I have been thinking about this issue for a long time. I have to understand that my kids are probably going to figure out, if they really want to, how to get around my little road blocks with enough time and effort, even if I use passwords. This goes for Mac, Vista, and Linux.

While there is no solution that will work for every one of us, I do like the idea of having the computer supervised and in a dining room.

A few misc. things to consider when deciding which method of protection to use:

- There are web site filter add-ons, as well as banner, picture, and flash video blockers available for Firefox.
- There are programs readily available on bit torrent to crack almost any password. (Don't get too paranoid yet. PM me if you want more info on how to be safe from this)
- Command-line web browsing really isn't as bad as it sounds. Try lynx on the Linux console.
- There is very good web site filtering that can be accomplished from the router itself.
- You can turn on/off internet access straight from the router. You can also set timers that only allow a connection to go to a particular computer at certain hourse of the day.
- If a child needs a computer in their room for writing papers and the like, MAC address filtering can prevent unwanted wired & wireless cards from being used.

__________________
Dan Pemberton
Vacaville, CA

Member, First Baptist Church San Luis Obispo
Formerly ABUSA (We left, so I guess that makes us American Baptists Unleashed!)