Robust "Parental Controls" options - what's best?

Secure your computer from virus/spyware/porn:

If you want to secure your computer, consider to purchase PC-cillin with builtin firewall:
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desktop/pc-cillin/evaluate/overview.htm

Virus Information Alliance (VIA)
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/virus/via.asp

Getting a personal Firewall
http://www.zensecurity.co.uk/default.asp?URL=personal

Download the free version of ZoneAlarm firewall
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid.jsp?lid=ho_za

Ad-aware Standard Edition is THE award winning, free*, multicomponent adware detection and removal utility:
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Spybot:
http://www.hestia-online.net/spybot/download.htm

Beating Messenger Spam
http://www.practical-tech.com/infrastructure/i11042002.htm

Trywaredk, are you with me?  *Parental controls* - as in restricting access to the internet.  What does this have to do with anything?

Jonnyz

Use SurfControl
IMportant feature: Rules based on ‘Users and Groups’ objects

http://www.surfcontrol.com/support/kb_article.aspx?id=258

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/evaluation/features/indepth/contentadv.asp
Internet Explore content advisor

Thanks ramesh, I'll keep those in mind.  Still not what I'm after though...

Let me rephrase the question a little bit.  I already have the following options in the parental controls that are already in place in my account... only bad feature is they use email address to authenticate, so when you first log in, you type in your windows password and then you have to log into Yahoo with your email & password.  Then you can get to the internet.

Here are the features:
- Each user is assigned an access rating: Full, Teens, or Kids.  Based on this rating, they can access websites, and this does work very well.
- You can BLOCK access to domains for a user, along with ALLOW access as well.
- You can BLOCK access to: Chat, Instant Messenger, Groups/Clubs, WebMail, Messageboards (all are separate options).

As you can see this isn't very bad, but as I mentioned above, I have one MAIN thing I am looking for - the ability to do this same thing but based on the time of day.  We have no problem with one of the kids using instant messenger, but after 9:00 pm, inet access should be blocked, and any open connections would be closed (i.e. log off any chat/messenger clients already open).

Thanks!

Look here:

Freeware:
http://www.webattack.com/get/iprotectyou.shtml

Trial:
http://www.webattack.com/get/kidsnetcontrol.shtml
http://www.webattack.com/get/chatwatch.shtml

Shareware:
http://www.webattack.com/get/bouncebrowser.shtml
http://www.webattack.com/get/chatblocker.shtml

Hope this will help.

Content Filtering and Safe Internet Access
http://www.safe-internet-access.com/

Limit browsing by time and day. Allow Internet access only when a Tutor or Parent is available.
http://www.safe-internet-access.com/filtering_safe_benefit.html

"Trywaredk, are you with me?  *Parental controls* - as in restricting access to the internet.  What does this have to do with anything?"

:o) I still think, that you should consider to protect your computer in the time of day, where you want your children to use the internet.

lol, OK you got me... I am just most interested in blocking what they can do after 9 pm.  What they can do during the day is another issue altogether... but I will definately keep those in mind!

I'm trying out your second link suggestion.

jvuz - looks pretty good to me, I'll look through more thoroughly tomorrow.  I downloaded the one referenced by the first link.. well it did what I wanted to do, and then went bazerk, throwing about 10 popups at me, telling me I should be doing my homework and that serious consequenses will be following... that got me to chuckle!  Anyway, still no time restrictions there.

Is this what you're looking for?
http://www.softheap.com/fr.html

This may be what you are looking for.  Doesn't do any filtering but since you are happy with that and just want to set limits this works very well.  We use it for a lot of our customers to limit how much time thier employees can use certain programs.
http://www.xelerate.biz/index.php?cat_id=1&page_id=3

pr1923, this is really great, but looks like it's meant to restrict access from the system globally.  From all I could see, it wasn't able to create rules on a user-specific basis, or did I miss something?  That's key, because as this is the family computer, I use it along with kids so the access needs to be based on who is logged onto XP.  Also can it restrict access to certain apps and not others?  Internet access?  Couldn't see where it could...

Philote's suggested software is the best for my situation, thus far.  I have waited on closing the question because it doesn't run stealthily (no big deal) and it does not necessarily restrict internet access, but instead restricts applications as a whole.  Although this will work, I can see some instances where IE could be used to do stuff offline, and it would be OK, yet access to that program would be blocked.

