COMPUTER ADVICE
Devices shut off power to computer
By Kim Komando
Gannett News Service
Putting limits on how much time youngsters use surfing the Web, instant-messaging friends, playing video games and more isn't easy — especially with the advent of broadband, home networking and other technologies that make time in front of the computer even more compelling.
To help parents manage their kids' time in the electronic world, companies have introduced a world of solutions. Here are some options.
• Devices such as Time-Scout Monitor and TV Allowance control the flow of power to a monitor (or television or video game). The devices cut off the power to electronic gear if a child isn't scheduled to use it.
Parents decide when their children can use the computer and for how long. Then, youngsters swipe an electronic card with Time-Scout or enter a personal identification number with TV Allowance to power their PC, game console or television.
If you think your kids might resent this method, you might be surprised. Parents say children get a sense of power from being allowed to decide when they can use their electronics.
Jenny Meacham, of Orem, Utah, says she's installed Time-Scout Monitor on her home's televisions and two computers.
"The kids can earn more time (on a TV or computer)," she says. "They can also lose time. But we use it mostly as a reward system."
Time-Scout Monitor (www.time-scout.com) is $89.95 direct from the company. To use it, plug the computer monitor, television or video game into the power box and set the lock. Plug the power box into the wall socket. A card reader is also provided. Parents use a special add-subtract card to create time limits.
Each kid also receives a card. When the child is ready to use the family PC, for example, he or she swipes the card through the reader. The monitor turns on, and the Time-Scout begins counting down the minutes. When the child is through, a swipe turns off the device and saves the remaining minutes.
TV Allowance works similarly. Plug the monitor, TV or game console's power cord into TV Allowance, then close and lock the top of the TV Allowance box. Assign each youngster a four-digit PIN, which he or she can input on TV Allowance's keypad to unlock a computer, game console or other gear.
TV Allowance counts down the time and turns off the equipment connected to it when a youngster is finished or when time expires.
TV Allowance (www.tvallowance.com) is $99 for the first unit, and $79 for each additional one.
• Software programs are also available to monitor computer usage. PC TimeCop (www.familysafemedia.com, $35) lets parents designate when and how long individual programs can be used.
Other programs put more emphasis on limiting Internet access. Two such programs are Cyber Patrol (www.cyberpatrol.com, $39) and Cyber Sentinel (www.securitysoft.com, $40). Keylogging capability is included with most programs. With this, you can see everything a child does on the computer.
