The internet is one of the marvels of our modern world.
With it, any computer user has access to more information in one place
than most of the history of our race put together had. That is the beauty
of the internet, but the same thing that makes it so great can also
be a danger to your children. You see, the internet is unfiltered information.
There’s no one out there checking the accuracy, or even the appropriateness
of information on the internet.
So while your child is researching the course of World
War II for a history report, they could end up on a Neo-Nazi propaganda
site by accident. No responsible parent wants that for their kids, but
you can’t be sitting over their shoulder every minute of every
day ensuring they don’t end up in one of the back alleys of the
internet, so what can you do? You can enlist the aid of an internet
filter, which can save you hassles and headaches.
Internet filters are configurable software programs that
will block access to certain websites. They can do this in one of two
ways. A client filter is setup on your computer, and blocks that computer
from loading certain web pages. A server filter is implemented by your
internet service provider (ISP) and can be configured to block web sites
on the server’s end, before they even get to your computer.
There are many internet filters available, some are one
time purchases, but most feature a monthly fee, like some antivirus
software has. Net
Nanny is one of the longest running internet filters. It runs on
the subscription plan currently, but they offer discounts for multiple
computers. You still have to pay for each additional computer you want
covered. Cyber
Patrol is a parental control software suite that can be installed
on up to 3 machines. K9
web protection is a free alternative to the paid services. The options
vary greatly depending on the service, so a thorough investigation of
your options is the best way to ensure you get the product that suits
your needs.
A close cousin to internet filters is the V-Chip. The
V-Chip is a device in TVs that allows a user to block programs based
on their content rating. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
mandated that all TVs manufactured after 2000 include a V chip. This
tied into their 1996 mandate that the TV industry adopt a self imposed
ratings system.
The V-chip can block shows according to their rating,
or movies shown on TV via the same methods. It also allows you to block
specific channels entirely. It can be set up using the remote that comes
with your TV. For specifics on how to set it up on specific models of
TV, refer to the user’s manual. If you do not have the user’s
manual for your TV, check this list to find the manual for your model.
The general procedure is similar you select menu, and go to parental
controls, and enter the setup menu. From there you can select which
ratings and channels to block, as well as set up or change the override
password. For more information on the V-chip visit the FFC’s page at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/vchip.html .
