Does anyone know of a FREE computer program that I can use to Track my young (12) y/o son's computer use?

Answer 1

go to downloads.com and find a keylogger program. You'll be able to see what he's written, who's written him, and what websites he's visited. Although, make sure that he doesn't run any adware/spyware programs because he'll find it and figure out what you're doing.

Try out "All In One Keylogger 2.53"
Seems to have pretty good user reviews.

Answer 2

There are literally millions and millions of websites your child could access at any time.

They best way to get a feel for where he has been is to take a look at his "cookies", those temporary files that websites drop onto your computer to leave a footprint they can identify if he stops by again later.

To see where he's been, open Internet Explorer. Up on the toolbar, click TOOLS. Select INTERNET OPTIONS. In the section marked 'temporary internet files', select SETTINGS. Click VIEW FILES.

A page will come up that lists where he's been. You can make each of the columns wide enough to read by putting your cursor between the columns and dragging it sideways.

As a note, your child can erase any or all of those files with little trouble by clicking DELETE COOKIES or DELETE FILES instead of clicking the SETTINGS button. That said, you may miss some of the signals you need for effective parenting. A frank discussion with your child about what internet conduct you expect from him may be more effective than trying to follow his tracks.

Good luck! - Stuart

Answer 3

Visage Surveillance 2.0
Watch what your spouse, children, or employees do on the computer while you are not around. Visage captures all user activities on a PC. Similar to surveillance cameras, Visage takes screen snapshots at the time interval you specify. It also captures all keystrokes, even passwords, and records all Web sites visited by the user. It features a customized recording schedule, to record activities only at the specified time of the day or day of the week. It captures all applications run and Web sites visited on the system and time spent in each application and all keystrokes per application run. It includes selective recording; automatic start or stop recording only when selected applications are running in the foreground; inactivity timeout; graphical reports; and smart data capture and compression to minimize disk usage.
http://Bigdoggpinc.ispeedway.com/ has it just put those words "Visage Surveillance" in the search for software box at the bottom of the page and enjoy the comfort of knowing without them knowing.

Answer 4

Rather than betray your sons trust and track his use, why not just install a program that blocks his access to harmful sites. Also, talk to him as an adult about what is and is not ok to do on the internet.

For a good program to block bad sites and such, check out: http://www.download.com/K9-Web-Protection/3000-2162_4-10519321.html?tag=lst-0-1

It is from Blue Coat Technologies, a big provider of corporate firewalls, it is 100% free, easy to use, and super effective, even I couldn't get around it, and that is saying something.

Answer 5

It's great that you care so much about your son to keep him from making possibly lifechanging mistakes, but it's very important that you approach the situation with openness and honesty toward your son. If you don't, he will come to be bitter with you and eventually hate you for being sneaky and someone not to be trusted. Tell him that you are going to be monitoring the computer for his safety and your peace of mind. That way, he won't feel like you are trying to get him in trouble and he probably won't mind. Honesty is the key. Good luck parenting.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I'd rather put the computer in the living room to deter any activities that the family can't see. That is more direct and respectable.

Answer 8

On your browsers tool bar (up at the top of ur screen) go to "view"...then go to "explore bar"...then go to "history". You will be able to see all the sites ever visited on your computer. As far as seeing much more than that...I do not know what is available on the market.

Answer 9

I don't know of one but I'm going to keep an eye on this question. My son knows I monitor his internet use and is more then fine with it. You should, considering all the predators out there, be monitoring his internet use.

Answer 10

My advice to you is to trust in him. Children don't really want to look up that crap. And if they do, they are to learn those things later in life, aren't they? To most children, things such as violence and sexual content are just things. Unless your child is extremely sensitive towards those things, just talk to him about it. If he is very sensitive, your child's security is worth the money. However, if you sincerely can't pay, you can do a google search.