Limiting data download on my kid's computer each day

[ddh1961]

Hello,
I need to limit the amount of data my child can download each day and can't find a simple program to do this. I have a Verizon MiFi access point in my house with a 10GB monthly cap. I need a program that I can install on a single computer that will allow say, 100MB per day data transfer, then not allow any more internet access on that computer till the next day. I'm OK with computers, but not a guru so simplicity of setup & use is important.
Most programs I've seen are geared for complex network monitoring by IT pros, and the ones geared for monitoring kids mainly restrict access by time spent online, whereas I need to cap usage by the amount used each day. Anyone have any suggestions? Computer is an Acer laptop and an eMachines desktop, both using wireless access and both running Windows 7. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Guest]

Domestic networking equipment doesn't usually include throttling features.

Three strategies:

1) Work out which type of site or site names your kid is using and add them to the router's Block Sites list (it may be called something different on your router so check out the manual on CD which came with router or from maker's website). Activate the Block Sites feature when you want to.

2) Go to the router's Access List feature (may be called differently so see note above) add everyone's wireless MAC ID to the include list except the kid's. When you want him/her off internet activate Access List

3) Take kid's computer, lock in cupboard.

 

[ddh1961]

Thanks for the info, guys. I don't use a router- the MiFi is a wireless access point with no software. The child is 14 and has Asperger's Syndrome, i.e. extremely high-functioning autism. He's very intelligent, yet doesn't quite get the whole concept of rationing his download time for the month. He's pretty handy with computers, but not to the level of like a programmer. My oldest son is a software engineer and showed me how to use a host file to block sites, which is what I'm doing now, but that only gets one site at a time. I block one and the youngster just finds another. (Luckily it's not porn or anything like that- he just likes to watch funny stuff like comedies and bloopers & so forth.)

I was hoping to find something that would allow his computer to download like 100Mb/day, then not allow any more till the next day. I'm still looking online for such a program, but so far everything I've found is time-based...

In the end I may just have to implement Fihart's "Take kid's computer, lock in cupboard" strategy, LOL...

 

[JDFan]

Have you looked into getting some other type of internet connection that is unlimited instead of limited -- in most areas you can get unlimited usage for $20-$50 a month or less depending on the speed you want -- for example AT&T has a 6Mb\s connection for $25 a month with unlimited usage - I have AT&T U-verse and pay $45 a month for unlimited 12Mb\s connection speed - so might be easier for you to just switch to a different plan - Figure as time goes by nowadays more and more info is being delivered by internet access and 10GB\month is not very much when streaming video etc. (and figure that way you could limit him by time instead of content which is much easier to track !)

 

[ddh1961]

Have you looked into getting some other type of internet connection that is unlimited instead of limited -- in most areas you can get unlimited usage for $20-$50 a month or less depending on the speed you want -- for example AT&T has a 6Mb\s connection for $25 a month with unlimited usage - I have AT&T U-verse and pay $45 a month for unlimited 12Mb\s connection speed - so might be easier for you to just switch to a different plan - Figure as time goes by nowadays more and more info is being delivered by internet access and 10GB\month is not very much when streaming video etc. (and figure that way you could limit him by time instead of content which is much easier to track !)

Unfortunately that's not an option. We live out in the boonies & no one offers high-speed internet but Verizon. We also can't use satellite because we have too many trees, so I'm stuck with Verizon. This is the first month we've had a 10Gb plan- prior to that the most Verizon offered was 5Gb. Ugh!

 

[ddh1961]

Ok first thing you must do is to get him out of the admin account. Create a limited users account for him.

Put a password on the admin account and disable all software and drivers install. Try and limit his account as much as possible. Then add your routers adress in the hostfile as a loopback address. Otherwise he can still connect to it.

then read this

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/parents/childsafety/steps.aspx

you can try this

http://www.supershareware.com/info/child-computer-time-out.html

more apps can be found here

http://www.supershareware.com/child-protection-free/software/

but the time out one above are the one that limits the internet by cutting it off

I removed the wireless adapter on his desktop, and created an Admin acct on his laptop, made him a standard user, and disabled the wireless on it till I can get some type of limiting software installed. I will check out the links you provided. Many thanks!!

 

[wordthief]

I removed the wireless adapter on his desktop, and created an Admin acct on his laptop, made him a standard user, and disabled the wireless on it till I can get some type of limiting software installed. I will check out the links you provided. Many thanks!!

I know it's been a while but.. this softeare allows you to limit the amount of time spent, and has other features that may help.

http://www.internetsafety.com/safe-eyes-parental-control-software-affiliate.php

 

[The_Prophecy]

This topic has been closed by The_Prophecy