KIDO’Z Offers Ample Protection For Web Browsing Children

KIDO'Z is a web browser that has been designed with children in mind. Easy to use and safe with parental controls to help families get the most out of their web browsing.

Mixed Feelings About The Internet

I hate the internet. I love the internet. There are times I feel like the Greek mythological god, Janus, with two faces looking in opposite directions.

Yet, that’s exactly how I view surfing the internet: it can be a wonderful tool to bring together people from all over the world as well as offering a much more level playing field for participants seeking to add their voices to the discussion. But, the internet has a darker, unseemly side, one which can be challenging enough for unsuspecting adults and downright dangerous for youngsters.

Downloading A Children’s Web Browser

For the past several weeks I have been following some of the blog comments and reviews related to a new children’s web browser, KIDO’Z, and decided to download it (along with the required and free Adobe Air that powers the browser) to test for myself.

My wife and I have two young boys and have been supervising their web activity very closely. Lately, as our sons have been doing more school-related research, we realized that we were nearing a crossroads: add annoying and constraining web filters or come up with another plan. I’m happy to report that KIDO’Z (pronounced kiddos) successfully meets the latter.

Operating under the tagline, “Safe, easy and fun internet for kids,” KIDO’Z is proving to be all that and more. I must admit that I didn’t do much of the initial testing myself because no sooner had I downloaded the web browser and set up the account, my oldest son got on our family computer and my wife took over to observe what he was doing.

So Very Easy To Use

Both of my sons and my wife were immediately impressed by KIDO’Z starting with its big and colorful welcome screen to its easy to use interface with big button pictures of sites they like (such as Thomas the Tank Engine) and on to more games than they could have ever imagined. Even some of their favorite shows such as Tom ‘n Jerry are included allowing them to safely view family friendly cartoons too.

No typing is necessary for children to access what they want through KIDO’Z. Pointing and clicking a mouse works just fine and, if you have touch screen technology, you can find your way around with that set up too.

Free To Use And Free Of Ads

KIDO’Z is absolutely free with no annoying ads popping up and getting in the way. A premium feature is in the works and will roll out within the next few months, but with full parental control over KIDO’Z and lots of nifty features included, the standard package is very impressive.

Yes, you can add your own sites to KIDO’Z which can be ideal if your children need access to sites not yet vetted by the moderators who work to ensure that all content items are safe for children. You can even share your finds with other KIDO’Z users which is a great way to make sure that fresh content is regularly added.

KIDO’Z was designed for children ages 3-7, but our boys are slightly older and still like what it has to offer.  Eventually, they’ll be using something like Quintura when their researching needs change, but for now the younger members of our household are satisfied with KIDO’Z and all that it has to offer them.

See Also — Wolfram Alpha: The Only Search Engine You Need?

Photo courtesy of KIDO’Z.

Advanta Gives Me The Kiss Of Death!

Advanta Bank Corp. is exiting the credit card business, which means that some small businesses have one less option available to them to help finance their operation. If you're considering launching your own business, you desperately need working capital. I've outlined four financing options that are worth taking a look at.

Advanta Bank Corp. recently warned its cardholders that they were giving them their walking papers, announcing effective May 30, 2009, that they were getting out of the credit card business. I received an email notice yesterday morning confirming the same along with a snail mail notice later in the afternoon.

I’m being dramatic when I say that Advanta is giving me the kiss of death. They aren’t, but for some small businesses this could be one of their few remaining lifelines to help prop up what they do.

Spreading My Finances Among Several Institutions

To be sure, I don’t rely on Advanta or any other credit card company or bank exclusively to fund my operation. I learned a number of years ago that trusting all of my finances with one financial institution is a big mistake. I keep my business and personal checking accounts separate as well as anything else to do with my business. Still, I’ll have to remember that my Advanta business card isn’t good for much longer and will pay off my zero percent balance before the introductory offer expires at the end of this year.

I’m not sure if Advanta’s decision to exit the credit card arena has to do with President Obama’s recent consumer credit pronouncements or if the company realized that it is much more of a hassle to stay in this business then to make an exit. I read elsewhere that the company is trying to cut its losses and preserve capital, something that probably has been more of a challenge for them since the markets began their collapse last September.

Exploring Your Options

Over the past few months I’ve been in touch with several people who have considered launching their own businesses, particularly after experiencing a job layoff. Because credit has tightened, options available just one year ago have changed and, in some cases, evaporated.

Still, if you are looking to start a business there are some ways you can get going. Choosing the right option for you can depend on your personal risk tolerance, something you’ll have to determine yourself:

Raid Your Retirement Account — This move flies against conventional wisdom, but we’re not in normal times. Too many people took a beating with their retirement funds last fall with some people learning that they have much less money for their golden years and no job either. Borrowing from your account is better than making a withdrawal, your tax adviser can give you some tips on the best approach, but it could be the only option available to you if you need to launch a new business.

Tap Your Home’s Equity — America’s homes used to be a cash cow for funding all sorts of projects and dreams. These days, too many Americans are finding themselves “upside down” with their mortgages, owing more on their homes then what they are worth. Still, quite a few people have a significant amount of money built up in their homes, making them important places to go for cash.

Friends & Family — If you are a hard worker and have a reputation for paying back on what you owe, your family members or friends may have the funds available to help you out. Consider approaching one or more people for a loan or, if you have a solid business plan in place, approach those you know with a business opportunity — something that they can invest in. You may not like having someone else as a stakeholder in your business concern, but if that’s the difference between obtaining a loan or sitting on the sidelines, then you may not have any other option.

Angel Investors — People who invest their own money in a business are angel investors while people who invest other people’s money in a business are venture capitalists. That differentiation noted, either party could offer to you what you need to get going.  Angel investors often stand in the gap between your personal assets used, funding raised by friends and family members and remaining funds needed. Most want to see that you have some skin in the game before adding their own monies so don’t look for outside funding without your contribution. Oh, by the way, venture capitalists charge very high fees and may demand a seat on your board in addition to regular scrutiny of your books.

Counting The Cost

Most certainly you may no longer be able to borrow off of your credit card in order to fund your business, but you may be able to secure a small business loan through your bank. Regardless, expect to pay a hefty interest rate on your borrowing because banks are fairly risk adverse these days and if your loan is unsecured they’ll make sure that they extract the highest interest rate from you possible.

Photo Credit: Philippe Ramakers

See Also — Surviving Microeconomics: What Your Landscaper Hasn’t Told You