Broadband ISP TalkTalk has launched new parental control software called Magic Desktop. The service provides a "walled garden" environment so children can visit only the websites that have first been approved by parents or grandparents and can email only those people on a list of parent-approved contacts. It also means they can't access any files on your computer.

Children can also build up a bank of points by completing learning exercises that they can then redeem to play games for fun. Parents can also add points for doing chores or homework in the offline world. This all sounds much better for younger children than those in their early teens.

TalkTalk has decided to make the service available for free in an exclusive offer available only to existing customers. You can also make a one-off payment of £19.99 to upgrade to the premium version, which includes over 100 extra games and educational puzzles.