LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

[mscher]

I can't get into why, but I need to start looking closer at where my kid's visit on the web and who they communicate with.

Is there any application or new router hardware available, that can monitor usage, (Chats, webcam, etc.)? I'd be looking for something that does not require a client software installation? I can spend some money, but not what a corporation could spend, maybe under $200.

Any help appreciated.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

check internet history on pc?

 

[Dave.Mishchenko]

Re: LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

The Network Monitor tool here might do the job for you - http://chat.mingsoft.com/products.html.

To accomplish this without an agent running on the monitored workstation you'll need a switch on which you can enable promiscuous mode. The normal mode for a switch is to filter traffic that is destined to your PC that's why in the help they talk about using a hub which doesn't filter. The typical router device that you get will operate as a switch. If you can't provide that kind of connectivity then you need to look at either using agents or using a device that sits between all PCs and the Internet router. With that solution you'd be looking at using an old PC and you would potentially increase the risk of your monitoring being discovered.

As an IT professional I know this kind of thing works successfully in a corporate environment. Nobody likes the idea of their communication being secretly monitored.

As a parent myself, I wouldn't do it. If you get busted the loss of trust may be something that takes a very long time to recover from.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

I did a google and track4win sounds promising:

http://www.track4win.com/Track_Internet_Usage.asp

Here is my argument with the internet and kids though. They are going to find a way to view what they want to view...even if it means at a friends house. If you teach them a "healthy internet usage" regimine they will be a little better off. You can restrict there internet usage to when you are home using your routers built-in functionality as well.

I got myself into a lot of stuff on the internet as a kid and I still do as an adult. One search leads to another and lets be honest...everyone is curious.

I would install the program, let them know the reason for installing it, and than prove that you are serious by "reviewing" the sites they've visited with them wether there appropriate or not. That way they know they are being watched and they will be less likely to abuse there priveledges.

You can also request any passwords they have for accounts, e-mail, facebook, etc and periodically log-in. If I were the kid I would be a little ticked off at this but it sonuds like they have already done the damage to prompt your monitoring.

If you gave me more specifics as to what exactly you want to track I could probably find a more suitable application. If you are simply looking for when and where they've been on the WWW no biggie...if you are looking at tracking keystrokes it gets more complicated.

If there getting into cam stuff I would almost change the way they login. I would make myself the admin, and lockdown any cam hardware so it's unavailable to them (unless I give them access) basically taking control of your network and becoming your own administrator.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

I see nothing wrong with monitoring your children's habits on the internet.

I put on a full monitoring program that sent the updates to my computer. We seen everything, web pages, emails, chat programs. Everything.
We told them about it. And said once you prove you can use it responsibly then we'll remove it.

It's been in my parents house when they adopted my niece as well.
Very valuable tool.

There seems to be this notion of "privacy" when it comes to kids.. Bottom line. Your house, your internet, your rules. If they don't like being monitored. Dont use the internet.

This monitoring program I used was a silent application. You install it, configure how you want the reports. Send Via email, FTP or Through your network.

They can't tell it's there and doesn't show up in the processes. The install folder is hidden as well.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: LAN Usage Monitoring Tool.

I've already had "issues" with my 9 year old daughter's internet usage... I have the computer in the main (great room) of the house in plain sight and I have seen her looking at stuff that a 9 year old girl shouldn't be looking at. Now I have rules.

1 hour per day limit on weekdays unless it's for school
2 hour limit per day on the weekends
only when an adult is in the room
no chat rooms, no social networking sites


and I got her an email account that allows me to set up "buddy" lists of email addresses that she can receive messages from.