For parents with children who have iPads and laptops, how do we keep our children safe on the internet? Here are three ways to filter the web.
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For Windows: Windows has never been one to offer the most comprehensive set of parental controls, but there are a few noteworthy options available through the parental controls portion of the main control panel, buried within the user accounts and family safety section. The options are fairly basic, allowing users to block objectionable TV shows and movies, limit game usage based on age-rating level, and set specific time limits and login times when the child is able to access various content.
For Mac: Mac OS X has more than a few options when it comes to parental controls, each of which is accessible via the parental controls panel in the main system preferences panel. The features are not overly robust, but the software has options for blocking specific applications, websites and messaging interactions with particular people. Parental controls must be set for each person, but once done, users can also set time limits for weekdays, weekends and bedtime.
K9 Web Protection (Windows/Mac OS X): K9 Web Protection, its first initial program in the market of parental-control software, is as lightweight as it is speedy, offering fantastic cloud-based filtering and matching the features of other progams. Although there's no per-user configuration - it supports an all-or-nothing design framework - it does host the most extensive web filtering of any software that I've seen, allowing users to block both domains and subdomains pertaining to more than 60 unique categories (ie, alcohol, gambling, nudity). You can find more at k9webprotection.com.
These programs work fine on the PC and Mac, but with iPhones, iPads, and other smartphones and tablets (non-PC or Mac), it's best to find a ADSL modem router with web filtering built in, so you can manage the internet before it gets to any device in your home. Check out the Belkin N300 Wireless N Modem Router at belkin.com.au.
Robert Morgan is the managing director of technology consultancy PIT Group. Check out pitgroup.com.au.