Parental Control

[Moonshine]

Hello all.

I wonder whether someone could advise me as to whether there is a free Parental Control program I could download to my computer, which is compatible with Windows XP, or do I need to think about purchasing one?  I don't know anything about this kind of thing, but would like to ensure my son is safe whilst surfing the web.  I don't want anything complicated, as I am far from a techie (which you may recall from some of my previous posts!!).  Are there any trustworthy, reputable websites that have free Parental Control programs I could download?  I did try to look into the Microsoft one, but it seems that it's only valid for Vista users.  Also, what exactly do such programs do?  Do they prevent anyone looking at an unsuitable website, or can it be overridden by the adult?  Are such programs compatible with anti-virus etc?

Many thanks for any help in advance.

[Rik]

I've never needed one, so can't speak from personal experience. Hopefully someone who knows will be along shortly, but there's a free tool at:

http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/

and there's a thread on the issue at:

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/askjack/2008/05/which_parental_control_softwar.html

[Moonshine]

Thanks for the quick reply, Rik.

I'll certainly take a look.

[Simon]

I don't think it's free, but Net Nanny seems to have a good reputation.

http://www.netnanny.com/

[Glenn]

I don't think it's free, but Net Nanny seems to have a good reputation.

http://www.netnanny.com/

That would be my 1st suggestion too

[Moonshine]

Thanks for all your help.  I am now armed with a bit more information and intend to look into these options further.

[Captain K]

I was impressed by Cyber Patrol, as it was very sophisticated in what it blocked and allowed through.  I tried really hard when it was installed on my son's PC to access inappropriate material, and just couldn't do it.  But if the material was appropriate, but there was a risk that a certain keywords might get it blocked, it was always let through.

For example, I imagined I was a 14-year old student researching the rise of the Nazi party in 1930's Germany for a history project.  Entering "Nazi" in Google produces a mix of legitimate historical analysis, and fascist race-hate sites.  I tried every link down to page 15 on the Google list, and every inappropriate site was blocked, and every legitimate site was let through.

It also monitored MSN messenger.  You can tell it certain keywords to look out for, to ensure the child is not giving away information, such as the child's name, address. phone number or (God forbid!) your credit card number, and its even sophisticated enough to spot ways of trying to get round it's protection, for example by typing "three five" instead of "35", or by putting spaces or asterisks between letters.

Highly recommended.

[somanyholes]

as good as it gets for free!  http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

[Simon]

That's worth remembering, So. 

[somanyholes]

have added this one before, but if your a firefox user and have kids at an elementary school age this is well thought out.

http://www.glubble.com/