For those with kids at home with a broadband connection...

[UCrewX5]

I have 3 teenagers at home and have been looking for the right solution to control internet access. Call them spoiled, but each of them have their own computer in their room, and I wanted a hardware based solution that would allow us to control access to the Internet DSL broadband connection.

I picked up a ZyXEL HS-100W the other day and so far I have been very happy with it. It's very stable as a router/NAT/DHCP server/PPPoE/Wireless LAN device, and it has excellent parental control capabilities. I can set up pre-defined tailored schedules for when the Internet is available to specific users (they have to sign in to gain access), or I can set up a time allowance that gives a specific user "X" amount of internet time for the day. You can control specific types of applications that are allowed or blocked, and you can also subscribe to a service that provides content filtering.

If you are looking for something similar to this for your household, I give this a positive recommendation

Jeff

[rangerfan]

Cool. I'm still a few years away from needing that, but it's good to know that such things exist. Now what I need to do is figure out how to hack it and get around it so I can prevent my kids from doing exactly that.

[PeteG]

My kids are only 3 and 6, but my 6 year old son has his own computer in his room, including cable broadband connection. I don't think it's being spoiled-computers are part of life now and kids need to know how to use them.

Software based parenteral control (as well as only limited-time supervised only internet) works at this age. But I agree with Rangerfan-it's good to know this is out there for the future, as I'm sure it will be needed. Thanks, Jeff.

[dsheli]

I am glad you are not my dad...

[gojira-san]

I run a custom Linux firewall so I can tailor it as I need to. Generally the kids (15 and 13) are good about their usage, but if they are farting around too much instead of getting homework done - I can monitor and change the connection remotely

[Curious Joel]

Originally Posted by dsheli

I am glad you are not my dad...

lol

[UCrewX5]

Even good kids need supervision, guidance, and someone to keep an eye on them. Trust me, you'll understand that down the road

[Curious Joel]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Even good kids need supervision, guidance, and someone to keep an eye on them. Trust me, you'll understand that down the road

I'm a good kid... Honest... :p :eek:

[Bavarian]

LOL you don't need no protection. What there is to see out there, they will see outside your home anyway.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Even good kids need supervision, guidance, and someone to keep an eye on them. Trust me, you'll understand that down the road

Absolutely, couldn't agree more. I always thought that was how they got to be good kids in the first place.

My girls are 15 and 16. They have had their own computers in their rooms for 3 years now, and they shared one for 3 years before that. I've never thought of it as being spoiled, computers have become just a part of life. We've never used a Net-nanny type device, but that is primarily because years ago when I looked at them they seemed more trouble than benefit. Interesting to see how the market is changing, that device has quite a list of features. We have relied on using the net together, establishing limits, discussing what is out there and what is appropriate or not. Maybe it is easier with girls, I'm not sure. In any case, as long as they keep their grades up, and they demonstrate some balance, they determine the appropriate usage. Their most frequent usage continues to be MSN, with friends all over the globe. Second would be school assignment research.