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

02.10.04 | mlmr

[mlmr]

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!

[mlmr]

I have to go to bed. I humbley request that this be kept bumped.

Grateful thanks!

[sd-joe]

With a network and a router, you either need to put software on each of the pc's, or get a router that does the filtering.

The router solution keeps the stuff from even getting to the pc's, and you can schedule times etc. However, none of the solutions are totally foolproof, or childproof.

[mlmr]

The router filters??? How, who? I just bought a router. It said nothing about filtering.

[Ol' Sox]

Look into Cyber Patrol. www.cyberpatrol.com

[Mannaggia l'America]

It's not for the faint of heart to set up, but you could look at Dan's Guardian, but you are going to need a Linux or BSD system to use it.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Router filters can be utilized to close off the router to certain types of traffic or certain ports. That will not help you in content filtering or restircting web destinations. Wish I could make a recommendation for you but I am not knowledgable about this type of consumer software.

[TheBattman]

American Family Filter:

http://www.afafilter.net/

[Ramius]

With the cable and router situation you describe there really isn't a "master computer" anymore. The best place to control traffic is at (or rather just behind) the cable router to the Internet.

Look at the Netgear ProSafe series of personal firewalls. You should be able to whitelist certain web sites and block others, and log activity.

But keep in mind: Your kids will always be better at hacking computers than you are. There isn't a box that will monitor their activity better than you. As long as they have physical access to the machines and routers and wires they can and probably will find ways to bypass your security.

[Mannaggia l'America]

We use Cyberpatrol (or is it called Surfpatrol now?) at my kids Catholic school. It's OK, but I'm trying to move them to Dan's Guardian, which I mentioned in a previous post.

Cyberpatrol, at least the one we have, works either of a list of sites allowed (not very useful) or their "CyberNOT" list, which is basically a big list of blocked web sites. It does not do content filtering - that is, it doesn't look at what is on the page to determine whether or not it should be blocked (Dan's Guardian does).

But the server version of Cyberpatrol does have features like specifying times when restricted surfing is allowed, logging, etc. And a yearly fee to keep their block list up to date.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Are you using Windows XP? With that operationg system you can set yourself up as a password-protected Administrator and the kids as client users. This will give you control over their internet security and, more importantly, content. Most rough sites comply with a voluntary ratings system that this feature monitors (scum have children, too), but it's not foolproof. Nothing is, but it's a good start.

[mlmr]

As long as they have physical access to the machines and routers and wires they can and probably will find ways to bypass your security.

I really have to go to bed, but I cannot resist one last crack.

Am I going to have to tie their little hand behind their backs? Perhaps they can then do their schoolwork with a pencil in their teeth. ( for all of you serious sorts, this is a joke!)

[nevergore]

Invest in a stealth monitoring program also....This way you can review the kid's IM's and other net access without them knowing it....

No matter what software you load to filter they (or the porn folks & the hackers) will figure a way around it....

The stealth monitoring software will allow you to spot any dangerous trends within your childs on-line behavior and give you some piece of mind....

BTW, you can never divulge that it is there or it will ruin it's effectiveness since the kids will either bypass (depending on how computer savvy) or just guard their comments on the home PC...A good program is Spector Professional, it records all instant messages, e-mails, webb sites and screen shots....also every key stroke...

NeverGore

[mlmr]

The kids are on XP home I am XP pro.

[PokeyJoe]

Look at a good list of port numbers and block those that you don't like. AND - turn on your router's log (keeps traffic of incoming and outgoing traffic destinations). Everything else is common sense. One thing that worked in our house - I networked the kids computers in the living room. (I have a fully networked house and .... too many computers) You have to trust your kids at some point, but not until they go to college. =)

[NewRomeTacitus]

There are few things worse than incomplete advice. After looking further into your dilemma it appears that you can cover the most bases by implementing Microsoft’s advice in the linked article and installing Norton’s Internet Security product. This should eliminate the need to rewire your network or purchase additional hardware. Hopefully you will be ceaselessly irritated by your children complaining about their limited web access.
What they see at their friend’s homes can only be immunized by wise parenting, but you are obviously well along in providing that. Best of luck!

http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/childrenonline.asp

http://www.symantec.com/press/2001/n010828a.html

[Jeff Chandler]

Keep the computers in family areas, and monitor their usage.

[sd-joe]

The router filters??? How, who? I just bought a router. It said nothing about filtering.

Sorry, I had to go away right after I posted that response to you.

You have to choose a router that includes this filtering. Most of the newer Netgear routers have it. Most of the better D-Link routers now have it. You have to look at the specs and the solutions differ.

I managed a neat Netgear router that was tied to a subscription service that maintained a list of no-no sites, which were periodically updated. This was one of the most complete, hands-off solutions.

If you have a router now, get into the configuration, look into the advanced features, and look under "firewall" features. Some of the configurations are a real bear to find things in. However, it is worth doing a level of filtering at the router level even if you do more filtering at the individual pc level. Anything stopped at the router is pretty safe from bypass by smart kids. You password protect access to the router configuration and they can't mess with it. Also, the better routers will keep a log of Internet access for you.

[sd-joe]

Port number blocking is really useless. It is not granular enough. Sure you can block them from even using the Web, but that is like "throwing the baby out with the bath water".

[sd-joe]

Router filters can be utilized to close off the router to certain types of traffic or certain ports. That will not help you in content filtering or restircting web destinations.

Actually, some of the better newer routers WILL do content filtering and restrict web destinations.