bar on internet access

[Susan Macchia]

Keith Antoine wrote:
> I have a photographer friend who has a son who does as he likes. He uses 
> fathers machine when he is not around: he does not turn the machine off.
> I know its his fault, but he wants to stop access to the net im M$ XP 
> without logging out. There is no way that I know of that you can stop 
> usage of Firefox or IE if the machine is idle and online (cable).
> 
> Or is there?
> 
> I'm thinking of a folder that is locked with the browsers inside that 
> can only be accessed via a password or something once left without use 
> for say 15min.

Hi Skippy :)

I have had this same issue with my own kids under Windoze.  I have used
CyberPatrol (there is also NetNanny), to control not only content, but access
times and what apps they can run.  This does cost some $$, though, but may be
worth it (I thought that it was).  

In order to have these tools work effectively, the Dad should have his own
password protected login.  Then another for his son.  He can configure
CyberPatrol so that the Dad is allowed access all the time and his son is
limited (in many ways).

He can keep his machine on all the time and keep himself logged in under XP. 
He must set up a password protected screensaver for himself, and/or can "Switch
User" when he is done using the machine.  The son will have to log-in as
himself to use the machine and Cyberpatrol will control whether he can surf and
what apps he can run.

HTH,

Susan

P.S.  YMMV :)

_____________________________
Susan Macchia
mailto:susan at smacchia.net
http://www.smacchia.net
_____________________________

- Running Linux - because life is too short for reboots...