Windows 7: Parental controls

akstylish · 28 Dec 2009

This feature would be great. But is there a way to set up restrictions on my own account? I cannot afford to lose administrator privileges as I'm the only user of this computer and need to access system files frequently.

ZeshanA · 28 Dec 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by akstylish

This feature would be great for me because I'm a computer addict. But is there a way to set up restrictions on my own account? I cannot afford to lose administrator privileges as I'm the only user of this computer and need to access system files frequently.

Hi akstylish! I'm sorry but this is not possible. The following is a quote from the Microsoft Website.

Quote: Originally Posted by http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-Parental-Controls

Before you get started, make sure that each child that you want to set up Parental Controls for has a standard user account because Parental Controls can only be applied to standard user accounts. To set up Parental Controls for your child, you'll need an Administrator user account. Parental Controls cannot be applied to an Administrator user account.

You could try making a new administrator account. Using that to turn your account to standard. Putting Parental Controls on it. Then turn yourself back to administrator and delete the other admin account.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/95...setup-use.html

ZeshanA

richc46 · 28 Dec 2009

Just set up a standard account, use it for all your needs. Just use the Adm account for changes that have to be made to the system. No matter what you do, you will know the code to change it. So if you know there is an adm account that you could use to circumvent the parental contols, changes nothing.

Corrine · 28 Dec 2009

Hi, akstylish.

Windows Live Essentials includes Family Safety Family Safety - Windows Live

Quote:

With Family Safety, you decide how your kids experience the Internet. Limit searches, monitor and block or allow websites, and decide who your kids can communicate with in Windows Live Spaces, Messenger, or Hotmail.*

I agree with Rich. It is strongly suggested that you create a Limited User Account. Step-by-step instructions are available in Steve Friedl's article Configuring Windows 7 for a Limited User Account. With the Limited User Account, consider Elevation PowerToys for Windows

In addition, IE8 includes Data Execution Prevention (DEP). This is a security feature that can help prevent damage to your computer from viruses and other security threats by preventing certain types of code from writing to executable memory space.

Be sure to have a software firewall, an up-to-date antivirus software and practice safe surfing.

akstylish · 30 Dec 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by ZeshanA

You could try making a new administrator account. Using that to turn your account to standard. Putting Parental Controls on it. Then turn yourself back to administrator and delete the other admin account.

Parental Controls - Setup and Use - Vista Forums

ZeshanA

That didn't work. As soon as the other account was deleted, parental controls were disabled, which I kind of expected.

Quote: Originally Posted by richc46

Just set up a standard account, use it for all your needs. Just use the Adm account for changes that have to be made to the system. No matter what you do, you will know the code to change it. So if you know there is an adm account that you could use to circumvent the parental contols, changes nothing.

Here's the dilemma: I have no willpower to refrain from disabling parental controls as long as I can access the admin account. I can have someone set up a password for me, but like I said I need to access system files, install/delete programs, etc.

Can someone give me a list of restrictions on a standard user as specifically as possible?

richc46 · 30 Dec 2009

Why not open a standard account to see what you can and cannot do. This way there will be no mistake. As a general rule you can do anything that does not affect the OS, when in a standard account. If you go to any of your programs (not the short cut) right click then go to properties then security, you will be able to select who can control the program. Again, I suggest you give it a dry one. Open the account, try it out with one program and then you are set to go.

In additiion, have a healthy and happy new year. I hope that this is resolved before it starts.

Corrine · 30 Dec 2009

What are you expecting Parental Controls to do for you if you plan on disabling them anyway? It sounds to me like a catch 22. No matter what restrictive programs are placed on the computer, you plan on overriding them. Perhaps what you should consider is acting responsibly and ensure that your computer is both properly secured as well as backed up regularly.

akstylish · 31 Dec 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by richc46

Why not open a standard account to see what you can and cannot do. This way there will be no mistake. As a general rule you can do anything that does not affect the OS, when in a standard account. If you go to any of your programs (not the short cut) right click then go to properties then security, you will be able to select who can control the program. Again, I suggest you give it a dry one. Open the account, try it out with one program and then you are set to go.

In additiion, have a healthy and happy new year. I hope that this is resolved before it starts.

Sounds like a good solution. I will probably not be able to install some programs and make changes to system files, but that's a price I'll have to pay if I want to break the addiction. And thank you for your goodwill.

Quote: Originally Posted by Corrine MVP

What are you expecting Parental Controls to do for you if you plan on disabling them anyway? It sounds to me like a catch 22. No matter what restrictive programs are placed on the computer, you plan on overriding them. Perhaps what you should consider is acting responsibly and ensure that your computer is both properly secured as well as backed up regularly.

That's what an addiction is all about. For some people with strong motivation it's not hard to break it, but I'm not one of them. And I'm on my own to deal with this problem. I'm already in early 20s and have no one to yell at me for playing games too long.

richc46 · 31 Dec 2009

I wish you a Happy New Year and I hope that you can resolve the problem that you are having with computer usage.

Corrine · 31 Dec 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by akstylish

That's what an addiction is all about. For some people with strong motivation it's not hard to break it, but I'm not one of them. And I'm on my own to deal with this problem. I'm already in early 20s and have no one to yell at me for playing games too long.

Consider yourself now being told to shut down the computer and go for a walk outside. Yes, you need fresh air and exercise. When you return, you may play a game for 1 hour. Then, sorry, but you will need to walk away from the computer again for another break. Why? Not due to the addiction but for your health. Do a load of laundry, vacuum, wash the dishes, fix a salad (she said, although her computer has been on since 8 AM).

How about volunteering at a local Senior Center to teach the seniors how to play simple computer games? I bet they would enjoy having a "grandson" type person visiting them. It would give you another outlet.

Whatever you do, have a Happy New Year!