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Definitions

Contracts with Kids discuss and set up rules for computer use.

Time Limiting limits time online.

Filtering & Blocking limits access to some sites, words, and/or images.

Block Outgoing Content prevents kids from revealing personal information online.

Browsers for Kids do not display inappropriate words or images.

Kid-Oriented Search Engines perform limited searches or screen search results.

Monitoring Tools alert adults to online activity without blocking access.

There are both pros and cons to keep in mind when using these types of tools.

Please Note: GetNetWise staff gathered this information from the companies that make these tools. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these products, nor do we endorse any products.

Other Information

How ISPs are Helping -- Many Internet and online service providers also offer safety solutions by selling or including these tools with their services and adopting "Acceptable Use Policies", or "Terms of Service Agreements".

Web Ratings Systems -- Many companies that produce Web sites voluntarily rate and label their sites, using a system knows as "PICS" (Platform for Internet Content Selection).

Internet Issues in the Community -- When children use the Internet in school or in a library, their experiences will be different than when they are at home. Libraries and schools may have different rules for Internet use than your family, because they must serve the needs of diverse children and families.

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Home / Tools for Families

Tools for Families


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PpGuard
Eblaster
SpectorPro
PC Tattletale
SurfPass
Spector 2.2
ContentProtect

PureSight PC

The information below tells you more about the tool features, including whether or not they can be set up differently for different family members and what information is available to help you decide whether or not a tool reflects your family values. If you decide that one of these tools may be what you want, click on the underlined name (at the top of the description) to reach the tool's web site.

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Find Tools for Your Family


Or check the box(es) next to the functions you want.
What the tool does:
Browsers for Kids
Blocks Outgoing Info
Filters Other
Filters Illegal
Filters Violence
Filters Hate
Filters Sex
Limits Time
Monitors
Pre-Selected Content Service
No Preference
Technology:
News Groups/Usenet
FTP
Instant Messages
Chat Rooms
Email
WWW
Other
Peer to Peer Networks
Any Technology
Your Computer:
MacOS 9
Windows NT
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Mac OS X
Windows XP
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Linux
OS-independent
Windows Vista
Any Computer

Limit my search to filtered ISPs only.

Limit my search to kid-oriented search engines only.
Note: GetNetWise staff gathered this information from the companies that make these tools. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these products, nor do we endorse any products.

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PpGuard

Version 1.0

By www.ParentPresent.org

Available since January 2003

The makers of PpGuard, www.ParentPresent.org, described their product as: PpGuard filters URL requests against a trust file. If the requested URL is not in the trust file, kids can't go there until the parents add the site to the trust file.

PpGuard is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

PpGuard is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

PpGuard can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.ParentPresent.org

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). PpGuard is client-based.

PpGuard can control access to web pages.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With PpGuard,

  • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With PpGuard, you can review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), and the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. PpGuard uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • Trust file - a list of trusted sites

Browsers for Kids

PpGuard is a kids' browser designed for ages under 18. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With PpGuard,

  • You can review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. PpGuard uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • Trust file.

Pre-Selected Content Service

PpGuard makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Through public suggestions/discussion,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user

It is technically possible to leave the service's approved content area with a password.

Content is made available to families via use of a proxy server.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by www.ParentPresent.org by

  • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
  • removing URLs from pre-selected content
  • submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
  • creating their own list of selected content, overriding the provided list

PpGuard relies on other commerically available products: Internet Explorer.

April 15, 2003

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Eblaster

Version 5.0

By SpectorSoft

Available since March 2007

The makers of EBlaster, Spector Soft, described their product as: eBlaster is the most dependable, full-featured remote surveillance product available from SpectorSoft, the worldwide leader in Internet monitoring software. With eBlaster there is no need to ever go to the monitored computer to review the recorded activities...the reports arrive in your email.

EBlaster is a product that:

  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

EBlaster is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

EBlaster can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.spectorsoft.com/

Monitoring

EBlaster is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, and your children's offline computer use.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program cannot be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

July 2007

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SpectorPro

Version 6.0

By SpectorSoft

Available since October 2006

The makers of SpectorPro, SpectorSoft, described their product as: PC Magazines Editors' Choice Award Winner SpectorPro records every detail of what children do online - their chats, instant messages, emails, Web sites visited, searches, MySpace activity, pictures posted and viewed, keystrokes and much more. In addition, Advanced Surveillance Screen Snapshots.

SpectorPro is a product that:

  • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

SpectorPro is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

SpectorPro can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.spectorsoft.com

Time Limiting

When SpectorPro is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,

  • The program will XXNOTXX limit the total amount of time spent online.

SpectorPro limits access to certain software products (e.g. Web browsers, email programs). limits Internet use of all kinds, limits all computer use.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When SpectorPro is running on your system,

  • You can prevent your children from using email.
  • You can XXNOTXX prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can XXNOTXX prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.

