[jssch]

What is the simplest way to put password protection on the computer so that an 8 yr old can only go online when I am around? I want him to be able to play his other games and software, but only want the internet to be off limits until I approve. We are using Windows XP Home and a wireless connection.

[1002richards]

Hi,
I've seen K9 Protection (free prog) suggested here at TSG:
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

I hope this is of interest?
Richard

[Elvandil]

It would also make him happy and solve your problem if you simply created an account for him with limited privileges. By temporarily changing the account type to admin, you could install all his games and programs in that account, and then restore it to a limited status which does not allow internet access. A "guest" account may be all that is needed. If there is no password on the account, he can sign in by himself.

[jssch]

When I create a new limited account it still allows access to the internet, just doesnt allow changes to the system, etc. Is there a way for me to stop IE from accessing the internet without a password?

[throoper]

How about putting the Internet shortcuts for the limited account in a folder and then using a batch file to lock it with a password. The password isn't secure for anyone that's computer savvy, but it should keep the average 8 year old out.
T.

[jssch]

Well I have never done the batch file/lock thing before... could you walk me through it?

[throoper]

It's pretty simple to do.
Open Notepad. Copy the code below into Notepad and click File>save as. Name it locker.bat. Don't forget to change the password (the field in red). Open locker.bat, it will create a folder called Private. Put the files that you need to hide in this folder. Run locker.bat again, and confirm. When you want to access the folder, just run locker.bat. In the command window type the password and press the enter key on your keyboard. Run it again to hide it.

cls
@ECHO OFF
title Folder Private
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Private goto MDLOCKER
:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure you want to lock the folder(Y/N)
set/p "cho=>"
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK
if %cho%==y goto LOCK
if %cho%==n goto END
if %cho%==N goto END
echo Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM
:LOCK
ren Private "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to unlock folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== password here goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" Private
echo Folder Unlocked successfully
goto End
:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end
:MDLOCKER
md Private
echo Private created successfully
goto End
:End

Like I said, it's not very secure. Right click the DOS file it creates and click Edit and it will open in Notepad and you can change the password or the name of the folder (just substitute the name you want for wherever it says Private in the text). I made one for each of my 3 nieces, ages 6-11, to keep there private stuff in and away from their sisters.
So far they haven't figured out how to get into the locked folder without typing the password .
T.

[1002richards]

Much better ideas than mine which was to clutter-up the PC with another prog.

Richard

[blues_harp28]

Also worth checking.
http://kidrocket.org/
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

[jssch]

I think that will work, thanks throoper... learned how to do something new in the process

[throoper]

Your welcome.
In case he's more computer savvy than an average 8 yr. old and figures out the batch file can be opened with a text editor to see the password, you can place the .bat in a zip file and password protect it. You can't zip shortcuts, but you can the .bat and it will even run from inside the archive so it's not necessary to extract it to use it.
T.

[summeer]

if you have a wireless connection you can restrict his access to the internet using the settings in your gateway or router..
you can give him access in certain days or certain hours.