Apr 27 2009
Make your Mac kid-friendly
You want to raise your kids up right, and part of that is helping them choose the right Operating System.
This week weÃll explore what you need to make your Mac kid-compatible.
This handy tool limits the time a user can use your Mac. By providing your kids (or your lazy Internet browsing husband/friend/mother-in-law) with their own user account, from your Administrator account you can set limits on their time usage. When a userÃs time elapses, he or she is given a warning, then logged out. Time is tracked as ìcreditsî that can be set to increase on a gradual scale.
Finderella is a sweet and simple way to restrict access on your Mac. With a simplified interface and a launch-at-login option, this app makes your Mac virtually kid-proof. Options let you restrict file, document and application access. Finderella even speaks each iconÃs name when you mouse over it. Cute is the only work for that.
Now that you have control of your computer, and itÃs ready for kids, you will need something for them to do on it. A great way to introduce children to your Mac is through Palette. Hearkening back to the good-old MacPaint days, this simple painting application has save and print capabilities. The simple tools and icon interface make it very easy to use.
Now that youÃve got the tools, thereÃs not reason to start breeding that next generation of Mac geek.
Brian