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What's the best way to lock down a laptop for use by two young children?
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M$8 Answers
I would suggest using OpenDNS. It has started to become very popular recently. It has very strict parental controls set in that can be customized to your liking. OpenDNS breaks down content into 50 categories, allowing you to pick a filtering level from high to minimal. Any changes you make will instantly go into effect. It also allows you to customize the controls by adding your own categories or by individual websites.
Now for you, the feature that is included now is a Domain Whitelist feature.
Check out all of the other features included that will also be beneficial to you at: http://www.opendns.com/solutions/homenetwork/
As you are reading this or look at the site, it might sound intimidating, but it is VERY easy to start using OpenDNS. You goto this site: https://www.opendns.com/start/ and pick if you want to set it up for just a computer or the router. There is also a video tutorial included. I have used OpenDNS to lock down my neighbors home network for their grandchildren. I strongly suggest you give it a try.
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M$
We use it on a PC at the studio that has public access to it - needless to say, the public can't change anything or access anything we don't want them to.
Best of all, the application is FREE. See the source for more information.
Microsoft Shared Access:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.ms...
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Then set up Parental Controls.
Start>Control Panel>Set Up Parental Controls for Any User, click continue at UAC prompt. Click the child's user account and elect ON, Enforce Current Settings button...
Click Windows Vista Web Filter and put limitations in place. Select only allow websites tat are on the allow list checkbox.
I've attached the link with the full instructions.
Good Luck!
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M$
http://scrubit.com/
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M$
1) open regedit (start menu > run, and type in regedit)
2) go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
3) Change Shell from explorer.exe to the new shell path
This way, they will only see the FireFox or any other browser you choose as their shell when they log in.
One more thing you can do is to add the name of the sites you want to allow your kids to access into the HOSTfile in windows and diss-allow anything else you can find the host file under:
\Windows\system32\drivers\etc
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You should also go into the IE menu called "Internet Options", click on the "Content" tab and then click the Parental Controls button. There you can restrict what sites your kids can visit.
http://www.totlol.org
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I agree 100% with @orange and @robbrown.
OpenDNS is so very effective and still such an easy to implement way to control internet access. And it's true: OpenDNS is often increasing your browsing speed. Even if you accidentally have entered an invalid URL, you'll get an instant response (by OpenDNS) which is often much faster than waiting for the "invalid URL" message for an address that can't be resolved.
Apart from the many advantages mentioned above, it's also useful for older kids and inexperienced adults - even if you give them full access to the web as it still protects against some phishing attacks.
I like OpenDNS too.
I'm not sure why Orange's answer received a "not helpful" vote, but I sincerely hope that his answer is taken very seriously because I think it's the best option presented.
Not only does OpenDNS increase the speed of many Internet Service Providers, the content protection & monitoring features are really great. It has a whitelist option.
OpenDNS can be configured on a per user account, per computer or even on your router to protect your whole network. There are a variety of outstanding features of this free service.
When used in combination with Windows SteadyState and Acronis True Image, this is a practical, effective way not only to protect your family but also to protect your computer.
I've been using OpenDNS for a couple years now. I hadn't realized that there was a domain white list feature. I'll have to look into that as well, thanks.
Oh, just one more tip about the answer to this question:
Laptops are great, but the components are not built to withstand regular use by children.
I recommend that you purchase an inexpensive keyboard, mouse and external monitor. Connect them up to the laptop and close the lid when in-use.
This way, you won't have to worry about the kids banging on the keyboard, spilling some juice, or otherwise "being kids". Keyboards cost $10 to replace and the large keys are always easier for little fingers.
The only other suggestion that I can think of is that if you place the computer in a public area such as the kitchen or living room, you will rarely have a problem with inappropriate content in any form.
More than movies, tv, or music, parents should be involved in the consumption of the Internet by children. When in a public area, children will be free to ask questions about content and technical processes. Overall, their first independent experiences with technology will be better if they know that you're there to help them.
If you have a newer LCD big screen tv (or are thinking about getting one), check to see if it has a VGA input. Attach a wireless keyboard and mouse to the laptop and store it along with your home theater equipment. Putting the family computer in the living room is one of the easiest ways (even without content filtering) to ensure that everything viewed is above board.