Help - controlling access times to internet

eamonn321

Although I've looked around several times, I still cannot find a way of limiting the time that you can have access to the internet - I have teenage kids - nuff said.

Having BT Broadband allows free access without a password unlike the previous dial up version. I can't really disallow access to the computer (using password) while I'm not around as they need it for school and college work.

I know there are commercial packages around but I can't help thinking there must be something either in Windows XP or BT Broadband that allows some kind of control. If anyone knows a way, please enlighten me.

I don't really want to have to install a whole security suite programme. I can't help thinking that what I need is a very basic programme that you set the times allowed (e.g. 19.00 - 23.00 weekdays and 11.00 - 14.00 and 17.00 - 00.00 weekends) All other times can only access as supervisor.

mr_fishbulb

I'm pretty sure one of the free software firewalls availble allows you to block access to the internet at certain times (and password protect it). At work at them moment so I can't check mine.

eamonn321

Cheers - if you do get a chance please let me know the name of the program

mr_fishbulb

Do you have a firewall at the moment? They are recommended for broadband use.

I'll check at lunch to see if my one can control access times.

abwsco

Possibly no help, but I just take out the cable from my phone line to the router so that my teenagers can still do homework but not spend all their time on MSN etc

Wombat

Just a few I found (but haven't tried):

http://www.cogilab.com/us/homeedition/

http://www.sofotex.com/Aye-Parental-Control-download_L13986.html

http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/parental_control_software_software/

http://www.family-friendly-fun.com/files/familyinternetsafety.html

black-saturn

Thanks for that. When my teenage stepdaughter is here she hogs the computer and no one is allowed in the room when shes on it. I will take a look at those programs later. Thanks.

mr_fishbulb

I checked mine and you can set-up rules on it that block access between certain times.

I use Sygate Personal Firewall

tigermatt

You say you have BT Broadband? Do you have a router or modem? If you have a router then you can setup times when the Internet can be used and blocked. This is in the password-protected area of the router so change the password away from the default.

Just go to your router (192.168.1.1 (Network) or 192.168.1.2 for USB connection) from a web browser window, then go to Advanced on the left, click advanced in the main screen, enter username and password (defaults: admin (User) and admin (password)) then click on Security then access control and configure it there.

I hope this helps

T4i

tigermatt wrote:

You say you have BT Broadband? Do you have a router or modem? If you have a router then you can setup times when the Internet can be used and blocked. This is in the password-protected area of the router so change the password away from the default.

Just go to your router (192.168.1.1 (Network) or 192.168.1.2 for USB connection) from a web browser window, then go to Advanced on the left, click advanced in the main screen, enter username and password (defaults: admin (User) and admin (password)) then click on Security then access control and configure it there.

I hope this helps

hehe, banned our lass from ebay when im at work using this method.....she rings me and I'm just like bluumin interweb. Still, we dont end up with tack everday!

eamonn321

Nah - don't have router. Might have to plug the modem in bedroom socket and run a long usb lead to comp so I can switch it off when I go to bed.