staying safe online?

Question

My children have just started using computers at home as they have been using them at school.

I am soo worried about them online and I want too be able to check what they are doing every now and again.

I dont want them to think I distrust them but I need to know they are safe.

How is it possible for me to see what they are doing in their rooms on the pcs?

I was looking at key loggers that email everything they are typing but some are very pricey?

Can anyone help please?

We are all on a wireless network if that helps?

Answer 1

Take the PCs out of their rooms - make them use the PCs only in common space in your home where you can keep an eye on them. They're less likely to venture into questionable areas if you are around, even if you're not watching.

Answer 2

Hello,

(ANS) Although I am not a parent myself I do sympathize with your concerns. I think there are quite a few things you can and should do.

No.1 DON'T hide your concerns from your children, go & sit down with them and talk about what & how they will use the computer.

No.2 Make sure from a technical point of view that you have a good quality software firewall or personal firewall installed on each computer they are going to use. A firewall will help shield the machine from hackers,etc. You can download & install a freeware version of ZoneAlarm its a basic firewall & works extremely well to protect you when online.

http://www.zonelabs.com

No.3 Make sure the computer does have updated anti virus software, such as AVG Free anti virus (by Grisoft) http://www.free.grisoft.com

In addition make sure you have anti spyware software such as Ad Aware, or SpyBot Search & Destroy, or A2Square anti malware. These are all freeware for personal use.

No.4 You can download whats called Parental control software, this allows you to control what you kids can & cannot do online. There are a number of such programs if you search for them, the one that comes to mind is NetNanny.

No.5 Remove or move the computer from closed bed rooms into a communal living area so that you can see or easily keep an eye on what the PC is being used for.

**Yes! there are some freeware "keyloggers" if you search for them, have a look through the following site which has a large listing of high quality freeware.

http://www.snapfiles.com

or

http://www.webattack.com

Hope that helps?

Best Regards Ivan
(many years in the computer industry, MCSE trained)

Answer 3

When my son first started using the pc I was there with him, and I explained what the rules were, and that they were for his own safety. So far we haven't had any problems. Your kids need to know not to use their real identity online or to give any personal information.
My lad uses a limited user account. I've got loads of security software installed to protect against spyware installing itself, but not a keylogger. They are of limited use. By the time you find out theres a problem its too late. They need to know whats safe and what isn't, and they shouldn't be left until they're mature enough to take responsibility. You wouldn't give them vodka and the keys top the car.
There are loads of websites with good tips about child safety online. You can also instal software that restricts access to certain websites (like NetNanny). A keylogger is locking the stable door after the horse has bolted and doesn't teach kids how to stay safe.

You can get parental control software from one of these sites. These are safe, legal download sites. Some of the programs are shareware and some are freeware;
http://www.download.com
http://www.snapfiles.com
http://www.sourceforge.net

Answer 4

Cinderblock's answer is right on the dot.

When the PC is in a room that's out there in the open, even an inadvertent opening of a site can be noticed and controlled.

No matter what software you put on the PC to control access to sites, pornographers will have a way to bypass it. It's their business, they need to circumvent the controls, so they will.

On another note, do encourage your children to ask you whatever they wish and guarantee them a non-judgemental reply. That'll prevent them from seeking the reply online and getting decidedly skewed answers.

All the best.

Answer 5

I've got 3 teenagers and know where you are coming from. The best option I know of is Network Magic. You can get a free evaluation from this site, but you will need to upgrade to the Pro version (about $26) to get "the answer." It's a daily email that lists every site visited, for how long ........ ad nauseum. What you do then is the $100K question.

Answer 6

i have came back to this question 3 times to see answers
it may not be what you are after but good info any way

restricted zones porn blocker


http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/category.aspx?bcatid=834&tabid=1/default.aspx

when you have found book marks or in history
go to those sites
OR IF YOU KNOW THE WEB ADDRES
or when you have a web page open above the task bar you will
see a globe - trusted sites restricted etc
click on that icon
choose restricted sites
add this site by in the address bar located at top of your screen
run your mouse accross that text it will turn blue
right click mouse
choose copy
go back to restricted sites
right click in that address bar choose paste
click ok apply etc
go back to that site you will not get in


BLOCK SENDERS LIST - SPAM

if you have yahoo mail and a lot of other like outlook
check other email programs for options like these
open email program
choose options
choose block senders
get yahoo email here http://www.yahoo.com/
User accounts and screen saver password
go to
start
control panel
user accounts
do settings your way
you can set up so they can not view your info
create them pass words
you can delete or change passwords at any time you want to
password protected screen saver is good
i use it my self
do this by
close all windows
right click on open area of desk top
choose properties
choose screen saver
choose password protect on resume
this will be your password as you are the administrator
be sure to set the time for screen saver to come on

Answer 7

Have a look at Windows Live Family Safety from Microsoft - you need something called a Windows Live ID to join up (a hotmail account will do) but the process is relatively painless
http://get.live.com/betas/familysafety_betas

Answer 8

I'm a father of 2 and there always on the net and i use Zone Alarm Internet Security to keep them safe it has these

Anti-virus
Firewall with Auto Learn
Safe Site(parental control)
Anti-spyware
System cleaner

It keeps my whole family safe on the net and blocks unwanted sites!
Its payed for but its good!

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/trial_zaFamily.jsp?dc=56pus&ctry=GB&lang=en&lid=zassskulist2_trial
heres my serial if you want it
8p6ek-bxvt1-kaurs-jjwsci-v1dqq0

Answer 9

Please keep an eye on them at all times.My grandchildren just typed in one word and what I caught them looking at was terrible. Now I am always with them when they are on the pc.

Answer 10

What's the matter ladies? Don't you like........






















































.... Chocolate??