to visit a blocked website, you can get EMAIL alerts and computer use history emailed to you daily. You can also set up temp passwords in case they want to do something that you have blocked and need to allow them computer use for homework or something, they type in the temp password and it's good for the amount of time you set. It also has a REMOTE access ability so you can make changes without going to the machine and logging in (it does have to be on.. ) Another nice feature, it has age settings. I have a 17 and 14 year old that fits one area. A 11 year old that fits another. It will "adjust" settings for that age group. The interface isn't that hard to navigate. One minor issue I had was the "chat/IM filtering" tool. Seems mine didn't install any words so I had to download an update (I emailed them from the program and got a link and reponse in less then 24 hrs). It works perfect. Type in ORAL and I get a urgent email telling me a "bad word" was used. A little anal but it's my job..
It has a free trial so you can try it out. I was using zonealarm internet security suite on a XP machine but it lacked the time restrictions. There is a internet security suite out there that's a fire wall, virus checker, and has parental controls but is limited on the time settings (a pluse for me). I've tried about 3 different "controls" and like this one the best.
Know of any programs where I can block the words: SHOP, VISA, SALE, MASTERCARD, EBAY, ect......! I wish I could keep my wife from shopping on the internet!!!
) Another nice feature, it has age settings. I have a 17 and 14 year old that fits one area. A 11 year old that fits another. It will "adjust" settings for that age group. The interface isn't that hard to navigate. One minor issue I had was the "chat/IM filtering" tool. Seems mine didn't install any words so I had to download an update (I emailed them from the program and got a link and reponse in less then 24 hrs). It works perfect. Type in ORAL and I get a urgent email telling me a "bad word" was used. A little anal but it's my job.. 
