Every action the child performs on a Vista PC can be logged and then viewed

Nov 1, 2006 13:36 GMT  ·  By

This is, in fact, only a selection of the features made available by Microsoft through the Parental Controls introduced with Windows Vista. It is clear that the Redmond Company has adapted the operating system to the evolving media, gaming and Internet environments. As it is also clear that parental control was not as big of an issue five years ago, when Windows XP was launched.

Via the Parental Controls in Windows Vista, Microsoft enables the control of the time and duration of their offspring's access to the computer. Moreover, children will only be able to execute certain applications, and also will have limited access to games. Parents have an array of Game Rating systems at their disposal, from CERO, ESRB, OFLC to EGI, PEGI-fi, PEGI-pt, PEGI-BBFC and USK to control the games their kids play. As for the Internet, the Parental Controls features include web filtering capabilities. Additionally, every action the child performs on a Vista PC can be logged and then viewed.

"I think that parents will ultimately grow to appreciate and use many or all of the available controls, especially when they work together to better understand them via online forums and communities," stated Nick White, Vista Program Manager adding that Microsoft is delivering Windows Vista's Parental Controls API to third party developers to enhance Vista's Controls.