Your Parental Control

Blocking content on your home network is important these days. Open uses your router and DNS to block content based on your preference. This is a very easy way to create a first layer of protection for your home network. Here’s a little information about DNS and a quick tip. Enjoy!

DNS – Internet Domain Naming system. DNS translates all IP addresses to a domain name.
Without DNS you would not get to Google.com or any other website. Your IPS will automatically provide you with these servers but you can choose to have your router use a restricted DNS server.

OpenDNS is a FREE service that allows you to control what Name Resolution is allowed on your home network. You simply sign up and add the name servers to your router. OpenDNS allows you to block inappropriate content via your router. This means there is no setup on the PC at all. All devices on the network including; PSP and Nintendo DS game systems, Itouch, Iphones, other cell phones and Laptops, will be blocked when connected to your network. Below are 5 steps you that will get you using OpenDNS and securing your network now.

Step 1 – Sign up for a basic (FREE) OpenDNS account at OpenDNS.org.
Step 2 – Login to your router.  Once you are there, find the DNS server field in the basic setup area.
Step 3 - Enter the Open DNS server addresses in the DNS field. You will only need 2 IP addresses.
Step 4 – Once you are logged in click on the setting tab and then select your preferred filtering level. Moderate is my favorite as it blocks adult content and illegal activity .
Step 5- Once you have saved your DNS settings and selected your security level you are done. Any users on your network will now be blocked. It really is that easy.

Parental controls - a term used to describe the tools, techniques, and methods used by parents to protect their children from online dangers as well secure their home network and internet accessible environments.

The YourParentalControl website is designed to be a resource for parents. Providing tips, demonstrations, and building a community around parental controls. Our common goal is to protect our children on the Internet. Your home computer with an Internet connection can be a portal to a world of information, education, entertainment, and fun but it can also be a very dangerous place. The internet can expose things to our children they would never be exposed to otherwise. Pornography, online predators, violence and other inappropriate content are just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous, numerous ways to expose your children to things that they shouldn’t be exposed to simply by typing a phrase into a search engine. Please enjoy this blog and website and please provide feedback, as this is a community, and we intend to share our experiences as parents.

All the best,
Christian
Naperville TechGuy