Controlling the time your kids can use the net

I wish to limit the amount of time my children can surf the web. Is there any software around which allows you to control the online time of users (say) per day or session? Our system is Windows XP, with each member of the family having a different account. Stephen Brooks

If you want full control then CyberPatrol and NetNanny are among the best known programs, but for time control, have a look at Quality Time 4. There is a huge range of alternatives. The parental filters section of Tucows includes Access Control Home, ComputerTime 2.0, CyberPatrol 7.5, Enuff 6.15, KidsWatch Time Control 3, and Nanny.

The DMoz open directory, Parental Control, has many more, including LogOff Now, Time Boss, TimeOut PC, Time Watcher and WatchDog.

Since this is an often-requested feature in homes and schools, Microsoft has added parental controls to Windows Vista. See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/community/parentalcontrols.mspx

Backchat: Mike Hughes says he uses Windows XP Pro to control his kids' time online, with "limited logon hours attached to the account properties. Pretty straightforward."