Time control of internet usage

Abstract

An Internet use profile is created by a parent or guardian of an Internet user via a client-side software application at the user's computer. The use profile is submitted via the Internet to an intelligent network component. The use profile sets the duration for Internet use in general and sets the duration for access to particular Internet sites such as chat rooms, shopping sites, etc. The use profile is stored locally on the user's computer and remotely at the intelligent network component. When the user attempts to log on to the Internet via her Internet service provider, the client-side application verifies that the user computer has not already exceeded allowed Internet connection time in a previous Internet connection. If not, the connection to the Internet is allowed. After the connection is established, an Internet usage monitoring and controlling application at the intelligent network component monitors the time of connection between the user computer and the Internet. Once the allowed time of connection expires, the monitoring and controlling application instructs the client-side application to disconnect the user computer from the Internet service provider. Prior to disconnection from the Internet service provider, the client-side computer requests a password from the user. If the password equals a password included in the Internet use profile, then the user is allowed to continue the Internet connection. Also, the user is allowed to modify the use profile with the entry of a correct password to include adding additional access time.