ITWire

It's also possible that technologically astute offspring will find it harder to work around this router-based approach to parental controls, providing Mum or Dad sets an effective password.

There have been well-publicised cases of young people quickly getting around PC-based Internet access control software.

The downside is that if any of the PCs - notably laptops - connect to the Internet outside the home, a full security suite may still be advisable.

The Cisco package also includes four licences for Trend Micro's PC-based antivirus and antispyware software. This makes a lot of sense, as such malware can be introduced on removable media as well as via the network.

Home Network Defender is currently available for the Linksys by Cisco Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router (WRT610N) and Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WRT310N). A firmware update and the latest version of the EasyLink Advisor software are required.

The Wireless-N Broadband Router (WRT160N) will soon be added to the list.

A 30-day free trial is offered; after that, a subscription costs $US59.99 per year with an introductory special of $US49.99.