Can I password Protect Internet? (firefox, IE, Chrome)

I'm considering getting my little brother a netbook for christmas, But I'd like to be able to put a password on the internet so he can do his schoolwork, but if he needs internet he needs someone to give him the password. With so many bad sites and viruses out there, I'd rather the computer be safe.

Couldn't find any real answers on google, but I hope I can do this.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

you could use something like net-nanny and block access to the internet or just allow access to certain sites

 

I want to block access completely unless I say so.

 

Simple. Don't give him the password for wireless internet and don't allow him access to the wireless router or cable box.

 

I think the most convenient way is through your router's settings - you can easily set up a schedule for his internet, or completely block internet for a specific MAC address (and you can turn it on remotely if and when he needs it).

 

So there's no way to go set a password on firefox or anything?

not especially computer savvy here, how would I go about doing this?

 

Even if you can put a password on Firefox. He can download any other internet browser (Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.) and use the internet.

You'll have to simply not give him the password for wireless or setup the router settings internally like mentioned above.

 

He's 8. he wouldn't know how to install a new browser.

 

Since, he's only 8 and is computer illterate. Simply, just hide the shortcuts for Firefox, IE, etc. (from the desktop, start menu, quick launch) inside a random folder on the computer. When he wants to use the internet then move the shortcuts back to the desktop.

Also, remember to disable "recent opened programs" from the start menu, so that the previous opened browser will not show up on the start menu.

 

If you buy him a netbook for X-mas, just make sure to buy one with Windows 7 (or Vista) and check out Parental Controls. Guide link
By making a Limited User Account/LUA, you can restrict the use of programs, installation of programs, limit the time-periods in which specific programs (e.g. browsers) can be used and control which websites can or cannot be visited. Guide link
(I'd assume an 8-year old has limited surfing needs).
A LUA is also an excellent safety measure as most malware can only do harm to user-space (when the comp. is running in LUA) instead of the entire OS (as with an admin account).

Your kid brother will likely want to play a game on his new computer so make sure you are the one who installs it.
Parental Control also allows you to define which games, from a specific list, are allowed to be played.
Be aware though that even an 8-year old can become pretty proficient in a short time.

All this does not give you the option of a password protected browser but it's a start.

 

Thank you Baserk, those look like some good options.

 

This seems exactly what you need; Empathy.
' ...a special utility allowing you to password-protect any executable file. link

Sys reqs show XP and Vista so probably it will work on Win7 just fine.
One caveat; the demo/trial version has a single-character password limitation; even easy for an 8-year old.
The program is ' postcardware' so to unlock all functionality, you'll have to buy/register it by sending an actual postcard to the developer in Slovakia.

You can also try Blumentals' Program Protector, it also offers password protection for programs, and has support and updates.
But it's usual payware; $29.85. link

Let me know what it will be; $1 by postcard or $29.85 by credit card.

 

darn. that's frustrating. Slovakia? That program is EXACTLY what I'm looking for.

 

I'm not too up-to-date with this topic, actually I'm new too it. But I found this site with some useful information + links to software that may be of interest, from what I can see it's all freeware...

How To Password Protect Any Windows Program

 

I don't know how old your little brother is, but maybe something like kidzui would be nice and safe for browsing: KidZui - The Internet for Kids

 

found a solution. a rather good solution.

K9 Web Protection
Lets you onto internet, but bad sites are password protected, (anything that mentions or has images that you wouldn't want your kid looking at...) also, helps prevent scams and stuff. Anywho, in case anyone was interested.

 

I have found a great solution for my household. It's free, it's easy and very useful - Rohos Blog Archive How to password protect Google Chrome data with Rohos encryption software