Anyone else that has any ideas please let me know, otherwise philote will get the points.

With this program you install it logged in as each user so if you want it for user 1 you would log in as user 1 and install and configure it.  It will allow you to allow you to set access to certain apps and not others or allow you to say that they can run this program until 6pm but not before 4 pm.  It is a little tedious to setup because you have to install and configure it for each user individually but works really well.  We install it for companies so that their employees can use only certain apps during the day but at lunch they can run any that they want and we set it up to only allow 2 hrs per day of access to IE because their boss doesn't think they should spend more then that surfing any given day.  You may want to call them and they can explain exactly how it can configured to fit what you want it to do.  
Let me know if you have any other questions.

pr1923, all that you just explained sounds more like what I've been looking for.  I'll look into it as soon as I have some free time (hasn't been much, lately.... EE - I miss you!)

;o)

Increasing to 500 points, apparently this isn't as easy as I thought.

Thanks everyone!

lrmoore, looks like this would really do that trick.  Also looks like it's small in size - definately a good thing, the computer is dated.  However there is no trial version.  Any other software like this one for which I can obtain a demo or trial?  Also, anything cheaper than 69 bucks?

InetDisable is an Internet access scheduler that lets you specify, for each day of the week, the periods throughout the day during which Internet access is enabled or disabled on the kids' computer. InetDisable offers several key benefits versus typical Internet scheduling programs:
http://farmtek-fti.com/DeRamp/inetdisable.htm

IM Web Inspector
http://www.elronsoftware.com/productfamily/features.shtml

Norton™ Productivity Control
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pr/features.html

InetDisable Version 3.0 - Try it FREE for 15 days -Download size is just 360 Kb - Purchase for just $14.95
http://farmtek-fti.com/DeRamp/inetdisable.htm

trwaredk - what are the other two that you recommend? Web inspector and norton?

Squid is freeware, but I don't think it does time restrictions
http://www.squid-cache.org/

Free eval of WinProxy:
http://www.atwinproxy.com/english/home/hm_business_home_en.asp

Demo of AlegroSurf is available:
http://www.allegrosurf.com/

>This proxy server download will provide you with a free trial of CCProxy

http://www.youngzsoft.net/download.htm

lrmoore - which do you recommend most?  CCProxy?  It's a bit expensive, how do your others stack up? (win proxy, alegrosurf)  i.e. is this worth 69 bucks??

SurfDoubler - Benefits
* SurfDoubler has built-in Firewall security for added protection against attacks on your network.  
* Allows access filtering and control functions to be set for individual users and groups.  
* Timed Access Controls - Full support for the CyberNOT content filtering list prevents access to inappropriate websites. Parents can add to this list and further restrict access to Newsgroups, FTP etc.
* User Defined Filters - Set web content filters to prevent access to sites that you do not want network users to visit.  

Try it - purchase it ($49)
http://www.vicomsoft.com/surfdoubler/benefits.html

Personal opinion - if it does exactly what you want and is eary to use, then it's worth it. $69 is quite reasonable.

I like the simplicity of it and the small footprint.
I have not used the others, but both are highly recommended "5 cows" on www.tucows.com

You've got several choices, most with free demo. All I can say is try several and pick one that works best for you.

IM Web Inspector
http://www.elronsoftware.com/productfamily/features.shtml

* SurfTime Reports – provide the most accurate information on end-user surf time of any web filtering solution
* Auto-Storage of Reports – build a repository of important, date-stamped reports for future reference or use
* Real-Time Email Alerts – provide immediate notification of any policy violations, enabling proactive handling of surf abuse
* Web Inspector's exclusive SmartList technology identifies and verifies suspect sites on-the-fly, based on statistical language analysis of actual web page content. This offers the highest level of accuracy when determining inappropriate sites. Plus, there's no need to continuously update or pay subscription fees for third-party, URL block lists.
* Web Inspector offers the widest array of pre-defined tabular and graphical reports, including SurfTime statistics and the top categories or sites visited.
* Web Inspector's Real-Time Monitor provides instant monitoring of web site traffic via a scrolling, page-by-page view of the currently requested URLs

Norton™ Productivity Control
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pr/features.html

Norton™ Productivity Control
* Lets you block access to distracting newsgroups and Web sites.
* Allows you to set up different Internet access privileges for each user.


