monitoring chatroom / PC usage s/w

[n5gooner]

So after reading this article on the bbc about parents children in chat rooms
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7046986.stm

Got me thinking is there currently an application that will allow me to remotely monitor my children's computer usage, both historically and real time from the computer in my home/office.
Something that will log key strokes, and which application they were type in.....any ideas ?

[TheFaQQer]

So after reading this article on the bbc about parents children in chat rooms
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7046986.stm

Got me thinking is there currently an application that will allow me to remotely monitor my children's computer usage, both historically and real time from the computer in my home/office.
Something that will log key strokes, and which application they were type in.....any ideas ?

There is, but you really shouldn't be doing it!!! If they find out, then they'll just go off to a cybercafe and do it there...

[DaveB]

So after reading this article on the bbc about parents children in chat rooms
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7046986.stm

Got me thinking is there currently an application that will allow me to remotely monitor my children's computer usage, both historically and real time from the computer in my home/office.
Something that will log key strokes, and which application they were type in.....any ideas ?

Depends how far you want to go. A lot of modern routers will have built in filtering for unwanted web sites and can output logs of activity to another PC. You can watch the activity in real time just by logging into the router and watching the activity logs etc.

Going as far as installing keyloggers etc is getting a little OTT, imho, but you can do it. Just be aware that any anti-virus software you use will probably identify it as a virus and try and remove it. Just google for "keylogging software" and you'll get loads of choice.

Most of the instant messaging apps like MSN, Yahoo Messenger, AIM etc have an option to record all convesations that take place and you can have them saved to a shared drive on another PC.

The best thing you can do is educate your kids about the net and get them to understand that if anything they don't feel comfortable about starts happening online, they come and tell you about it.

[DBA_bloke]

I think most ISPs have a kiddie-safe option - AOL did, but it's been ages since I was with 'em. Suspect they might be best for that sort of thing.

[BoredBloke]

A workaround could be to have something in your kids PC which copy the chat logs to another place when the PC is closing down or starting up.

[NoddY]

Additionally, if it's a fixed PC rather than a laptop, then why not move it into the living room in full view of everyone?

[Phoenix]

Don't give then the PC's in the first place?

[Board Game Geek]

Hmm on the basis that you want to monitor your children's personal and private conversations, I trust you're also going to hire a pair of dark glasses, a black coat, and a directional mike, and follow them around in real life ?

Because, what you suggest, amounts to the same thing.

If you really want to torpedo the child/parent trust relationship, then you are certaintly on the right track.

Isn't it the job of a parent to 1) advise, 2) educate and 3) be there to pick up the pieces when they ignore option 1 and 2 (as kids generally do anyway) ?

I can't remember there being a "conduct 24hr monitoring and surveillance on their every move" as part of the parent / child contract (well, ok..perhaps when they are babies for obvious reasons)

Like my signature, you are wanting to impose a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims....

Chill out Dad....

[Keldin]

Additionally, if it's a fixed PC rather than a laptop, then why not move it into the living room in full view of everyone?

I'll second this. No computer use in the bedroom.
Giving a child a computer in their bedroom is a bit like giving your teenager the keys to the car and the liquor cabinet while you're away and then trying to find ways to make sure they don't use either of them.
If it's visible to casual viewing then you don't have to be looking over their shoulder to see whats on the screen.

Keep the PC for family use with no individual logons. Then if the browsing history keeps getting wiped you'll know somethings up.

Depending on the kids age you can lay down guidelines for use (how much time for games, chat programs and adding starngers to their yahoo messenger etc).
If they don't like it they can go work in the coal mines like you did when you were their age.

K