protect your child online

As promised, I did some research on ways to protect your child online. 

 Firstly, for the novice computer parent, let me break down a few terms you  may find a bit daunting.

spyware: In general, spyware is software that allows the installer to keep track of computer usage activities.  (for more info read : http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/spyware/ )

internet filtering software (or content filtering software, parental control software, censorware, or filtering software) :  Used to “block sites that advocate potentially disquieting and hurtful content and can be customized to suit specific user requirement”.   In other words, this software can deter any ‘accidental’ clicking of pornographic, violent, hateful, or any other inappropriate information as you, the parent, see fit to block. (for more info: http://www.bsacybersafety.com/threat/content_filtering.cfm )

keylogger: Spyware software used to record the computer user’s every keystroke. This recorded information is then made available to the software installer.  (Basically, lets you read your kids e-mails, IM’s, etc..)
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Here are some dependable, user-friendly, easy-to-install, and FREE software that you can download to assist with your parental cyber duties.  

http://www.k9webprotection.com/this

 An internet filtering software made by the reputable Blue Coat company.  k9webprotection has gotten some of the best reviews of the free filtering software out there.  Look through their website to learn about the product, and if it looks good to you, then download for free.

http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/

This is another internet filter that gets good reviews.  It is not perfect, however, as it has been known to allow some ‘dirty’ sites and block some ‘clean’ ones, but it is easy to use and because it is, after all, free! it is definitely better than nothing.

http://www.kidzcd.com/

This software manager is supposed to be easy to use  and offers some great features. For more info: ( http://www.download.com/Kidz-Protection-Software-Manager/3000-2162_4-10528419.html?tag=lst-0-10 )  

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 These are just some resources that I have found. If you visit the following website, you can search through more options.  This website offers free and cost options.  You will have access to both editor and user reviews, and it even allows you to search for software best suited for your computer.

http://www.download.com/Monitoring-Software/3150-2162_4-0.html

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Do not forget, that the key to good parental cyber duties is your involvement in your child’s everyday activities.  Please do not expect to download monitoring software and leave well enough alone.  If you are not informed of the potential dangers of your child’s use of the computer, please educate yourself.  Get your child involved in the process as well.  The more your child knows of the dangers, the more likely he/she will be able to protect him/herself.  

Here are a couple of websites where you can begin:

 http://www.i-safe.org/

http://www.netsmartz.org/

 http://tcs.cybertipline.com/

http://www.cybertipline.org/?gclid=CMz98PqQ7o4CFRIigAodR3OwKA

http://www.safekids.com/

http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm

http://www.webwisekids.org/

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 keep being responsible

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feel free to offer your experiences and knowledge on this topic. please comment.