Posted on 06/09/2012 5:49:09 PM PDT by 50sDad
I want to find some software that will let me shut down internet access to my daughter's bedroom computer between eleven PM and eight AM, so she will get more sleep. Can anyone recommend software that will do this?
Dad, version 0.0. It’s crude but effective.
It can limit the time she is allowed to be on the computer, as well as block certain web sites (that's all configurable).
What ever you choose, you will definatly know as soon as you get it working. She is gonna be pissed at you !!!
You can put a time limit on the router, but with a little tech know-how from her friends, she could probably learn to by-pass it.
The best bet is to have physical possession of the router in your bedroom during the hours you don’t want her to have it. If her ability to practice self-control is low enough that you need to physically possess the router, I’d suggest getting a hand on her cell phone as well, lest she figures out that she can tether her phone to her computer and you end up with a horrid cell phone bill.
Most ISPs provide a firewall and most home firewalls allow you to set up a schedule to block certain ports or traffic. I this case, simply block ports 80 and 443 during the times you do not want her to be on the computer.
The second solution is to remove the computer and place it in a PUBLIC location in the house where there is no expectation of privacy.
Third option is to create yourself as the administrator, give her an account on the computer and then use Windows to restict the times that account can be active.
Or combination of all three.
and you end up with a horrid cell phone bill.
I can tell you who should end up with that bill, and if it takes 5 years without a cell phone to pay it, so be it.
Personal accountability is a must or life becomes, let me see, Lindsey Lohan, just out of control.
Most routers will allow you to restrict access for specific computers by time of day. You’ll need the MAC address of the computer you want to restrict.
I think that using opendns (at www.opendns.com) as your “DNS” (DNS looks up web site numbers from names) for your router is a great thing that will protect your entire network including wireless devices. It has reasonably good filtering. Their basic version is free and is quite good. They have a paid version that has some additional features. If you do not have a fixed “IP address” (most people do not) then you have to run a little program on one of your computers also unless your router will automatically do it for you — many do.
However, by itself OpenDNS does NOT have time-based controls. However several brands of routers have additional controls that work using OpenDNS, and those DO have time-based controls. I think D-Link is the best of these right now, should be under $100 and is a great router in general:
Example:
http://amplifi.dlink.com/products/DIR-645
I like the idea of using the built in parental controls in Windows, also, as another suggested above. If you do that you can still use free OpenDNS and not have to get a new router.
Another thing OpenDNS does: it obscures your internet activities somewhat from your ISP. OpenDNS also has a new encrypted DNS in the works that will be even better when that is fully up. It will fight censorship some. OpenDNS also can block malware and phishing. Most freepers should consider using it when appropriate as part of their online regimen. (Never trust sites 100% however! As much as I like OpenDNS it too could be compromised!)
Get it out of her room. Now.
I could recommend some hardware.
My wireless router has settings for which hours of the day you allow internet access. Cut it off at 11PM.
Seriously?
1. Tell her to get off the computer or you will remove it from her room.
2. Remove it from her room.
I agree. If I had a child, they would be limited to prepaid phones until they were 18, so if they blew through their time, no problem.
Honestly I am dumbfounded that you even allow this. No computer use behind closed doors.
I run a proxy server, which controls their access, time and history. There are no chat rooms allowed. mIRC or any of that nonsense.
There are options in the proxy which allow me to control the hours of access as well.
The other thing is to limit them to user status, no admin rights.
He is controlling his daughter by taking away her internet access at night. Grow a brain.
A pair.
Grow one.
No computers in private spaces
Simpler solution ... take the computer out of her bedroom.
Router access restriction is the easiest way just as some others have mentioned. You can block just her device from the internet for a time block you specify. You will have to password protect the router and make sure she can’t physical get to the router to force a hard reset. At first she wont know what’s happening and will think the internet is just down. Once she catches on you will have to keep an eye on the router to make sure your settings stay in place.
Take a look at a SonicWALL TZ100. You can pretty much do what you like with individual machine access to the Internet.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.