BTW- it's one of many features of Norton Internet Security ™ 2003 Professional Edition:
A powerful suite that keeps your PC safe from viruses and hackers with full versions of Norton AntiVirus™ Professional Edition and Norton™ Personal Firewall. You also get advanced utilities to safeguard your privacy and use the Internet more efficiently.

Maybe you don't have to purchase anything!!!

Why not use the builtin "tools":

1. Setup a logonscript for your kids (internet not allowed)
HOW TO: Assign Logon-/LogoffScripts and/or StartUp-/ShutDownScripts in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q322241

2. Let the logonscript start an batch job setting the following registry keys at scheduled time:
Internet Explorer Control Panel Restrictions (Part 1)
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/537/

Internet Explorer Control Panel Restrictions (Part 2)
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/797/

Disable Network Messenger Service (Windows NT/2000/XP)
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1228/

Disable MSN Instant Messenger
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/981/

3. Let the batch-job use the builtin AT command to schedule the registry keys
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/maintain/operate/04w2kadc.asp
***look for the AT command at the bottum (Scheduling Tasks with the At Utility)***

More issues for the AT-job:

Disable File Download in Internet Explorer
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/901/

Disable Internet Access
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1288/

More issues for the AT-job:

Windows Netmeeting Policies and Restrictions (All Windows)
These restrictions and policies can be used to disable or restrict access to certain features of Windows Netmeeting.
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/636/

MSN Instant Messenger Restrictions (All Windows)
These restrictions are used to disable various features of the Microsoft MSN Instant Messenger client.
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/982/

If your security settings is'nt enough, then find out what's missing.

HOWTO: Enabling Local Auditing Policies on Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;252412

HOW TO: Enable and Apply Security Auditing in Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q300549&sd=tech

trywaredk, can I assign scripts based on what time it is?  I have no problem with one of the 2 kids using IM's, and no problem with either having access to the internet in general up until 10 pm and before 7 am.

lrmoore, I will have to go down the list and try each one, so it may take a few days.  Also right now I'm testing on my own computer, so that's a bit tedious as well (keep my own stuff working but still test the security), as I am in the process of fixing the computer that will be protected.

No - you can't assign scripts based on what time it is, but...

You can start a script each time your kids logges on.
This script can start a scheduled job with the builtin AT-command.
The builtion AT-command can run commands (or other scripts) at scheduled time.

hmmmm, sounds complicated.  I guess I'll look into this only if I can't find software that is meeting my needs.  I didn't know it could be done, though, so again something new learned every day!

Jonnyz

:o) Here's what you get for 500 points - Don't do it unless you do the same for parents with the opposite result in DisableWhatYouWant.REG

Setup a logonscript for your kids (internet not allowed)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q322241#2

1. Start / Run / GPEDIT.MSC / ENTER
2. Choose User Configuration
3. Choose Windows Settings
4. Choose Scripts
5. Choose Logon
6. Choose Add...
7. Call the script what you like, e.g. LogonScriptForTheKids.bat
--> the script is located in C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon

8. According to http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/pskill.shtml download pskill from http://www.sysinternals.com/files/pskill.zip, unpack it with www.winzip.com and place pskill.exe in C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\

9. Start taskmgr.exe and locate the exe-filenames of internet explorer (iexplore.exe), messenger and chat and so on.
10. Start windows explorer, and find C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon
11. RightClick in empty space
12. Choose New\TextDocument
13. Name it LogonScriptForTheKids.bat
14. Input the following without the ------ lines
------ C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\LogonScriptForTheKids.bat ---------
@echo off
cls
REM this script runs every time the kids logges on - and starts C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.bat at scheduled HourMinute
REM change 21:00 to another HourMinute according to how you want the restrictions set

AT 21:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.BAT

exit
---------------------------------------------------------

15. Choose New\TextDocument
16. Name it DisableWhatYouWant.BAT
17. Input the following without the ------ lines
------ C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.BAT ------------
@echo off

CALL %systemroot%\regedit.exe -s C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.REG

REM close internet explorer
CALL C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\pskill.exe iexplore.exe

REM Close messenger ?????
CALL C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\pskill.exe ?????.exe

