Desktop computers may not be as portable as laptops, but they are great if you are shopping for a computer for your home. A desktop computer could have many uses, from a work computer to a dorm room, but one of the most popular uses for desktops is as a family computer. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your family computer:
1. Don't be afraid to let your kids explore, but monitor their behavior.
The internet can be a dangerous place, yet it can be a fun and educational place as well. Here are some easy steps to ensure that your child does not end up in the wrong corner of the internet:
- Open Communication: Talk about the internet and keep each other informed. Share your favorite sites and become familiar with the websites frequently visited by the rest of your family. By keeping open communication between your family about your computer and the internet, you can show your family that you embrace the internet, but are aware as well.
- Keep the Computer in a Family or Living Room: Setting up your computer in a visible location makes it easier to monitor what your children are doing and harder for them to browse in secret. It also allows them to see what you are doing so they know that you are safely browsing as well. You do not need to spy on your kids, but you do need them to know that you know what they are up to and that you care about their internet use.
- Enable Safer Search Options: Most, if not all, search engines allow parents to turn on "safe search" functionality or filters. There are also some search engines designed especially for kids. Using these filtered searches will greatly reduce the likelihood that your child will accidentally stumble upon malicious software or pornography.
- Educate Your Children on the Dangers of the Internet: Encourage safe internet use by setting the internet up as a valuable resource but warning your children against the dangers of the internet as well. If they are members of a social network or use chat, warn them not to speak to or accept friendship requests from people they do not know.
2. Use the Computer as an Educational Tool
Whether it is for homework or for fun, the computer can be a valuable resource for learning. Here are some ways that you can use your family computer for educational purposes:
- Homework and Research: The internet contains an endless wealth of information. Where before one would have to spend hours searching through books or encyclopedias for research, now the information can be found with the click of a button. Using the safe search techniques outlined above, use the internet to find homework answers or browse for knowledge.
- Educational Games: Games such as JumpStart and Math Blaster have been around forever, and with good reason. These games, along with many more, find ways to teach your children basic skills in a fun and meaningful way. It is much easier to convince your child to do his or her homework if that homework is a computer game! Shop for games specific to your child's age, grade, or desired skill set.
- Instructional Programs or Games: Similar to the educational games mentioned above, these programs teach something in a fun way. Whether that be how to play guitar or how to type efficiently, there are plenty of instructional programs for whatever skill set you desire.
- Digital or Online Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, and Reference: It used to be that an encyclopedia was a 10+ book set that cost an arm and a leg and took up half of your book shelf. Now, these same reference books can be found in computer programs or online. Buy reference programs for your computer or discover where you can find them online.
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