This isn’t the article that digs deep into the ugly underbelly of the internet, rather, it’s an easy solution to help keep the “dark side” out of your home and off your mobile device.  If you struggle with the enticements that the internet offers, this will help.  I recently purchased an iPod Touch for my daughter and suddenly realized that the internet just left the family room and landed in her hands.  I don’t have a problem with her having access… but I do have a problem with the maniacs out there who don’t love her as much as I do.  Make sense?

As a dad, husband, and dude I feel that the responsibility for protecting my family and myself rests squarely on my shoulders, so I began looking for reasonable solutions.  I’m not an extremist or control freak, so I’m not overly concerned about every second and every interaction that my family and I have on the internet.  My wife and I can make quality decisions to keep things at a distance… but you and I both know that some of the junk that rolls into the computer isn’t invited… it shows up like an unwanted house guest that refuses to leave.  However, my daughter (presently age 10) doesn’t fully know what is out there?  With viruses, spyware, adware, sensuality, and more trying to get in… we owe it to her and ourselves to filter what comes into our home.

[box type="info"]I want to show you a free, easy way to tame the internet as it crashes into your home and mobile device.[/box]

The internet has opened up a brand new world of possibilities to the way we live, work, and connect to the world.  Live Bold, for instance, is a product of the digital transition in the publishing world thanks to the internet.  As connection speeds soar and access comes racing toward every device we own, the availability of junk is becoming more prevalent.  We lock our doors, secure our windows, and avoid obvious harmful situations… but we leave the internet pipe open with a carte blanch invitation into our home – so let’s fix that.

There is a free service called OpenDNS that will help you filter the internet and get a handle on what’s coming into your home.  I personally have set up this system in my home and found it to be quite simple.  The free version of the OpenDNS service is perfectly suitable for family use.  The set-up does require a small level of technical expertise and may become somewhat frustrating if you’ve never fooled around under the hood of your computer or router.  However, the tutorials and step by step instructions offered are pretty clear and easy to follow.

If you don’t have the time or energy to deal with this, there are “paid” services that also filter the internet for you.

Remember that the internet can be a powerful tool for communication… and it can also be a powerful enticement to self-destruct.  Men… we are driven by our eyes – it’s who we are and how we are made.  King David, of the Old Testament, experienced that same draw to glance, then gaze, and take action.  The internet simply makes it easier for us and our sons (and daughters) to look with curiosity, stare in wonderment, and act in foolishness.

Psalm 101:3 “I will not set before my eyes, anything that is worthless.”

Enjoy what the information superhighway can bring!  There is an endless world of connection, creativity, and information sitting right at your fingertips… use it… enjoy it… but throttle it.