REM Close chat ?????
CALL C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\pskill.exe ?????.exe

exit
---------------------------------------------------------

18. Choose New\TextDocument
19. Name it DisableWhatYouWant.REG
20. Input the following without the ------ lines
------ C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.REG ------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings]
"ProxyEnable"=dword:00000001
"ProxyServer"="10.0.0.1:5555"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel]
"Connection Settings"=dword:0000001
"Connwiz Admin Lock"=dword:0000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Messenger]
"Start"=dword:00000004

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client]
"PreventAutoRun"=dword:0000001
"PreventRun"=dword:0000001
---------------------------------------------------------

Trywared - all I can say is, wow!  I'll at least give you points for that effort even if it doesn't work.  In the meantime I have to test on my own computer, the other one is officially dead (that's another question though... )

So it may be a few more days until I can fully test.  And FYI to the experts, since trywared's solution is FREE I will be trying that FIRST!!

Thanks again,
Jonnyz

Another question just popped into my mind.  If I have settings based on what time it is, can a user simply change the system time?  Can I disable access to this in XP Home?  Or do I need Pro for this?

And, I was considering buying Pro just because of the easy access to folder permissions (etc... even though I know you can do something like this in safe mode in Home edition).  Is it worth it?

Thanks
Jonnyz

Windows Time Synchronization Settings (Windows 2000/XP)
These parameters allow you to control the synchronization settings of the W32Time service. This service ensures that computer date and time settings are correctly synchronized throughout an organization
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1118/

apply the settings in

------ C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\LogonScriptForTheKids.bat ---------
@echo off
cls
REM this script runs every time the kids logges on - and starts C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.bat at scheduled HourMinute
REM change 21:00 to another HourMinute according to how you want the restrictions set

AT 21:00 /every:M,T,W,Th,F C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.BAT

exit
---------------------------------------------------------


BTW - using the url above, you see the registry value. Use Start / Run / regedit, and apply the values. Then leftclick on the key, and choose menu Registry/ExportRegistryFile...
Then your C:\winnt\system32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon\DisableWhatYouWant.REG is almoust made for you



Hide the Taskbar Clock (Windows XP)
This setting allows you to remove the clock from the system tray on the taskbar
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/970/

I know I can disable access to changing the system time - my university does it.  The clock is still displayed but you can't double click it or even get to the screen that comes up by double clicking it.

That's exactly what theese two does:

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1118/
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/970/

And that's what you asked for: "Another question just popped into my mind.  If I have settings based on what time it is, can a user simply change the system time? "

I do not have an "explorer" folder in /policies.  I have:
1 - NonEnum
2 - Ratings
3 - system

I have XP Home Edition

Also, the /970/ page provides instructions on how to HIDE the clock... I'm looking to BLOCK ACCESS TO EDITING the clock... there is a great difference.  I know for SURE it can be done... the clock sits where it's supposed to be, looks the same, acts the same, still syncronizes the same, but when you double click the clock, it says "this action has been blocked by your administrator."

Thanks again.

I guess... if there is not a way to do what I mention than the above suggestion will work, but I'm sure they use the clock for knowing what time it is... there are no other clocks around the computer...

I don't know where it's located in xp HOME edition, but I know, that HOME edition does'nt have local policy.

Try to search for some of the same keyvalues as shown in the 2 urls above.

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1118/ ensures you (if it can be applied to xp HOME edition), that your kids have to change the clock more than "once every 45 minutes until 3 good synchronizations occur, then once every 8 hours (3 per day)"

I see... well maybe hiding the clock would be a better option.

I'm just thinking ahead... If a child figures out that things are based on the system clock (which they will eventually) than I'm thinking it shouldn't be too hard to change the system clock and restart the computer, they have access to whatever they would have normally during the day, until syncronization occurs again.  Do you see where I'm coming from?

Step 1 - run / gpedit.msc - comes up with file not found.  Do I need XP Pro?

Second computer with XP home, tried again and it said it couldn't find the file.

gpedit.msc is the local policy editor - it's not part of XP home edition - only XP Pro.

"Do you see where I'm coming from?"
Yes - but the loginscript runs everytime they reboots the computer.

>> "Do you see where I'm coming from?"
>> Yes - but the loginscript runs everytime they reboots the computer.

Gotcha!

>> gpedit.msc is the local policy editor - it's not part of XP home edition - only XP Pro.

