Thread: Accounting for users

Before we look at installing parental control software, it's also worth remembering that there are other vital ways to protect a computer against threats from the internet. For one, it's important to have up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware software in place. Parental control systems tend to concentrate on inappropriate language and privacy, and won't stop things such as spyware or Trojans that can pop up as links in instant messages. Although savvy adults might spot and avoid dubious-looking downloads, children are more likely to keep clicking while dangerous software installs itself on the computer.

computer to log in with their own name and password, and ensures that they can only access the files and folders that they need. User accounts I are always useful, but they're also required in order to make use of many parental control programs.

To create or manage user accounts in Windows XP, select Control Panel from the Start menu, then select User Accounts. In Windows Vista, click Start, then Control Panel, select User Accounts and Family Safety, then select the link labelled 'Add or remove user accounts'. It's not enough to simply set up a user account for every member of the family, though. Each account needs to have a password, and the password for your account needs to be a secret one known to you only - not one that kids can guess. It's also important to log out of the computer using the Start menu whenever you finish using it - otherwise kids can use your account, bypassing any parental controls.



Finally, Windows is usually set up with a powerful account called Administrator already created - give this account a password, too, to prevent children from using it. To do this, restart the computer and, as it restarts press the F8 key repeatedly. The computer should display a menu - use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then press enter. When the Windows login screen appears there should be an option called Administrator. Click this to log in, then go to the Start, Control Panel and User