How to set Parental Controls on Gaming Consoles......

Several Games are not suitable for children and while we may monitor
what are kids are doing we can't be there all the time nor can we keep
the upcoming onslaught of Online Games from making their way into our
homes.

Fortunately, the new generation of game consoles have Parental
Controls. The Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360 both include
parental controls. So do Sony's handheld PlayStation Portable and
console PlayStation 3. You can block games and movies you don't want
your children viewing. Here's how:

Sony PlayStation 3

The PS3's restrictions are enforced by a four-digit password. The
default password is 0000 (four zeros).

Select Settings, then Security Settings. You'll find options for both
DVDs and Blu-Ray movies. Options for games are listed under Parental
Control. A number system indicates the level of restriction. The lower
the number, the tighter the restrictions.

You'll need to experiment to find the right restriction level. Start
at 1 and gradually increase the number if acceptable games or movies are blocked.

To set parental controls for the Web browser, select Internet Browser
Start Control. Your options are limited to On or Off. Selecting On
will block access to the browser.

The default password is well known. If your kids don't know it, their
friends might. So once you've set the restrictions, change it. In the
Security Settings menu, select Change Password. Enter the default
password, then select a new password.

Sony PlayStation Portable

The PSP's menu system is similar to the PS3's. Turn on the PSP and
select Settings, then Security Settings. You'll see the options for
games and Universal Media Disc (UMD) videos.

Select Internet Browser Start Control to change the Web browser
settings. Select On to block access to the built-in Web browser.

Again, you'll want to change the password. Select Change Password.
Enter the default password, 0000 (four zeros). Then set your own
four-digit password.

Nintendo Wii

You can set restrictions on games and online features on the Wii. Just
click the Wii button at the bottom of the screen. Then select Wii
Settings and select Parental Controls.

The Wii's Restrictions are based on Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) ratings. Select the highest rating with which you are
comfortable. Full rating descriptions are available on the ESRB
website at www.esrb.org.

When you connect the Wii to the Internet, you'll get additional
options. The Wii features a Web browser and a basic e-mail service.
You can disable the Web browser and put limits on e-mail. You may also
want to set up a PIN for purchases from the Wii Shop.

After you make your changes, you're prompted to create a password. You
also can specify a reminder question for your password.

Microsoft Xbox 360

To set parental controls in the Xbox

360, start the console without a disc. Then select System, Family
Settings, Console Controls.

There are options for games, movies and Xbox Live. Base restrictions
on ESRB game ratings and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
movie ratings.

Once you set restrictions, create a pass code. The option is listed
under Console Controls as Set Pass Code. The code can be any four key
combinations on the controller.

Safe computing doesn't happen out of the box...