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based on settings, for example by choosing High, Medium or None for filtering. The Custom options lets you check off which types of websites you would like to block, for example "pornography", "tobacco", or "hate speech". You can also manually allow or deny sites by clicking the "Edit the Allow and Block List" (1). When the user tries to access a blocked site they will see a message about Windows Parental Controls advising them that the site has been blocked.

Time restrictions are an interesting feature of Vista Parental Controls. In this option, you can view a schedule outlining when the user is and is not allowed to log into their account. By default the user has access all the time, but you can click in boxes corresponding to time frames to block that particular time. For example, you could select to block all evenings after 8pm. If the user tries to log on they will receive a message saying their account has time restrictions on it (1).

In the Games option, you can choose to allow or deny games based on a rating system. You can even choose whether they can play games at all, and choose to allow or block specific games. If you click on "Set Games Ratings" a list of games ratings will be shown and you can select the ones that you want to allow. Clicking "Block or Allow Specific Games" brings up a list where you can choose to allow or block the game, or use "user rating setting" to apply the parental control setting chosen.

Under "Allow or Block Specific Programs" you can control which programs a user can access, by choosing either to allow all programs, or to select specific ones under "only the programs that I allow". In the latter case, a list of programs will be brought up and you can check off the ones that you would like to allow, or browse for others if you like, then click OK when finished.

These settings allow the parent to specifically tailor the access for the child that will be using the account, and may help them to feel more confident that their child will not run into inappropriate material while online.

References:
1)http://www.bleepingcomputer. com/tutorials/tutorial139.html
2)http://www.microsoft.com/win dows/products/windowsvista/fea tures/details/parentalcontrols .mspx
3)http://www.instantvista.com/ vista-parental-controls.html
4)http://www.vistaultimate.com /parental-controls-windows-vis ta.htm

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