Many companies sell parental control software, but Windows Vista has a powerful set of tools built in at no extra cost.

To use them click Start
... Control Panel
...... then Set up parental controls for any user.

Slect a user from the list and you'll be presented with options to limit web access and games, restrict access to the internet or to the entire PC, and to log computer activity.


It's occasionally handy to see how long a PC has been running for - particularly if you're concerned that a young family member has been overusing it.

Windows keeps detailed logs, but there's a quick and easy way to find out how long it has been running:
... press Ctrl+Shift+Escape keys together,
...... click the Performance tab,
......... and look for the Up Time listed near the bottom of the window in hours, minutes and seconds.

Now you are equipped to say, "Do you realise how long you've been sitting down here? It's time to go to bed!"