Windows XP question

[Shaners]

Here's the problem:

 

I just switched over to cable not too long ago.  When I had dial-up, I had to enter a password before my computer would dial for a connection.

 

Now that I have cable, my internet is always on.  Is there anyway I can password protect my IE icon?  I don't want my kids getting online all the time without asking, but I don't want to log off my user name all the time either.

 

All I want to do is to password protect my Internet Explorer icon.  Can it be done?

[Firetiger(MN)]

You could use XP's multiple profile feature and create seperate profiles for you and the kids.  You would still have to log in/out, but that would be the way that you could limit their internet usage.

[95whtZR2]

I wanted to do the same thing, except with my roomate...I caught him visiting rosy palm and her five sisters...sooooo, I had to create seperate accounts for whenever he needed to get on the internet.

 

Tom

[Shaners]

I have mine set up for myself and a guest, but I don't think I have mine passworded...  I guess I'll have to password my acct and then log off and back on all the time...

 

Thanks

[bassdog]

Shaners - You can password protect your computer instead, setup the screensaver to prompt for a password. That way if you leave for a bit the kids can't just jump on without having to come to you to unlock it.

 

Another way is to set up users and not give them rights to use IE unless an administrative password and user logs them in.

[Black02Silverado]

Here's the problem:

 

I just switched over to cable not too long ago.  When I had dial-up, I had to enter a password before my computer would dial for a connection.

 

Now that I have cable, my internet is always on.  Is there anyway I can password protect my IE icon?  I don't want my kids getting online all the time without asking, but I don't want to log off my user name all the time either.

 

All I want to do is to password protect my Internet Explorer icon.  Can it be done?

Cable connection?  What the heck is that????

 

I'm still in an area that does not have DSL or Cable available yet.  I'm still on dial up and it is a pain. Due to the fact that we have a great connection at work and then I get to go home and get on dial up.  

 

I checked into the Direct duo with Direct TV and that is just way to much and the speed isn't as fast as DSL or cable anyway.   Oh maybe some day, it will not be long before progress gets to my little neck of the woods.

 

I had to set up profiles for my twins. That way they could do what they wanted but I had a little control on what they did on the computer. At least their desk tops were the way they wanted them and can do all the great things on their own not having to use each others.

[BlueRado]

Shaners - You can password protect your computer instead, setup the screensaver to prompt for a password. That way if you leave for a bit the kids can't just jump on without having to come to you to unlock it.

 

Another way is to set up users and not give them rights to use IE unless an administrative password and user logs them in.

This is what I do also for my work computer.

 

There is another way, aside from separate user profiles and log-ins, but it involves buying some software.

 

I don't know if you have a network router or not, which provides the best (for the common guy, that is) intrusion protection, but you can get decent intrusion protection and block access to questionable websites, if this is your aim.  

 

I have 2 copies of this package, Norton Family Internet Security on 2 computers, and it works well.

 

If you want more info, PM me - I'd be glad to answer any questions in more boring detail.  I'm not associated with them at all - just like the security and safety features the software offers.  

 

P.S. - I know you can set certain security and access features for websites in IE, but it seems to me to be either  none or all - not enough flexibility.

[BlueRado]

I wanted to do the same thing, except with my roomate...I caught him visiting rosy palm and her five sisters...sooooo, I had to create seperate accounts for whenever he needed to get on the internet.

 

Tom

 

[silverado man]

I would just set up another account.  You really don't have to log off.  If you have a screensaver on it will just take you back to the log on screen but doesn't log you out.  Just set up a password the accounts that you want.  Thats the great part about XP's multipule user interface.

[Pancho]

Does it matter which version of XP you have? I am considering a new notebook and it comes with XP Home edition. I am wondering if I want to spend the extra $100 for XP Pro - supposedly XP Pro has additional security features.

[bassdog]

XP Pro has more security features, but it really isn't something a home owner would use unless he / she knew about them. I personally don't use them.

 

I chose XP Pro for my new Dell just because I thought I would need to learn these features for future job issues, most companies are either on 2K or XP Pro.

 

Now, if I could only GET a job  

[cowboy02]

Speaking from the IT industry here is the low down........

 

XP pro gives you the ability to connect to domains, and has a security tool for setting security permissions on files.

 

IP Home won't let you connect to NT Domains but you can do workgroups for more of the "HOME" networking.  I belive it has the security but not sure.

 

As for you IE security........

 

If you have XP pro you can lock down your Internet Explorer aplication and require a password but you have to have a account setup on your computer that is not a Administrator account.EX: you have a login called Admin that has Administrator access and you make the necessary changes and then log out.  Everytime you login to the computer you login as bob or jim or whatever.  Then you have the locked down permisions on IE.  However the downside is you have to login as ADMIN to install apps.

 

Hope this helps.