I Need Recommendations for Filtering Software for My Children and Family Home Network

I have three computers that are connected through a router. I have cable. I would like to put some sort of software on the master computer (mine of course) that would permit the children limited access to sites on the net for a limited period of time each day. I also want a file of where they have been and how long. I also want substantial filtering or a system that only goes to certain sites I specify. One that will not permit links to operate.

Has anyone experience with this sort of software? Is there such an animal? Your opinion and experience is valued here. Again, FreeRepublic my husband-substitute!

It's very useful and granular enough for me.

I block classes of programs. I don't have a problem in our house with Gnutella (napster/limewire) crap (ports 6346, 6347), no IM after certain hours (5190-5193 for AOL IM, other ports for other IM). There is no IRC allowed in our house(port 194), and any other class of program that I want to block. I can turn off games access at certain times remotely by port blocking.

I don't practice site blocking (or word blocking) for the simple fact that it doesn't work. My kids know that if they do something stupid - I'll know (or find out) and they'll lose access to their computer - completely.

I don't rely upon 3rd party "software" to do something that I should do.

I use a piece of software that is called "Parents Friend". It is written by a chap from Germany and it does all that you require. It is Shareware and the crippled version (in the logfile every 4th Letter will be replaced by a dot) is free. To register it costs $5 I think.

It has the ability to restrict access to the internet browser or any other program at specific times of the day that you can configure. It has a keystroke logfile that shows what keys were pressed and what was clicked on by the mouse and every URL that is access on the internet.

It has been invaluable to me and the mere presence of this software on our 2 networked PCs has kept my kids honest. I've told them what it is and what it does (but not the password to access ti). They know that Dad is watching.

You can download a copy from this site

To register the software, contact the author. His contact info is on the same page.

The only drawback is monetary. The author will require you to load a license key that is particular to each PC you are using it on. So, three computers will require three copies and three licenses. Still, it's fairly inexpensive for what it does.

The only other software that comes close is WinGuardian. I tried that one but it wasn't as robust.

Good luck!

Check out MAX filtering. Max.Com

It costs $10 per month but works great. You can setup individual filtering logins for each family member based on their age, they have their own dial-up ISP or you can use it over broadband.

After a few initial bugs its working great for us.

You have some good points.

Training and control of ones children is for sure the number one thing.

Blocking IM and stuff like that is also very good.

However, I don't see any reason not to use all the tools available. People who know what they are doing stumble into porn sites by accident. It is just too easy to quickly click on something, not sure what it is, and get into an ugly site.

The content blockers, while not perfect, DO provide another level of protection. Also a log of sites visited puts tremendous teeth in the "I'll find out" threat.

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