Selective control of net access in SOHO LAN

[bill at horne.net (Bill Horne)]

Thanks for reading this: I've got an unusual problem and am asking for help.

My sister has just started working at home, with an ADSL line and computer
provided by her boss. She gets to use the line for personal stuff, but wants
to retain the same control of her children's access that she had before.

Previously, she had a Windows 98 machine with dialup access to the net, and
Internet Connection Sharing installed to allow her children's machine to get
access. She monitored and limited their access by the simple expedient of
not logging on to her ISP if their homework wasn't done, but now that option
isn't available, since she has to be online sometimes when they're home.

Here's the new setup:

1. ADSL Modem
2. Linksys BEFSR41 Router/Ethernet switch
3. All three computers connected directly to the Linksys.
   A. Her "work" machine, which requires constant access to the net.
(Machine A)
   B. Her "home" machine, for her use. (Machine B)
   C. The kids' machine. (Machine C)

Here's what she wants to do:

1. Printer sharing still available between machines A, B, and C at all
times. Printer attached to machine B.
2. Software control of machine C access to the net.
  A. If possible, control of applications (IM, etc.)
  B. If possible, options to make control automatic by time of day/day of
week, with manual override.
3. Shareware/freeware solution.

These are the solutions I've considered:

1. "Parental control" software on machine C.
2. Windows based routing software on machine B. (Assumes machine C MAC
address blocked from net in Linksys).
3. Linux router between machine C and rest of LAN.

Each solution has pros and cons: please tell me what has worked for you, and
suggest alternatives I haven't thought of. Thanks in advance.

Bill
--
Bill Horne
781 784-7287
I'm a LAN/WAN Specialist and I'm looking for a job. Please tell your
friends.