Peanut Butter PC Improves, a Little

Most of the time when I think of parental control software, I picture something that blocks inappropriate Web sites, limits time on the Internet (or on the computer), monitors what the kids are doing, and resists attack by clever teens. This sort of program isn't really what you need if you have pre-schoolers on the PC: They don't need full access to the Internet or even the PC's desktop, yet you'd like to let them get familiar with the world of computers.Products like Peanut Butter PC try to bridge this gap by giving the kids a fun way to use the computer while protecting the operating system and your files from "accidents." I faulted the product's first release for being boring, non-interactive, and porous. The company's president persuaded me to have another look now that they've released version 3.0.This isn't the only product attempting to create a limited children's desktop and browser. KidZui, Hoopah, and the apparently defunct NoodleNet are other examples. These others supply their own preapproved lists of kid-friendly age-appropriate Web sites and games. Peanut Butter PC offers some lists, but you, the parent, must select every program or Web site your kids will be allowed to use. I don't know that I'm actually qualified to choose appropriate (continue reading...)