Tips for Setting up a Home Computer Network
-Tom Smith, 10/5/2006
For several suggested filter products, thanks to:
Doug Fodeman, Director of Technology, Brookwood School
Fred Bartels, Director of Information Technology, Rye Country Day School
Parents often ask me for suggestions to help them set up a home computer network that is appropriate for families with school age children. Of course, parents will have to make their own decisions based upon their family dynamic, values, and ability to monitor children as they use computers. In numerous articles and presentations, we have suggested to:
Place computers in public locations. (Your child's bedroom is not recommended).
Take an active interest in your child's computer activities
Set up clear rules for Internet access
Set limits for recreational computing
Install a web filter or monitoring software
The final recommendation is the most problematic for many parents, particularly those who are not technical or computer savvy. Assuming your home computer network is equipped with a firewall (usually built into a network router), and your computers are protected by antivirus software that updates itself daily, the next most important step to create a good home network is to install a web filter. Web filters give parents some control over the kinds of web sites that can be visited.
Following are some products to consider for your home computer network. I indicate if each product works with Macintosh, Windows PCs, or both.
(Mac and PC) D-Link DSD-150 Internet Security Adapter http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=486
Unlike the other software suggestions in this article, this is a hardware device about the size of a pack of cards. You install it between your network modem and your router. Once installed, it provides filtered Internet access for all computers on your home network. If you install the optional thin client application on your computers, it can also provide antivirus protection as well as certain other optional features like controlling what programs can and can't be used, spam filtering, and more. Parents can view reports showing a history of Internet activity on the network. When properly set up, I have found it difficult to get around or to disable this device by devious means.
The following are software programs you install on each PC or Mac. Each has strengths and weaknesses, so I suggest you read the information resources before making a decision to purchase any product.
Finally, if you would rather not install web filters on your home computers, you might consider installing monitoring software. This software does not prevent access in any way, but it does keep track of virtually all activity on each computer. Parents can then receive reports on this activity, and followup with their children afterward. If you install monitoring software, I strongly suggest that you inform your family members. Failing to do so will certainly undermine your relationship, as they will surely discover that their activities are monitored. You might even tape a sign on your computers. For example: All activities on this computer are being recorded.
Please keep in mind that no filtering or monitoring solution is perfect. A determined child will always be able to circumnavigate any parent's attempts to prevent them from using computers to access the technology they want to use. After all, you have no control over what they do at a friend's home, or at the public library or other locations. Consequently, it is imperative that you communicate your concerns about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Try to help them understand responsible and safe computing, whether they are being monitored or not.
