Setting up computer for kids - software?

marc.faulkner

Hi Everyone,

As you can probably guess, the computer in question is a christmas gift. I've raided the parts cupboard in work and knocked a machine together for my younger siblings...

Thing is, I really don't know what software to install for them - we're more 'business focussed' at work, so I'm used to setting up systems for business use rather than home/kids.

I've got it running XP (pro, as it's all I have going spare) and currently have Open Office installed, along with a games compendium from Tesco, which I picked up ages ago reduced to 99p!

It's going to serve 4 kids, aged between 4 and 11, and is their only PC. Looking for recommendations on homework type software, as well as games. Each of the kids have their own user account, so I can just provide them with shortcuts to appropriate software.

3 of them are girls (4, 9 and 11) with a 7 year old boy.

The machine will not have a net connection to begin with, as I don't have a spare router at the moment and will need to ebay.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. (I'd also appreciate idea's for parental control software, for when I get it hooked up to that !!!!!! stash which is the internet...:rolleyes: )

Cheers,

spud17

I believe this is the Parental Control software you're after

http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

Just googled "free childrens games" seems to be some interesting ones for younger children.
But, unable to recommend any due to not having used any.

marc.faulkner

Thanks Spud.

devizes18193

spud17 wrote: »

I believe this is the Parental Control software you're after

http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

Just googled "free childrens games" seems to be some interesting ones for younger children.
But, unable to recommend any due to not having used any.

I use this and it is great

Syman

most dorling kindersly games are worth a punt, they have several levels for kids in different age groups.

just gaming i found that the simpler the gameplay the more use it got.

nickj_2

if you are using firefox , they have a family browser called glubble which allows kids friendly sites
https://www.glubble.com

LuciferTDark

Boxikon http://www.shoecakegames.com/boxikon/ is a really fun & addictive game, it'll keep them quiet for days as they try to beat each others scores.

Conor_3

Tuxpaint for the young un. It's a kids biased paint programme and is free. You can restrict whether they can save or print as well.

http://www.tuxpaint.org/