2 computer questions

[Jeffrey Schronce]

1) What is the cheapest way to upgrade from Windows Me to XP?

2) What is the best program for monitoring kids activity online. I want a restrictive program, plus one that records IM conversations, URLs, etc.

Thanks!

[Crash2510]

The cheapest way to upgrade would be to find someone you knew with a disc and use their key, but me to xp is a pita often have to repartition hard drive and leave me alone. Good luck with this.

As to number 2 if it were me I'd rather have complete restriction from the internet rather than have my dad running around like some 007 spy

[Jeffrey Schronce]

The cheapest way to upgrade would be to find someone you knew with a disc and use their key, but me to xp is a pita often have to repartition hard drive and leave me alone. Good luck with this.

As to number 2 if it were me I'd rather have complete restriction from the internet rather than have my dad running around like some 007 spy

I want to obtain a legal copy of XP.

Not using the internet at all is certainly an option for them. They are fully aware of the condition that they are getting a computer for their use that will be on a desk in the living room. They are fully aware that a program will be installed that could be used to monitor their activity. I am not worried about my kids, I am worried about the stupid people out there! I get pornographic spam on at least one of my email accounts every day. Could you imagine if part of a 10 year old boys sex education was the stuff you see online? Heck, I'd give him access to Playboy in a few years if he wanted it. Naked chicks are good! LOL. The other twisted stuff I would rather him not see.

[MilDoc]

I don't have any personal experience with the programs, but NetNanny has good reviews and lots of options:

http://www.netnanny.com/

As far as upgrading, there is no "easy" way. ME was a lousy version of Windows. But XP and follow the prompts. Usually works OK if your system is ready for it.

As far as Vista, I may never upgrade. IMHO, who cares?

[Crash2510]

I have done this with xp many times and validated the copy, for family, without any problems from microsoft. If you don't want to go this route then you might be able to find a descent deal online or at a box store since vista came out

Regard to 2
I wouldn't have a problem with the site restriction, but I would find the IM recording annoying. Maybe My youth speaking
"people keep telling me wait till you have kids" lol

[jussi]

1. I'm pretty sure MS has an upgrade program which will cost you a fraction of buying it knew. But you may want to wait and get Vista soon. If it does what MS says it will it should have many additional benefits not to mention security. Although if you want almost total security buy a Mac.

2. I haven't used it myself but I heard the IBoss is a really good device. It's hardware so therefore (if your kids are really tech savy) they can't just disable it (a big problem with many software). Keep it somewhere they can't get to without your permission.

One a side note if your concern is them accidentally downloading some type of virus, make sure they're on a restricted account (this would be in XP). Restricted accounts aren't allowed to install programs (including viruses). And if your looking for a good anti-virus, IMO nothing beats nod32 from ESET (Norton sucks ) Also use Firefox instead of IE.

But the best way to insure safety is to teach them good internet behavior. ie. Never open attachments, don't click on links that you're uncertain about, etc.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

As far as Vista, I may never upgrade. IMHO, who cares?

Exactly, but Microsoft seems to think I should upgrade the memory, processer, etc on one of my old computers and buy VISTA!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

One a side note if your concern is them accidentally downloading some type of virus, make sure they're on a restricted account (this would be in XP). Restricted accounts aren't allowed to install programs (including viruses). Also use Firefox instead of IE.

Yes, that has been a major concern as well since I operate businesses on this network!

[os1kne]

What type of internet access do you have? Will you all be using one computer, or will your children have their own computer?

If you have broadband (cable / dsl) and a router, you can see if your router will log internet activity. A few years ago at my old job, we had a basic Linksys router and I had to look at our logs from time to time. This router also had functions to restrict/limit access. I know that these functions have improved over the past few years, but I haven't kept up with the improvements enough to say what they can and can't do.

If already have a router that is a few years old and new features have come out, there is a good chance that you can download a firmware update to add functionality to your router - rather than buying a new one.

Good luck!

[TheRic]

Question 1:
Buy a cheap low end computer, maybe last years model. Your be further ahead. Not sure if your computer can even handle XP (you didn't list any parameters), and if it did it probably would be SLOW. I have found that people who upgrade there computers never seem to be to happy about it. It's like dropping a new V8 in your old Model T. It's not going to cruise down the road, and ride like your 2007 Eddie Bauer Explorer.

Question 2:
There are programs out there there will allow you to give different people different levels of access. So your 17 year old can look at pg-13 stuff, and your 7 year old can only see G rated stuff. Not sure how good they are now, and what is the better ones to get. A little out of the loop on those programs.

[Sam Conder]

At work, we rely on SurfControl to keep 32000+ kiddos outta the porno sites, etc. They make a very well reviewed home product:

http://cyberpatrol.com/

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Regard to 2
I wouldn't have a problem with the site restriction, but I would find the IM recording annoying. Maybe My youth speaking
"people keep telling me wait till you have kids" lol

I hear you. I am about as liberal as the come. Huge proponent of free speach and individual rights. I also know the dangers out there and will protect my kids as best as I can. Given them full knowledge that monitoring software may be installed I don't feel their right is violated. Telephone calls are private in my household. He has his own cell phone. He can discuss whatever he wants in privacy. However as a minor I am holding him to the same level that employers hold employees to on electronic communication matters.

[Sam Conder]

Question 1:
Buy a cheap low end computer, maybe last years model...

I agree 100%. Go to Best Buy and look for an "Open Box Buy". I bet you can get a PC with better specs than your current one with Windows XP Home on it for less that a Windows XP Home license.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Question 1:
Buy a cheap low end computer, maybe last years model. Your be further ahead. Not sure if your computer can even handle XP (you didn't list any parameters), and if it did it probably would be SLOW. I have found that people who upgrade there computers never seem to be to happy about it. It's like dropping a new V8 in your old Model T. It's not going to cruise down the road, and ride like your 2007 Eddie Bauer Explorer.

THe computer in question can handle XP. 2 gig ram, 2.7 ghz P4. It just has a really sad OS! This is causing problems with upgrading security issues with IE 7, etc. We have 2 XP computers and 1 Me. I am going to get a new Vista OS laptop in the next couple weeks. The kids dedicated computer is the one with Me OS.

[Sam Conder]

Not as bad as I thought:

Windows XP Home Upgrade