DEVICE LETS YOU LOCK UP THE INTERNET

As parents with young children will tell you, most kids either already have their own computer or want one. In today's two car homes, one usually finds at least two TV sets and two or more phone lines. So if your kids already have their own TVs and phones in their rooms, to them it's not unreasonable to want their own computer as well. But unlike the TV and phone, an unmonitored computer connected to the Internet can be a dangerous thing.

It all pretty much centers around control. As a parent, it's your responsibility to monitor what your kids are doing. To help you in this until-they've-grown-up-and-have-become-responsible-adults mission, you're going to need some help. There are mechanisms available to parents to control what TV programs kids watch. Most cable and satellite services provides ample parental control services. As for the telephone, a look at the detailed monthly bill usually reveals any calls made to bad places. But when it comes to the computer, things get a little more complex.

There are several online services such as NetNanny and CyberPatrol that let you monitor where your kids are going online and what they're doing once they get there. CyberPatrol for example, lets you install special software that works along with their service to restrict access to places you don't want them going to such as hate and pornographic websites. CyberPatrol lets you do this openly or surreptitiously depending on how you wish to exercise control. For example, when a child attempts to go to a restricted website address, CyberPatrol will openly inform them they are not allowed to go there. But if the "Stealth Filtering" mode is activated, whenever they try going to a restricted website they will see the typical "The page cannot be displayed" screen and assume that either something is wrong or that the website they are attempting to see just doesn't exist at that address. It's really sneaky but it can be very effective.

Software methods that restrict access can be effective but installing them can be somewhat daunting for an uninitiated parent and although it's there, sometimes kids just need a more direct approach. You could simply unplug the computer but kids can be pretty resourceful and buy another power cord. You can take away the keyboard or mouse and that will probably do the trick but then how do they do their word processing to do homework or that book report? No, you need some way that will restrict their Internet access yet let them use the computer for other activities. That's possible with something called the NetProtector.

Basically, the NetProtector is a physical lock you install on the computer. When the key is turned to the Lock position, you can do anything on the computer except access the Internet. Rotate the key back to the Unlock position and they can go online. It's fast, simple and it works. There's a model for dialup modems and one for broadband access such as cable modem and DSL.

To install a broadband NetProtector on any computer be it a Mac or Windows PC, you unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of the computer's network card and insert the NetProtector's cable with its tamper-resistant clip into the RJ-45 jack. Then you insert the other cable from the NetProtector into whatever device that connects you to the Internet such as the cable or DSL modem, or router. That's pretty much it. According to The Modem Lock Company, the tamper-resistant plug is in to stay unless you as the parent want it removed. Removal instructions are not included and the parent must call the company for instructions on how to take it out. Even then, the clip will most likely be destroyed and a new one must be ordered. Since any attempt at its removal will be evident, the company recommends parents to check on a regular basis to insure no one has tried to remove it.

Each NetProtector comes with two tubular security keys which are difficult to duplicate even at locksmiths. Either version goes for $49.99 plus shipping.

Granted nothing is 100 percent foolproof but it's nice to know that something like NetProtector is available. It's direct, easy to install and its activation is as simple as turning a key. Something as straightforward as NetProtector may prove to be all you need to take control of the situation. Then again, you may need something more like a NetNanny or CyberPatrol. In any case, you have some choices in the tools you can use. But whatever choice you make, remember that there is no substitute for a parent who gets involved and takes the time to understand what it is that their children are doing.

www.modemlock.com