how do i cut off the Internet?

[somedude99]

Is there a way so that i would be able to stop internet usage on my computer for a set period of time(between lets say 11-5 i would want all internet shut off)? The parental controls on vista are not enough to prevent my kids from meddling around. I'm not very good with computers.

 

[Barman58]

Hello Somedude,

Vista's parental controls should be enough to control what may be accessed on the computer, it does take some work in the sense that you need to have only one administrator account, (Yours ), and each of your children should have their own "Standard user" account. all accounts should have passwords assigned. this should allow you to control access.

A more draconian method would be to physically disconnect the Router from the internet for the time that you wish to be internet free.

Also the router itself may have some form of access control built in , this is usually based on the unique identifier of the computer involved so is useful if each child has their own PC and may be adjusted to suit each child

 

[ripbox]

Agreed with barman58

the router option will be your best bet though in my opinion and is handy to set where muliple pc may be used at any one time...

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

Revoke the access on their accounts from logging in from 11-5.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/95143-parental-controls-time-limits.html

 

[smarteyeball]

A more draconian method would be to physically disconnect the Router from the internet for the time that you wish to be internet free.

That's a guaranteed method

 

[Invictus88]

Is there a way so that i would be able to stop internet usage on my computer for a set period of time(between lets say 11-5 i would want all internet shut off)? The parental controls on vista are not enough to prevent my kids from meddling around. I'm not very good with computers.

No offense or anything but if your not good with computers and your kids are (and depending on their age) they'll probably find a way to get around it

See: google.com -- first result I got
The Computer Kid: How to Bypass Vista Parental Controls

All they need to do is a search and all the info on how to bypass it is at their fingertips

What I would recommend is what barman said in the first post. Get a router that has access lockout times, the only way they can mess with that is if they get the username/password to the router.

 

[Barman58]

Hello Invictus88,

Whilst I appreciate your concern, If parental controls are set-up correctly with password protected admin and user accounts, and monitoring of the activity logs as the majority of the posters on the forum you linked to were finding. Yes there are ways of circumventing passwords, that's where monitoring is effective.

Another thing I would recommend is the use of something such as OpenDNS as the way to control site filters, if this is set in a password protected router, it adds another set of controls.

http://www.opendns.com/homenetwork/solutions/guide/

It is possible to protect children from the worst excesses of the web, it involves a proactive and interactive approach, and also involves educating younger users as to why the controls are in place

 

[ripbox]

you should also be aware that where you may make a backup of you router setting it is as easy as opening the backup file in notepad and gaining the relevant user name and password so if you have or do make a backup then make sure you keep that file very secure
that same also goes for any other backups you may have made

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

Just remove the power cord.

 

[Dwarf]

Have a look at this thread. It may give you an alternative method: http://www.vistax64.com/network-internet/192423-how-do-i-set-up-username-password-internet.html