I am using Tiger / OSX 10.4 and a DSL modem. I would like to know how I can control and disable Internet access at will and I, as almighty-yet-clueless-admin can be the only one to change this. I'm not power hungry. I'm a parent with 3 teenagers. A couple of users on our home system need to reduce their distraction time but I don't want to prevent them from doing homework on the Mac.
My DSL service provider still has to find out how to make the DSL modem forget the connection login information even after i've cleared it from the connection screen. According to various tests of this and that, it seems to have a good memory after powered back on.
So, until I hear back from them, I thought I'd poke around in System preferences / network but the info is not too clear. The only relevant setting is Built-in Ethernet and if I were to change the configuration to "manually" rather than "automatically". "manually" has a lot of extra settings that are confusing.
Help, please.
T
I suspect that just about anything you try can be cracked by today's kids in less time than it takes to read this post.
But, if you are willing to try, your best bet is a router that allows you to program access windows. You probably already have such a beast if you have one DSL connection going to many computers. What you need to do is set up "rules" that say things like "machine 1 can connect to the internet only between 7 and 8 PM Monday to Friday".
Depending on the router you have or get, the settings can be quite arcane. I personally favor the D-Link routers because they seem to have a very complete set of features. The description here: http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=62 actually has the words "parental control" right up front. The last paragraph reads:
QuoteSo, whether you're a college student who wants to network with friends and roommates, an executive working at home or in a small office, or a concerned parent who just wants to have more control over how your children access the Internet, then the D-Link Express EtherNetwork DI-604 is the networking solution for you, even if you don't know anything about networking.
Thanks for replying, AdminMan. We're not on a network. It's one Mac and one DSL modem. I want any authenticated user on the Mac to be prompted for the connection credentials if attempting to access the internet but not hindered in using productivity apps.
The help desk suggested to Create a PPPoE Connection and they'd program the modem to be "bridged". Sounds complex. I'll try it on the weekend.
I thought this would be as simple as someone with Mac admin powers could control the internet access/service. Guess not.
T
Hi,
Here are a few OS X options for your situation :
http://www.securemac.com/contentbarrier.php
http://www.lumacode.com/macminder/
Both applications let you setup custom schedules for internet browsing.
Good luck!
- Sam
Hi there,
I am just wondering if you have installed any of them? I would like to get your feedback on the use of these programs - simplicity, control, overall satisfaction, etc. I have several clients who have children which would like to control the access to the internet at one point or another.
Cheers,
S.