Simple clear advice in plain English

Workshop: Limit PC use with Vista’s Parental Controls

Find out how Windows Vista’s built-in tools can help control how and when children can use the computer

Many parents are concerned about their child’s computer use – either worrying about the type of games they play or how long they spend online.

While creating a non-Administrator user account for children prevents them from making unwanted changes to a computer, limiting other activities has been somewhat more difficult.

However, using the Parental Controls option in Windows Vista, it is possible to control not only the games, websites and programs that are accessible, but also to place time limits on computer use and monitor activity. This enables parents to monitor who their children chat to via email, instant messaging, and much more beside.

Here's how to limit PC use with Vista’s Parental Controls

Article tags

Reader Comments

   

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related articles

Keep kids safe online illustration

Keep your children safe online

With children using the family PC for more and more activities, it makes sense to protect them from unsuitable sites. We explain how to keep your youngsters safe

Worry-free Wifi illustration

How to make the most of your Wifi

Get rid of all your Wifi problems with our guide to wireless networking

Speed up your PC illustration

30 tips to help you get your PC back up to its original speed

Software problems may be the cause of a computer running more slowly than it should, but there are some free tools you can try to improve things

Question & Answer

Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?

> Read the answer

Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...

> Read the answer

Q.Can I open my old genealogy files or have they gone...

> Read the answer

Best deals on the web

img

Samsung RV520-A07

£356.50- Buy it now

img

Acer Aspire 5750G (LX.RXP02.019)

£399.99- Buy it now

img

Apple MacBook Pro (MD313B/A)

£904.37- Buy it now

Latest issue & subscription deals

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

GIF

Grahics Interchange Format. A type of image file often used on the web, but now largely superseded by...

Great shopping deals from Computeractive