Broadband Question

[SkyDiver]

Hi All,
I'm about to upgrade to broadband (finally!). One thing I'm wondering. Can I password protect the connection on each of my networked computers? I have kids and I want to restrict their access to the web. From everything I've heard so far, I can't restrict access.

Maybe this is such a basic question that nobody has bothered to answer it before. If so, I apologize for even asking it.

Thanks,

 

[pelleplu]

If you install a firewall, I think you can.

 

[mboy]

look into the SM 7004fw, or a similar router that has built in SPI firewall. They usually include some type of content filtering which will allow u to limit web access, etc.
Even beter is the Webramp 700s that can be flashed to an original Sonicwall SOHO. Lots of stuff u can do with that, even filter by the time of day, keywords, etc.
That can be had for less then $100 or so on ebay with VPN and unlimited user features. I HIGHLY reco it ( and I use it myself

 

[NesuD]

the linksys router will let you filter access by mac address. this is what i use when i decide the kids have had enough usually when the youngest starts crying playing starcraft on battlenet because his partner turned on him.

 

[mboy]

Linksys is not in same league as a SonicWall Soho

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: NesuD
the linksys router will let you filter access by mac address. this is what i use when i decide the kids have had enough usually when the youngest starts crying playing starcraft on battlenet because his partner turned on him.

lol =D

 

[SkyDiver]

Thanks for the help, guys. I should have stated up front that I have a Linksys router with firewall.

You guys with hardware firewalls, do you use a software firewall too?

Thanks.

 

[mboy]

I do not, but if your kids are of kazaa/morpheus age, then I would think about it. Make sure u have good, updated AV.
If you are restricting your children's access to be "non-existant", then I wouldnt worry about the software firewall.