Well, there are actually a couple of ways to approach this:
* Use a set of programs that restrict their activities. He can block individual programs, websites, key words, etc. For my take on the top programs in this category, click here and here.
* Actively monitor what they are doing. The software can be set to launch on boot or upon a certain event (launch of a program, internet activity, key word being entered, etc) and will automatically send screenshots of what's being done to a websites which he can access from anywhere. Notification would be sent by e-mail. For one of the best programs in this category, click here.
* Limit the times that are allowed to be on the computer. Windows XP actually supports this, though the feature is somewhat hidden. For instructions, click here and here.
* Right now none of these programs are certified compatible with Windows Vista, as it's still several months from release. One thing I'd like to note on this front is that Vista includes child restriction support natively, including access times, program/internet allowances, etc. It's not as strong of protection as what you can get from third-party applications, but it's a start.
* And, of course, remember that software is no substitution for good, old-fashioned parenting.
Hope this helps,
John
I have a friend that is going to be setting up a network in his house. He will have at least 3 PC's on the network. What he wants is a way to monitor what his kids are doing when they are on their PC'S. Is there a program that will allow him to monitor them or send a log file to his PC? I think he wants to access their PC's and see what they are looking at. I don't have specs on the PC's except theywill be running at least XP Pro if not Vista.
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic