As for the computer, ours is set to log in with password, so DS3 cannot log in by himself.
When he was sometime around 2 I would let him play on microsoft word. I would enlarge and change the color of the font every few min. and he loved it. I would also let him wander around on PBS kids website after he learned to control the mouse.
He now has is own MSN home page which I have entered a few weblinks on so he can move freely through his own sites. Starfall is is favorite.
As for a timer...there is no need all I have to do is offer him the choice to go outside play in the sandbox and computer time is over.
I do agree with the fact that I would skip most formal teaching, kids tend to pursue their own areas of interest...and giving them lots of variety is a must or else they will drive you crazy.
