Windows Live OneCare Family Safety Beta Released

Got kids?

Do they use the Internet?

As a parent, you want to ensure their experience on the Internet is safe. I hope I don't need to tell you about the evil elements lurking in cyberspace just waiting for your child to get online.

There are lots of Internet monitoring software programs and parental controls you can buy for your computer. Microsoft just debuted their beta version of Live OneCare Family Safety, and it's free.

Here's a quick review of the features of Live OneCare Family Safety:

• Allows you to review and filter your child's online activity
• Customizable for each family member
• Ability to restrict access to sites or types of sites (ie. gambling, pornography)
• Access to individual activity reports (you can see what sites your child has visited)
• Online help

If you have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger or Passport ID, that's all you need to get started. If you don't, setting up an account is still pretty simple.

Keep in mind, setting up your family's individual accounts and their restrictions will initially take some time. You will be accessing the Internet through the Live OneCare Family Safety software - unless you disable it, which is easy with your administrative password.

As with any beta program, there are bound to be bugs. So if you have patience with that, give it a go. Your child's personal safety is well worth it.

. . . Stephanie

technorati tags:Microsoft, Internet+Security, Computers, Computers+Internet, child safety, Parenting, Stephanie Trahd

Windows Live OneCare Family Safety Beta Released