How to protect your children on-line: Internet Rules as well as Technology

In order to fulfill the responsibility of protecting your children on-line, you must master the basics of the computer.  Only then can you guide them and teach them the do's and don'ts of the Internet. Teach them to use the Internet safely, encourage them to share their experiences with you and enjoy the Internet along with them. Children should basically show respect to others on-line, just as you teach children rules of good behavior when they move in society.
Nevertheless, there is technology available, which can help to protect your children from any content that is not appropriate for them.  So you can use software to block this inappropriate content. Microsoft software, for example, has different types of software for this.  'Windows Vista Parental Controls' helps parents to manage, monitor and administer the use of computer by the children. Another software called 'Windows Live OneCare Family Safety' filters the information, so that even the child's searches can be blocked, if they are inappropriate for its age. Even DVD movies and games can be restricted by a software called Xbox parental controls. There is another program called Safe Eyes that Dave Ramsey endorses. It targets key words and phases that could be dangerous. The newest problem now is text messaging both at school and while driving.  The newest program that I have seen is called Textsafety. It does not allow texting while driving. The parent has control over the times texting is allowed.
Besides, you can increase your security and privacy by making your children limited users in your Administrative Account, by giving them Limited User accounts. This restricts the children to change system settings, install any new software which includes chat programs, games, etc.
Protection of your child can also be done through your web browser. All that you have to do is to adjust your web browser security settings and web sites can then be assigned security levels.
Also you can keep track of the websites that the children are surfing. If you check out the History List in Internet Explorer, it is possible to see where the children have been surfing. Even email addresses, correspondence and downloaded files can be viewed by you.
Children should be taught to be careful during chats and instant messaging sessions and not to disclose personal identity, names, addresses and telephone numbers. This is how they become victims to imposters and predators.
Make your children aware of the hazards of the Internet and teach them how they can come out of difficult situations.  Having talks and discussions with children about the risks is important, and as parents one should set certain limits. If the safety of the children is taken care of, only then can Internet be a source of fun and information, without which the environment is incomplete.