It is important that parents know how to limit Internet time with Windows 7 because one can find information on literally anything on the Internet. Articles, book excerpts, photos and more are just a few clicks away. While this makes things like networking and research convenient, it also gives parents much more to worry about. The Internet expands a child’s world from their backyard or street to almost the entire planet. So, it is important to understand the tools that are at a parent’s disposal to protect his or her children while they surf the Web.
How do I use the time limit feature?
To turn on the time limit feature on Windows 7, one must first be logged into an administrator account. Unless you are logged in as an administrator, you open the parental control program. Then, you can open the control panel from the Start Menu. Under the heading “User Accounts and Family Safety” you will find the parental control program. Then, you may choose the account for which you wish to edit the parental controls. Click on time limits, and then you will be able to set the time that you want the user to be allowed on the computer.
The Fine Print
The Windows 7 time limit feature does not apply directly to the Internet. The feature actually applies to just being logged onto the computer. This indirectly allows parents to control the amount of time their child spends on the Internet by controlling the amount of time the child spends on the computer. Also, this feature only allows you to determine the time of day that you want your child to be able to log into the computer. For example, you cannot set it to automatically log off once a user has been on the computer for three hours total that day. Rather, you can specify that a user may be on the computer from 3 to 6 pm. If they try to log on before the specified time frame, the computer will not allow it, and once they reach the end of the time frame, the computer will automatically log off.
The Benefits of the Windows 7 Time Control Feature
It may seem like the Windows 7 time control feature is somewhat pointless because it is not as customizable as some might like. However, it can still be a useful tool. Parents can use it to ensure that their children are not logging onto the computer during the evening, which is when Internet predators tend to be lurking in cyberspace. Further, it makes it easier to ensure that children are not spending too much time on the computer because the feature will not allow them to login outside of their specified time frame. Finally, it is safe because only administrators can edit the settings. Thus, your kids cannot change it from their own user account, ensuring that you always have control over when they use the computer.
larah says:
yes this is very true, as a mother i am scared my kid would be exposed to too many things at a young age.billionair me says:
nice article and true we really need to limit internet time for our kid because they might view something not suitable for them.lovely wife says:
great post. i didn’t know windows 7 has this feature, time limit feature does not apply directly to the Internet. The feature actually applies to just being logged onto the computer. this is so cool.asalaon says:
Parents these days are worried on how much risk their children have exposed themselves on web without someone telling them how dangerous it might be.marie says:
Nice information, many thanks to the author. this article really is a help to parent like me.jughead jones says:
Yeah, although Windows 7 time control feature is not as customizable, however, it can still be a useful tool for Parents.jean says:
i am a windows 7 user too but i am still not well versed around windows 7 and a friend told me that there are cool features in it that i can even customize it and can monitor internet activity.ted says:
yes windows 7 has feature that would help you to limit their time usage.jacoby says:
windows 7 is a cool operating system with lots of cool features.