How to Set Up Windows Vista Parental Controls Timer

After reading about the new parental timer on the Xbox 360, user hyperfamilyman asked how to access the timer on Windows Vista to limit PC time.

I haven't worked with Vista yet, though we will get our first chance next week when my daughter's laptop PC arrives. But a look at the Windows Vista Help site indicates a fairly simple setup for time controls.

Within the parental controls, you'll find a Time Limits link. To get to the Parental Controls, click on the Start icon at the lower left of the screen, click on Control Panel, then click on Parental Controls. 

When you click on the Time Limits link on the Parental Controls console, you'll see a grid like the one pictured. You can control how much time each or every child spends on the computer, or you can limit the amount of time during certain parts of the day that they are on the computer. You can designate blocks of time as Allowed or Blocked. If the time limit is hit, the kid is automatically logged off and the computer screen returns to the accounts log-in page; the computer doesn't turn off.

The controls look simple enough to use. The bigger question is when do you want to use them? I think it's better to start out trusting your kids with verbal limits. If they don't work, then it may be good to have these controls at your fingertips. Just remember, unless every account is password-protected, including the administrator account, your tech-savvy kids will be able to change these settings just as easily as you are.

Any Vista users using these parental controls? Let us know if they're working for your family.

Related: Microsoft to Add Video Game Timer to Xbox 360