PCs For Dummies® Windows®, 7 Edition

Chapter 29. Kid-Safe Computing

In This Chapter

• Configuring your kid's computer account

• Limiting Junior's PC access

• Restricting games

• Preventing programs from running

• Seeing what your kids are up to

• Preventing online bullying

Despite its attraction to kids, a computer can be a decidedly non-kid-friendly thing. Beyond the scourge of malicious software, there are places on the Internet you definitely don't want your precious snowflake to discover. There are games that you may enjoy playing but could give a child nightmares. And, there's the issue of Too Much Computer Time. All those topics can be dealt with, first by being a responsible parent, and second by using the various kid-safe computing tools discussed in this chapter.

• The information in this chapter is specific to Windows 7, though some of it also applies to Windows Vista. The main difference comes from the innumerable User Account Control (UAC) warnings that pop up during the process in Windows Vista.

• Windows XP lacks parental controls as a feature.

An Account for Junior

To use the parental controls in Windows, and to ensure your PC's security when Junior is online, set up two accounts on the computer. You set up your own account as an administrator, and then you give the kid a Standard User account. This section explains how to do that.

• The Administrator account has full control over the computer. An administrator can change computer settings, install new software, and control other accounts on the computer.

• The Standard User account ...