Making Computers Safer For Your Children
Parents with computer literate
children share some very real concerns. First of all, they worry about the huge amounts of
time their kids spend at their computer consoles mesmerized by the latest high tech, rock
‘em, sock ‘em games. Secondly, kids with access to the Internet stir up other
anxieties. They keep mom and dad guessing about what sleazy roads they may be traveling on
the censorship-free, anything goes Web landscape.
Well, parents can relax. There’s an answer within reach. A company called PC DataPower in Irvine, California has developed the perfect parental control software for a home computer, called "Rated-PG."
The company sent me a copy to evaluate for a Dove Family-Approved Seal. Not only did we award it the Seal, but I personally urge anyone with cyber-savvy kids to get a copy and install it immediately for their own peace of mind.
This software program has many unique features that make it a well-rounded solution for many parental concerns, even if your kids are not on-line on the Net. "Naughty" CD-ROM’s are being passed around from child to child through a veritable kiddy underground network. Soft and not-so-soft porn games and ‘magazines’ are showing up in ever-increasing numbers on CD’s which can be easily installed and hidden from prying parental eyes.
"Rated-PG" prevents anyone from installing new software on a protected computer without a special password set by the Administrator (tech talk for mom or dad). Even if you have approved every game and software program on your family’s computer, it can be a chore getting children to limit their computer time especially with school back in session. "Rated-PG" has that problem covered too. You can program in a time limit, or even specific window of time each day for playing games. And for families with more than one child, "Rated-PG" can be set up with individual parameters and passwords for each family member. Wives who have become computer widows are also attracted to the time-limiting features of this new software package.
As for parents of little web-surfers; this program will permit them to block out certain web sites and newsgroups, selectively or by keyword. If you have any super-brainy techno-kids as offspring, fear not. Even if they find a way to break the code and enter without permission, you can trace their devious little steps. "Rated-PG" will print out detailed systems reports that will tell you which family member was on the computer, the dates and times they were on, and exactly what they were doing.
"Rated-PG" is available for both Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. The Dove Foundation has a web page with more details. The suggested retail price is $49.00, well worth the sanity it will bring. This program is very new and it is being introduced to Christian bookstores throughout the U.S. as we speak. For a lead on how to get your copy, call The Dove Foundation, at 1-800-968-8437
World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.dove.org/
Send Internet e-mail to: movies@dove.org
Mailing list request: 1-800-218-DOVE
Subscribe to our FREE 
newsletter and quarterly video list.
Dick Rolfe is Chairman of The Dove Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. For more information about wholesome films and videos, write: 535 E. Fulton, Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or call (616)454-5024.
Return to our home page | Dick's bio | past columns
to dickrolfe@dove.org
Updated by: Scott
RolfeCopyright © 1996, The Dove Foundation. All rights reserved.