Well trywared, it looks like ur answer IS the solution, but I mentioned waaaaay up there that I only had XP Home, and at this point any money that I'm spending will go to fixing this computer (I would LOVE to have a copy of XP Pro, but money doesn't grow on trees!)

At this point I guess I'll have to get started on going through the list of apps.  Sorry this is taking so long guys....

Jonnyz

trywaredk, please go here for some points - thanks for all your help!
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Security/Win_Security/Q_20676760.html

:o) Thank you for the points - and good hunt with all the applications. Remember to find out, if it can run on Xp Home edition before purchasing.

I'm looking at CCProxy now - hopefuly lmoore is still in thread.

Does this authenticate across a lan by the computer, or across a computer by the user?  I am looking for the latter of the two... and it seems to be doing the first (because when I auto scan it comes out with the 3 devices running on my lan currently - my computer, the one that I am getting the security software for (kids' computer) and my router (as opposed to coming up with my two user names - jonathan and security tester)

Will continue trying others.

Well I think I get how it works - you install it onto a dedicated server on the lan, and put the server's ip address as a proxy and then it will authenticate for the whole computer, or right down to the user.  Right?

And if you'd like, please explain more of what it should be able to do and how to set it up - i.e. tips and tricks - because I am really clueless when it comes to proxies, and am still learning with servers and networking (I set my own network up at home, dsl modem, router & hub... so I know the basics)

Thanks again

pr1923 - I have installed SpyPC and it seems like a really great program - but does it restrict internet access according to the time???  Here is the full description of what I can do with the app, regarding internet access, from the help file.

Internet Web Access
Check 'Lock Forbidden Websites' to show a list of restricted sites, which will automatically be added to spyPC's list of Locked Keyphrases.

You can add to this list manually by entering the website title (not the URL!) and clicking the 'Update List' button.

If I'm missing something, let me know.

pr1923 - you say in your last comment:
>> It will allow you to allow you to set access to certain apps and not others or allow you to say that they can run this program until 6pm but not before 4 pm.  

I can't figure out how to do that, don't see it anywhere in the help file, and don't see it anywhere in the app.  Any insight as to why I'm not finding it?  I have the trial version...

Trywaredk - IM Web Inspector...... I tried installing it and it says it needs SQL Server or MSDE..... ?????  Are these free?  Does this need to be run on a ded. server?

I have an old box, that I'd like to use for something... it is only 200 mhz with no more than 64 mb of ram.  I just got a new hard drive given to me - 20 gb... I was going to use it as a webserver, but not enough resources for that.  So if any of these apps DO require a server/gateway/whatever it would be, that is a possibility - I just may need some help in setting it up.

Also I have Win98 SE and WinXP Home.  Also Linux SuSE, Redhat, and Mandrake, all recent releases (downloaded a few months ago).  Tried Mandrake, didn't seem to have server sw that I needed... tried SuSE, seemed too complicated, and finally got to Redhat, which seemed to have everything I'd ever need in a "server" but it was far too slow to do anything besides throw out the window.

About IM Web Inspector - read 3.5 in
http://www.elronsoftware.com/pdf/WI_v6_White_Paper.pdf

Microsoft Data Engine 1.0 General FAQ
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/downloads/addins/msde/genfaq.aspx

Chapter 4 - Choosing How to License SQL Server
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/sql/reskit/sql2000/part2/c0461.asp

Hmmm, ok that all seems WAY too complicated for me... I am only after 2, maybe 3 pc's on a home lan.

A question on CCProxy.  Don't know if lmoore is still here, but maybe someone else can answer.

I have set up the following configuration, and the problem is that the bandwidth available was severly crippled while using the proxy server.

In the configuration of the router, using the built in firewall, I blocked access from all computers on the lan out to the wan (internet), allowing access only to the computer that has CCProxy running on it.  Using the settings specified in CCProxy, I then ran IE through the proxy.  Immediately I noticed a huge delay on the loading of any page... so I decided to do a bandwidth test.  (http://webservices.cnet.com/bandwidth/)

Going through the proxy: 73 kbps!!
Bypassing proxy (and going directly through the router): 1032 kbps

I am wondering if I set anything up wrong... the box is kinda old, so I wonder if that has to do with anything??  Specs for the box that CCProxy is running on:
- Pentium Pro 200 MHz processor
- Newly formatted 20 gb drive with only windows 98 and ccproxy installed (and of course all of the latest updates from MS)
- (Only) 32 mb of ram (if it will change anything, I can probably find more)
- Direct connection to the same hub that my desktop is plugged into
- Network card is 10/100

There is no way I can settle on using the product if it slows DSL down that far... it is just a bit faster than 56k dial-up!!  There must be something wrong!

