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Hello! Welcome to this article where we’re going to tackle a very interesting topic, especially for those of us who are parents and are concerned about our children’s safety in the digital world. Did you know that Linux has a built-in parental control system that can help you monitor and limit your little ones’ Internet use? Yes, that’s right, and today we’re going to learn how to use it. Let’s get started!
Why are parental controls important?
I imagine that, as a parent, you want to make sure your children are safe while surfing the Internet. Parental controls are a way to help ensure that safety, by allowing you to set limits on what websites your children can visit, how long they can be online, which apps they can use, and much more. In short, they’re a must-have tool for any parent who wants to keep their children safe in the digital world.
Parental control tools in Linux
While Linux does not have a built-in parental control system as such, there are tools you can use to set up parental controls on your system. One of the most popular ones is ‘Timekpr-nExT’. This application allows you to set usage time limits, restrict access to certain apps, block specific websites, and much more.
Installing Timekpr-nExT
Installing Timekpr-nExT is a straightforward process. You just need to open the terminal (don’t worry, I’ll guide you step by step) and type the following command: sudo apt install timekpr-next. Enter your password when prompted, and wait for the installation to complete. There you go! Now you have Timekpr-nExT installed on your system.
Setting up parental controls with Timekpr-nExT
Once Timekpr-nExT is installed, the next step is to set up the parental controls. To do this, open the application from your system’s applications menu.
Setting time limits
One of the most useful features of Timekpr-nExT is the ability to set time limits for computer use. You can set how many hours a day your children can use the computer, and even specify the hours of the day when they are allowed to use it.
Blocking access to specific apps
Another useful feature is the ability to block access to specific applications. For example, if you don’t want your children to use a certain program or game, you can easily block it with Timekpr-nExT.
Limiting Internet access
Last but not least, Timekpr-nExT allows you to limit Internet access. You can block specific websites, or even limit access to the Internet entirely during certain periods of time. This is an effective way to ensure your children aren’t browsing websites you consider inappropriate.
Customizing your parental controls
The great thing about parental controls in Linux is that they’re completely customizable. You don’t have to stick to the default options of Timekpr-nExT. Instead, you can set up your own parental controls that suit your family’s needs.
For example, you can set different control levels for different users. This can be especially useful if you have children of different ages, as you will likely want to set different control levels for each one.
In addition, you can set specific parental controls for different devices. For example, you might want to limit Internet access more on the computer your children use for gaming, while allowing freer access on the device they use for school.
Final considerations about parental controls
Parental controls are an excellent tool to help keep your children safe online, but it’s important to remember they are not a definitive solution. It’s crucial that you also talk to your children about online safety and teach them how to behave safely on the Internet.
Moreover, remember that parental controls can be a double-edged sword. If used excessively, they can result in children feeling controlled and limited. It’s important to find a balance between keeping your children safe and allowing them to explore and learn independently.
Keep calm and use Linux
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You now know how to set up parental controls in Linux. However, keep in mind this is just the beginning. Linux is a very powerful and flexible operating system, and there’s much more you can learn and explore.
Remember, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. All of this may seem complicated at first, especially if you’re new to Linux. But don’t worry, with a bit of practice, you’ll get familiar with everything in no time. And remember, you can always come back to this article if you need a reminder on how to set up parental controls.
So keep calm, use Linux, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your children are safe while browsing the Internet. See you in the next article!