Computers for Families
A family computer is a necessity for a variety of reasons. Your child's educational development can be enhanced by having a home computer, and managing home tasks or communicating with the workplace, friends and distant family members will be easier. Deciding what type of computer to buy, who will use it and how it can be safeguarded from online predators and virus attacks are important considerations.
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Choosing a Computer System
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When selecting a home computer, it's prudent to first consider how it will be used by family members. For instance, if you select a desktop model, instead of a laptop, it will be at a fixed station in your home. Will it be used for school assignments, your job, sending emails, playing video games or movies, or with a webcam for video chatting? Complete the list, then shop.
Parent Use
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Although kids will make every attempt to monopolize the computer with games, school work and communicating with friends, parents have solid reasons to stake their claim as well. Many programs can assist parents in banking and tax preparation as well as calculating the household finances and even managing family schedules. You can shop for groceries, clothes or bank online if you wish. There are even online home-monitoring websites to allow you to check and see if your loved ones and your home are safe and secure.
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Computer Safety
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Protecting children from potential harm that online predators and cyber-bullying is essential for their safety. Parents can use protective measures like making certain the parental controls feature in Windows, if you have a PC, is engaged. Microsoft's free Family Safety software should be installed to allow a parent to monitor the online activity of each young family member as well as manage the settings to block access to certain adult-oriented sites. It is also important to discuss with your children the potential dangers and to always limit what they share about themselves online.
Low-Income Programs
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A good number of local and national organizations provide low-income families with school-aged children an opportunity to secure free or low-cost computers. Some of these same organizations will provide both the child and the parents with training on how to use the computer. Qualification guidelines can differ from community to community. Some beneficiaries of non-profit groups, like the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of Habitat for Humanity, whose homeowners put in sweat-equity volunteer work for their homes, can qualify for a free computer, according to the website Computerworld. Low-income families in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles or New York should contact the national educational non-profit, Computers For Youth (CFY). CFY provides a computer and educational software to low-income families that qualify.
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References
- Computers For Youth: FAQs
- Families Online Magazine; Choosing The Best PC Computer; Dr. Yuri Iserlis
- Marriage and Family Encyclopedia: Computers and Family
- Microsoft: Protecting Your Kids With Family Safety
- Kids Health: Internet Safety
- Computerworld; Bridging the digital divide: Low-income families enjoy cast-off PCs; Todd R. Weiss; December 2010
Resources
- Educating Kids: Reviews of Children's Computer Games and Educational Software
- Union Plus: Dell Computer Discounts for Union Members
- Sanctuary For Families: Computer Safety
- Kids.gov: Internet and Cyber Safety: Grades 6-8
- "The New York Times": Educational Hope Vs. Teenage Reality; Randall Stross; July 2010
- Computers For Kids: Free Low Cost Computers
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
