A Hardware Solution to Parental Controls
Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:46AM EDT
See Comments (4)
By now, I'm sure you know there are all kinds of software options for placing parental controls on how much time your kids spend on the computer and where they go while on it. But many take up lots of PC resources with features you don't even need. If you're wary of adding more space-eating software to an already crammed family computer, here's another option: D-Link's Securespot.
It's a hardware solution, so all you need to do is plug it in and connect it via Ethernet cables to your broadband modem and your router. A web interface walks you through the registration setup easily, and then you can start setting security limits where and how you choose.
The plug-and-play connection promises virus and spyware protection, blocks pop-ups and spam, and firewall protection. D-Link partners with Bsecure Technologies to provide a 24/7 web program that allows you to set computer time restrictions for individual family members and block certain kinds of content and specific web sites from being reached via your browsers. Parents can also set parameters on email and instant messaging.
You can change the settings via the web and receive reports on individual family members' computer and Internet usage.
One Securespot protects up to four computers. The cost is $100 for the unit and the first year of service. After the first year, service costs $80.
I like that Securespot operates outside of your computer, leaving less chance for slowing down your computer with cumbersome software. If anyone is using Securespot, let us know how it's working and if you'd recommend it.
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2 Posted by craneop1985 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse
I got the same kind of parental controls when I bought a wireless router--without the extra fees, and it was a lot cheaper than $100. My router also gives me firewall protection. I don't get the reports, but I feel that if I control when and what they can and can't look at--why need the report to tell me what I already know.
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3 Posted by oldorange1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:44PM EDT Report Abuse
what I REALLY need to know is HOW it filters content? I know you can add URLS yourself, but is the CONTENT FILTER keyword based? Does it update automatically? How often? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, is it MULTI-LINGUAL keyword aware? ANYONE KNOW?
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4 Posted by geyer1732 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse
Content Filtering has three primary aspects. 1. PICS are embedded into the website. They are a comprehensive ratings system set up and managed by W3 2. URL-Uniform Resource Locator- the website name essentially. Your fee gets you a weekly or more often update of the file in the device. You may be able to add them yourself. 3. Keyword filtering-sex, breast, profanity, etc. Please beware that these content filtering devices will cause access issues to perfectly safe web sites and searches. Ask any librarian. Be a parent and talk to your kids and get them involved in activities other than computer and gaming. Know where they are and what they are doing. Get involved in your childs life-don't buy solutions! geyer1732@yahoo.com Western Dakota Technical Institute, AAS Computer Networking
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1 Posted by jaycee9999999 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:29PM EDT Report Abuse
I dont like the 80 dollar fee after the first year, I guess that is for the virus and spyware software, but what if you just want the ability to limit the childs time online and what they can or cant do without using up system resources, is that still going to cost you if that is all you use it for?