For authentication in CCProxy - I have it authenticating by IP + User/PW - on my desktop it is configured to allow all data to flow through my static IP.  The reason I'm using the user/pw feature is on the kids' computer there will be multiple accounts for the 2 kids plus if I wanted to go on.

Any insight to this matter would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks again!

OK I just restarted my computer and did the same exact test again.  Bandwidth w/out proxy is still ~1000 kbps.  BW with proxy is now ~600 kbps.  WAY better, in fact acceptable for the kids' computer.  But for the other 2... no dice...

Any ideas?  Is it possible that the proxy software is limiting the amount of bandwidth?  Or, should I look into upgrading the "server" box?

Maybee one of theese:

CCProxy keeps the line connected 24 hours?

This is because CCProxy always check the on-line status. You can goto "Options" - "Advanced" - "Misc" - Fill "Web sites for on-line checking" with "127.0.0.1".

It can allocate client bandwidth respectively. The bandwidth control can allocate the different bandwidth to the different users. Thus, it can control the speed of net surfing and occupation of the bandwidth resource of each user and avoid the traffic jam of net, which is caused by some users who try to download files.

I did the thing with filling 127.0.0.1 into the box.  I have been gone all day and my computer has been on, as well as the server, with my desktop running through the proxy.  I immediately ran a bandwidth test after reading your response and changing the entry at the server - came back with about 65 kbps.  I restarted my desktop and didn't touch the server... upon restarting I re-ran the same test and it came back ~600 kbps.

Any ideas?

http://www.youngzsoft.net/ccproxy/accmgr.htm#4

***qoute***
Control Browsing Speed(Bandwidth Control, Limit Bandwidth)

You may use two parameters to control browsing speed at client: "Maximum Connections" and "Bandwidth of Each Connection".(Click "Account", "Edit" the account property in the "Account Manager")
"Maximum Connections" refers to the maximum connections at a client that the server will respond to. CCProxy will suspend the surplus connections of this client automatically until the client fully releases the connections that already be responded.
"Bandwidth of Each Connection" refers to the bytes flow per second for each client connection.
In most cases, we set the maximum connections for client as 5 and bandwidth 4096.
***end of qoute***

yeh they're both at -1, which is unlimited.  Off of one of the links that was posted here, along with scouring their website, I have read every page that they have about the product, so anything that is there, I have read already  :o(

I have found, restarting the pc fixes everything, but still cannot figure out why it does that in the first place.  I've just finished cleaning up the pc and the accounts are in place, although it hasn't really been used yet by the girls.

You may use    2      parameters to control browsing speed at client

not sure what that means.... sorry for my ignorance with the terminology

ohhh yes -1 is definately unlimited, it says so right in configuration... all computers are configured with both unlimited bandwidth AND connections.  I actually monitered the app as I used the internet, and as you say, IE alone can open multiple connections, and it appears that sometimes it doesn't close them out when its done, so it is slowing the program down.  Probably, restarting the PC closes those connections... because it is not the server that needs to be restarted.  Also, I'm sure having the app run on a 200 mhz win 98 box with 64 mb of ram doesn't help either   ;o)

So that is not the configuration that is the problem (or at least from all I can see).  Also, their tech support told me it was either the pc that is acting as the server that was too slow (etc), or I should try reinstalling the app because it got messed up somehow.

I think the easiest resolution is to tell them to restart the computer whenever things get slow... it probably works for all that they need it.  If I find something better (or if you do) I can always move over, but at least I have something to do the most important thing, which is to absolutely limit access to the internet after a certain time (I tested this out - it gives you like 10 seconds before it kills EVERYTHING - I like it!)

well the clients are all XP... the proxy server SW is running on 98

And to clarify what I said before, one instance of IE on XP was creating multiple http connections to the server at once...

OK well ccproxy is doing the job for now.  So much material here, so many options... but nothing matched very closely... ccproxy was the closest.

I'm awarding points to lmoore for the suggestion of ccproxy, along with trywaredk for his help!