Spring Break
PCs and parenting make a perfect match
Issue date: 7/13/08 Section: Technology
(ARA) - You helped her learn to walk. He's totally potty trained at last. Just when it seems you've conquered the most angst-ridden issues faced by parents of toddlers, here comes another source of concern: In a world increasingly dominated by technology, familiarizing your child with a computer and online tools is more important than ever.
Parents can't afford to wait until their children start school to introduce them to technology, says Craig Cincotta, senior product manager at Microsoft Corp.
"Schools are incorporating computers into their curricula at very early grade levels. It's not unusual to find a computer loaded with learning software in preschool and daycare settings," he says. "Children who have experience with computers at home will have an edge over those who first encounter technology in the classroom."
Even if they already have one computer, parents may be intimidated by the prospect of networking it with another PC or other devices such as smartphones. Yet computers are rapidly becoming the hub of the home's entertainment, scheduling and shopping activities. Parents may feel the urgency to keep pace at home with the technological world their children will encounter outside the house. Here are some tips for parents:
1. Getting up to date on technology and getting online doesn't have to be difficult. Home PCs are more user-friendly than ever, with a range of hardware and software options designed to be useful and fun for users at every level of experience.
2. Keep security in mind, especially if you have family members who are new to the Internet. When getting your family online for the first time, you'll want an operating system such as Windows Vista that provides parental controls and premium security features. Windows Vista Parental Controls allow you to track and monitor your child's online activity and time, as well as help prevent him or her from accessing material you deem inappropriate. Also, be sure to set your PC to receive Windows Update, a free service that continually improves your computer, keeping it up to date, safer and more reliable.
Parents can't afford to wait until their children start school to introduce them to technology, says Craig Cincotta, senior product manager at Microsoft Corp.
"Schools are incorporating computers into their curricula at very early grade levels. It's not unusual to find a computer loaded with learning software in preschool and daycare settings," he says. "Children who have experience with computers at home will have an edge over those who first encounter technology in the classroom."
Even if they already have one computer, parents may be intimidated by the prospect of networking it with another PC or other devices such as smartphones. Yet computers are rapidly becoming the hub of the home's entertainment, scheduling and shopping activities. Parents may feel the urgency to keep pace at home with the technological world their children will encounter outside the house. Here are some tips for parents:
1. Getting up to date on technology and getting online doesn't have to be difficult. Home PCs are more user-friendly than ever, with a range of hardware and software options designed to be useful and fun for users at every level of experience.
2. Keep security in mind, especially if you have family members who are new to the Internet. When getting your family online for the first time, you'll want an operating system such as Windows Vista that provides parental controls and premium security features. Windows Vista Parental Controls allow you to track and monitor your child's online activity and time, as well as help prevent him or her from accessing material you deem inappropriate. Also, be sure to set your PC to receive Windows Update, a free service that continually improves your computer, keeping it up to date, safer and more reliable.
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