Parental Controls - Not just for kids.

Believe it or not, parental controls are not just about protecting your kids. All raise your hands if you have inadvertently found yourself on a questionable web site when innocently searching for something? Every time it happens, then those questionable images end up being stored in a cache on your PC. It doesn't have to be profanity either. Some foreign sites that are trying to get you to buy products that are questionable (Rolex watches, Viagra, Screen savers etc). Others are just outright lies and deception. You might find yourself installing a toolbar that you think is perfectly fine. When in fact, it's just the opposite. The list goes on and on.

Introducing OpenDNS. A free service that requires a minor tweak of settings within your router or your computer network configuration. From the moment this change is made, you will find that majority of questionable sites are filtered out. The filter affects every device connected to your router. No installation of software is required for this service, and it is possible to categorise what web site you do or don't want access to. If you want to only affect individual computers, this is possible by re-configuring the network settings on each device.

If you decide sign up for this service, and want your network router or devices re-configured, I can visit your home or office and make the necessary changes. If you want to learn about OpenDNS, there are plenty of sites that will vouch for it. I use it myself and it works. Click here to go to OpenDNS

If you already have security software installed on your computer, chances are, it may already have Parental control ability. I am happy to configure this for you if required.

Hardware/Routers with built in Parental control services

Netgear

Some, if not all Netgear routers have Parental control ability. They call it, "Live Parental Controls". It's free (because it uses the OpenDNS service) for Netgear Customers and requires some configuration changes in the router and also installation of a management utility. It offers greater flexibility and control vs using OpenDNS without a pre-configured router. Such as a web based GUI and more.

Draytek

Slightly more expensive than Netgear, but packed with features. Some of their routers are usable on both ADSL and Cable services, so no need to replace routers when switching your service provider. They offer a subscription based service for web content filtering, but in favour if this, their routers offer much more flexibility in terms of controlling which devices on the network can see what. And all from the router and no requirement for software installation on computers. Draytek routers are well suited for small to medium sized businesses, but also perfectly ok for home use.

Buying a Draytek, Netgear, or any other manufacturer of router does not tie you in to using their own web content filtering service. You may still use OpenDNS or software based filtering.

If you would like Parental controls setup for your home of office, please call 07917 341 761, or click the contact link for land line numbers.

Price

£100 (£150 within M25). No callout or hourly charges.