One of the smartest things you can do to protect your children from unwanted websites is to use OpenDNS. Smart because it’s good, easy and free.

You should use OpenDNS.com if you have children (or grandchildren) or teens in your home who use the Internet.

OpenDNS.com is the easiest way I’ve found to implement a content filtering system for my home network. And it’s absolutely free.

For years I’ve used OpenDNS for DNS services on my computer. Using the OpenDNS servers instead of the DNS servers offered by my ISP, I’ve not worried about phishing attacks.

Here’s the Good Stuff for Families:

By creating a user account on the OpenDNS.com website, I can choose among a set of internet filters to protect my children from accessing material I do not want them to see online. While I’m not too worried about intentional activity, it’s easy for a child to mistype a URL and wind up where you don’t want to be. Or, as I did a few years ago, I don’t want them typing the name of a potential pet and winding up at a porn site.

After creating a user account, OpenDNS provides simple instructions for configuring your home network’s router. Then OpenDNS.com walks you through setting up the filters you believe are appropriate for your family. It really is easy.

And it’s FREE!

Should you rely solely on OpenDNS? I’ve used it for years and I trust it. You may, too, but I don’t trust only OpenDNS because it’s always good to have a backup.

On the computer in our living room (and I believe no child should have unsupervised access to the Internet in a bedroom), in addition to OpenDNS on our wireless router, I have a license for CyberSitter.

Other Computer Security Recommendations

While I’m writing about computer security issues, I’ll also recommend Webroot Antivirus with AntiSpyware (it costs a little, but works well). And installing SUPERAntiSpyware with a lifetime subscription (ignore the name, it works) is a good thing, too (a free version is available). Of course, you shouldn’t have a hard drive that isn’t protected by TrueCrypt (free disk encryption). And turning loose Spybot Search & Destroy (free, but donations are accepted) on your hard drive is a smart thing to do. Even with all of this, you’ll want a solid firewall, too. I’ve used ZoneAlarm (the free and professional versions) for years.

Did you notice all the times I used “free”? It doesn’t cost a much at all to turn your computer into a secure, child-safe computer. If you haven’t done it yet for your children or grandchildren, it would make a great New Years Resolution.

Just a few thoughts … from RickWheat.com

Here’s what I most enjoy about the Internet: Google.com

Here’s a good example of why I enjoy Google (the noun). Google (the verb) the three words, nonprofit survival recession. As Emeril says, “Bam!” Instantly, you have access to 286,000 articles about ways nonprofit organizations can survive economic recessions.

Just a decade ago, most leaders of nonprofit organizations only had access to relatively limited information about surviving difficult economic times. If a nonprofit was old enough, the leader could look through the agency’s own history, visit with other leaders, and maybe (if times weren’t too tight already) attend a seminar on financial management in tough times. Now, we type three words and click the “Google Search” button.

Of course, with much information comes much responsibility. Not every idea is a good idea. Not every good idea is a good idea for every organization. Access to much information requires much discernment. Information is not knowledge. Wisdom is required to choose the ideas or amalgam of ideas from among the 286,000 pieces of information which will be effective for your organization.

It’s easy to let too much information go to your head. Not all information has value. It’s important to take time to consider what you discover.

In fact, much of what I read while “Googling” (the gerund) reminds me of the bubbles on the top of a new pitcher of tea. You taste them with the wooden stirring spoon but are always disappointed. The froth on top isn’t nearly as tasty as the tea. If you want the good stuff, you must put ice in your glass and pour deeply from the pitcher into your own glass. You probably want to sip it on the front porch while you contemplate the meaning of life (for your nonprofit).

Just a few thoughts … from RickWheat.com