Internet safety software

[Detta]

Hi. My 9 year old is getting very interested in using the internet. We have a family computer which she can use, and log in as herself, but I'm very concerned about what she might stumble across on searches etc.

Does anyone have any tips for good software for this? (Doesn't have to be free, just need some advice.)

Thanks.

[Detta]

Thanks GeorginaA. Off to track down both and see what they have to offer!

[GeorginaA]

Hmm... sorry, I gave you the US link for Net Nanny - can't find a specific UK link but Amazon sell it

[GeorginaA]

Yep - absolutely get something like NetNanny or CyberPatrol - it's great for stopping the accidental clicks on something less than savoury when they were actually looking for something else totally innocent.

However, some do seem to be overzealous in some areas while not blocking other more obvious sites - and as long as you're aware that it's not impossible to get around them if you try then I think they're worth the money

Both Cyber Patrol and Net Nanny have good reputations - so I imagine it'd be just down to which interface you prefer and how easy you find them to use. Cyber Patrol seems to be running a 14 day free trial at the moment which may be a factor!

[Detta]

Thanks for all your advice. GeorginaA thanks for the advice. Our PC is in a family area, but I just want to try to limit the amount of pornographic spam etc that seems virtually impossible to get rid of completely. Anything that helps. I downloaded something called Magic Desktop today, but I think it's really for much younger children. Looked good though.

[GeorginaA]

Detta - there are a few programmes that do the job, however I would say that no matter what you get, they are not foolproof and they are not impossible to get around. Some level of supervision will still be necessary.

[zebraX]

We have NetNanny. It seems ok. Stops all sorts of things (web, irc, etc.) Very easy to customise.

[Yorkiegirl]

Message withdrawn

[Detta]

Thanks Enid. Do you know if you can set them for each individual? I've looked but it appeared that if I change them then they'll change for all of us that use the pooter.

[Enid]

Do you have Windows XP - security settings good on that I find.