Keeping Your Child and Computer Safe While Online

If you have a toddler or preschooler, chances are they are fascinated by the computer. There's nothing wrong with letting them play, but you'll need to take steps to ensure they are safe while browsing and do not cause harm to your computer. We'll show you different tactics you can use to accomplish both of these things without taking away from your child's ability.

Children don't always stay where they are supposed to when playing their educational preschool games online. Although you'll be with them while they play, sometimes the phone will ring and you'll turn your back for just a second. To avoid the terrible "blue screen error" or computer crash, you can use a separate Windows User account for your children. This account should not have a password and should not have "Adminstrator" privileges. Be sure to place a password on your account to prevent the little ones from accidentally using your account (where they can cause damage). Using the Windows Guest Account feature is a good option because it disables access to files.

Toddler Keys is a freeware program available from Downloads.com. Installing this program on your system prevents the power button from being used and locks the CD drive. My son was fascinated with the buttons on the computer and was often caught trying to turn the computer off and on. He also destroyed a CD drive by repeatedly opening it and forcing it closed. Toddler Keys will also prevent commands from being executed on the keyboard. It will entertain the children by playing sound and showing pictures when buttons on the keyboard are pressed, so this can easily become a game of its own. There are controls to allow the adults to work around the limitations set forth by the program.

By taking the time to install a kid safe browser, create a separate Windows account, and use a program such as Toddler Keys, you can rest assured both your child and your computer will survive Internet play time. These simple steps will open an educational resource for your child you can share with them. When they get old enough to handle being on the computer without sitting on your lap, you can use the time to step away and enjoy a little break.

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