Parental+Controls

=__Parental Controls__ = //By Katie Flanagan//

Parental controls are options included in digital television services, computer and video games and computer software used to access the Internet. These controls allow a parent to monitor or limit what a child can see or do and can also time-limit these activities. Parental controls can help a parent manage how their child uses the computer. The controls allow you to set limits on your child's access to the web, the hours they can log on to the computer, which games they can play and programs they can run. They can also remove gore from computer games, block websites and censor swearing.
 * What are Parental Controls? **

While some operating systems include parental control features, such as Mac OS X (10.3-10.5) and Windows Vista, there are many types of software currently available to parents. Some software comes at a price, some software is free. These are a few important features to look for:
 * Parental Control Software **
 * **User-selectable access levels and customizable website links**, this will let you adjust the level of restriction as kids mature and will also allow you to adjust the lists of blocked sites.
 * **Filtering of instant messaging and social networking sites**, this is where the predators are lurking. Some Internet filters can block instant messaging intirely or filter chat conversations, alerting parents if suspicious keywords are logged.
 * **A package that is easy to maintain and update**, most programs rely on an online database of offensive websites, but the better ones can also filter content not found in the database.

There are several software programs available for your use. The items listed below are just a few of the more popular systems.
 * **SurfControl's CyberPatrol 7.6 ([|www.cyberpatrol.com/])**: The big advantage here is versitility. CyberPatrol gives parents more options than other competing products. It allows you to:
 * Block harmful websites and images
 * Restrict chat and instant messaging
 * Limit time spent online or using programs
 * Monitor Internet activity
 * Block downloads of games, music, images and videos
 * Protect your personal information from being revealed
 * Keep offensive language out of chat and IM sessions
 * Guard against online predators and identity thieves
 * Install on up to 3 PCs
 * Cost: $39.95 for a 1 year, 3 PC subscription*
 * **SafeEyes 5.0 ([|www.internetsafety.com/])**: An advantage to this program is that remote changes become effective immediately, so you can even make changes when you are away from home! It is also available in a Mac version. SafeEyes features:
 * Content Controls - Flexible content control allows you to select the types of website that are appropriate.
 * Program Controls - Control Instant Messengers, P2P File Sharing, and other harmful programs.
 * Time Controls - Control the amount of time spent online, and the times when the internet is available.
 * Usage Logging - Create and review logs of websites visited, programs used on the Internet, and Instant Messaging Chats.
 * Usage Alerts - Be notified instantly via email, text message, or phone call when someone visits inappropriate websites.
 * Cost: $49.95 for a 1 year subscription*
 * **Net Nanny 5.6 ([|www.netnanny.com/])**: This system is said to have the easiest filtering system to use. Net Nanny features:
 * Blocks pornography and protects families and children
 * Integration with popular search engines
 * Provides full internet safety
 * Enhanced reporting
 * Remote management
 * Cost: $39.99 for a 1 year subscription*

Other sources used: [|www.wikipedia.org], [|www.consumersearch.com]
 * Information for the parental control software was taken from the website listed for each product.