Security Software For Kids

Twenty percent of young internet users have received unwanted sexual solicitations online, according to Datasavers Inc website. In addition, every time your children cruise the Web, there is a risk of exposure to viruses, spy-ware and invasion of privacy. In the Strategy to Protect Cyberspace released by the Department of Homeland Security, the federal government recommends every Internet user becomes a responsible cyber-citizen to protect against the dangers and risks of internet use. Setting parental controls is a good defense strategy to guard your kids against inappropriate content and harmful downloads. Internet security software can limit times that children use the computer, the types of games they play and programs they run.

Viruses, Spyware, Program Control

Your child could accidentally infect a computer with dangerous software by downloading free music and games. Some popular sites for kids might try to download inappropriate programs without permission. Using a reliable anti-virus and anti-spyware program is essential to detect, disable and remove infections. Popular free software downloads are McAfee Anti-virus and AVG. PC Tools names SpywareDoc as Editor's Choice for anti-virus and anti-spyware in one

Computer Settings

By creating multiple user accounts on your computer, you can have full control administrator access and allow your children limited usage, which means they cannot change system settings or install software including most games, media players and chat programs. You can assign appropriate security levels to your computer's settings to block content and access to unsuitable websites. Additionally making use of firewalls on your system will prevent unauthorized traffic.

Chat Rooms

Predatory adults, pretending to be a child, can sign into a chat room. Your children need to know the risks and the importance of "safe surfing." Teach them to stay anonymous by never giving out personal details and not arrange to meet anyone unsupervised. Internet-monitoring software, such as PC Tattletale, can provide a detailed list of every chat session and record both sides of conversations or instant messages.

Filtering, Blocking Software

Various tools integrated with browsers, including Explorer and Firefox, help ensure safe internet usage for kids. Pop-up blockers can prevent inappropriate material from displaying on the monitor. Filtering software can be set to avert objectionable sites. Anti-spam software blocks email from advertises with unsuitable products. Many Internet browsers and Internet email programs have pop-up, anti-spam filters and blocking software included in the program.

Real-Time Per-Page Content

Full-spectrum Internet security programs are browser-independent, using real-time page analysis to filter content and distinguish between good and bad webpages. These programs regulate and time-monitor Internet access, mask obscenities on otherwise-safe pages, block inappropriate sites, control programs, and monitor and log web-surfing activity for home, school or library use. Consumer Search 2010 and "PC Magazine" recommend Net Nanny as top choice as best overall parental control software. CyberPatrol's Parental Control prevails as most versatile parental control software. Norton Internet Security is a well-known firewall, anti-virus and anti-spy-ware program that often comes packaged with new computers. Consumer Search lists OnlineFamily.Norton as best web-based parental control software.