Today's parental control software ranges from simple to very sophisticated, with specialized features. Some applications require more of your time monitoring your kids online usage, and other applications have more of a "set it and forget it" type of operating system.
Which is the best software for you, and the needs of your family? Let's start with the most popular types of features related with some of these applications.
Setting Computer Time Limits. This feature allows you to create scheduled time limits your children can use the use their computers. This is the perfect application for kids fighting over computer time, sneaking on to the computer late at night, or when using the computer for recreation has surpassed homework.
URL Blocking. This feature allows you block Internet websites that have inappropriate content, such as adult, gambling, and firearm websites. Most applications come with a default list of sites, and give you the ability to add your own.
Web Filtering. This feature is very similar to Internet Blocking, but some approved websites can have inappropriate content in the form of ads and video.
Monitoring Chat Conversations. If your kids have Facebook accounts, they have the ability to correspond through the computer, on any subject without your knowledge. Monitoring chat conversations isn't spying as much as it is looking for exact tags that you would want to know your children are using.
Parent Reports. Parents have the option to create or have sent to them lists of your kids Internet usage, such as URLs they visited over a period of time.
Alerts by Email. Suppose your four year old daughter is on the computer and happens to type your credit card number and phone number. With email alerts, you can be automatically notified of this activity.
Remote Access. Imagine your daughter is home sick from school, but her computer time is not scheduled to start until later in the day. Accessing the computer remotely allows you make changes from work.
Block File Downloads. This feature lets you manage what your kids are permitted to download to their computer. Examples could be illegally copyrighted movies, files, and programs.
Predator Alerts. The industry refers to "predators" as registered sexual offenders. This feature will tell you how many registered sexual offenders live in your neighborhood now, and you can be notified by email when a new predator moves in.
Keystroke Logging. This option basically records every letter of every word that is typed on the computer.
Pricing will vary by vendor, but there are some exceptional values if you do a little homework. Nothing is more important than having all the right parental control features for you to setup and maintain your family's safe Internet experience.
While all of these applications are better than no parental controls, they do not replace the need of teaching our kids the importance of the Internet, how to be safe online, and most importantly, that nothing on the Internet is ever private.
Which is the best software for you, and the needs of your family? Let's start with the most popular types of features related with some of these applications.
Setting Computer Time Limits. This feature allows you to create scheduled time limits your children can use the use their computers. This is the perfect application for kids fighting over computer time, sneaking on to the computer late at night, or when using the computer for recreation has surpassed homework.
URL Blocking. This feature allows you block Internet websites that have inappropriate content, such as adult, gambling, and firearm websites. Most applications come with a default list of sites, and give you the ability to add your own.
Web Filtering. This feature is very similar to Internet Blocking, but some approved websites can have inappropriate content in the form of ads and video.
Monitoring Chat Conversations. If your kids have Facebook accounts, they have the ability to correspond through the computer, on any subject without your knowledge. Monitoring chat conversations isn't spying as much as it is looking for exact tags that you would want to know your children are using.
Parent Reports. Parents have the option to create or have sent to them lists of your kids Internet usage, such as URLs they visited over a period of time.
Alerts by Email. Suppose your four year old daughter is on the computer and happens to type your credit card number and phone number. With email alerts, you can be automatically notified of this activity.
Remote Access. Imagine your daughter is home sick from school, but her computer time is not scheduled to start until later in the day. Accessing the computer remotely allows you make changes from work.
Block File Downloads. This feature lets you manage what your kids are permitted to download to their computer. Examples could be illegally copyrighted movies, files, and programs.
Predator Alerts. The industry refers to "predators" as registered sexual offenders. This feature will tell you how many registered sexual offenders live in your neighborhood now, and you can be notified by email when a new predator moves in.
Keystroke Logging. This option basically records every letter of every word that is typed on the computer.
Pricing will vary by vendor, but there are some exceptional values if you do a little homework. Nothing is more important than having all the right parental control features for you to setup and maintain your family's safe Internet experience.
While all of these applications are better than no parental controls, they do not replace the need of teaching our kids the importance of the Internet, how to be safe online, and most importantly, that nothing on the Internet is ever private.
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Want to find out more about Parental Control Software, then visit Cassandra Lee's site on Parental Control Software Reviews and find the best application for you and your family.
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