Monitoring

SpectorPro is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, your children's offline computer use.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program can not be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

July 2007

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PC Tattletale

Version v.7.9

By Parental Control Products LLC

Available since April 2004

The makers of PC Tattletale, Parental Control Products LLC, described their product as: PC Tattletale is an all-in-one suite of Parental Controls & Internet Monitoring software. It records: Web sites visited, screen shots, inbound and outbound e-mail, chats, instant messages, keystrokes, and programs used. Additionally, it also offers URL specific Web filtering and keyword blocking and operates invisibly when in stealth mode.

PC Tattletale is a product that:

  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

PC Tattletale is available for these platforms:

  • Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

PC Tattletale can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: www.pctattletale.com

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). PC TattletaleXXCHOOSE1OFTHESE3XX is client-based.

PC Tattletale can control access to web pages.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With PC Tattletale,

  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. PC Tattletale uses the following:

  • A list of keywords
  • >

Monitoring

PC Tattletale is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, your children's offline computer use.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

September 28, 2006

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SurfPass

Version 3.12

By Cogilab

Available since 1997

The makers of SurfPass, Cogilab, described their product as: SurfPass 3 Home Edition is the more complete, FREE parental control software.

SurfPass is a product that:

  • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

SurfPass is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

SurfPass can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.cogilab.com

Time Limiting

When SurfPass is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,

  • A warning will flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • The program will limit the total amount of time spent online.
  • You can set the program to only allow Internet access during certain periods of time.

SurfPass limits all computer use.

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). SurfPass is client-based.

SurfPass can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to newsgroups (Usenet), access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks, access to any port (TCP/UDP).

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With SurfPass,

  • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With SurfPass, you can review the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. SurfPass uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • Squid block-list can be imported

Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. SurfPass offers these categories: all kids and education.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When SurfPass is running on your system,

  • You can prevent your children from using email.
  • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
  • You can not edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Monitoring

SurfPass is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email and the web sites your children have visited.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

April 14, 2003

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Spector 2.2

By Spector Soft

Available since October 2001

The makers of Spector 2.2, Spector Soft, described their product as: Spector can take snapshots of a person's activity as frequently as once per second, and can hold days, weeks or even months of activity until you get a chance to review it. With Spector, what you SEE is what they DID!

Spector 2.2 is a product that:

  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

Spector 2.2 is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS 9
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

Spector 2.2 can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.spectorsoft.com

Monitoring

Spector 2.2 is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, and your children's offline computer use.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program can not be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

May 20, 2003

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ContentProtect

Version 5.6

By ContentWatch Inc.

Available since 2005

ContentProtect is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista

The makers of ContentProtect, ContentWatch Inc., described their product as: Net Nanny is the #1 rated Parental Control Filter in part because it is so easy for parents to install and manage. Net Nanny is designed with less computer experienced parents in mind. Let's face it, most of our kids know way more about the computer and Internet than we do. Net Nanny installs automatically in just a few minutes, and has an easy, intuitive interface that make configuring and looking at reports of your children's Internet activity a snap. Much more important than how it works, is that you know that Net Nanny does work. You have the peace of mind of knowing that you are protecting your children and family. Net Nanny can block not only pornography, but hate sites, questionable chat rooms and other dangers of the Internet. You can even configure Net Nanny to block online game and gambling sites, and even make it so your children can only play computer games you deem appropriate.

ContentProtect is a product that:

  • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: www.NetNanny.com

Time Limiting

ContentProtect allows the administrator to control:

  • Total # of hours spent online per day
  • Times during the day which access is permitted

ContentProtect will restrict the time a user can access:

  • Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)
  • Internet access of all kinds
  • Access to IM, Peer-to-Peer and Newsgroups

Monitoring

ContentProtect is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions.

ContentProtect functions by analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

This program runs in the system background at all times.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When ContentProtect is running on your system,

  • You can prevent your children from using email.
  • You CANNOT permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
  • You CANNOT edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). ContentProtect is client-based.

ContentProtect can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks, access to other Internet capabilities.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With ContentProtect,

  • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With ContentProtect, you can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. ContentProtect uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords
  • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear
  • Search Engine "Safe Search"

Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. ContentProtect offers these categories: pronography, gambling, intimate apparel, family resources, personals, health/medicine, music/entertainment, schools/colleges, sports, employment/career, adult/mature, drugs/alcohol, chat site, financial/ stocks, e-mail, instructional, news, search engines/portals, travel, hate/violence, illegal activities, ads, games, government, kids, religious, shopping, and work related.

General Tool Information

Updates

ContentProtect does have regular updates to the product.

These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

Customization

ContentProtect does not require special hardware to be installed.

ContentProtect does not require special software.

ContentProtect can be password protected.

ContentProtect supports multiple users.

Tech Support

ContentProtect tech support is available via:

  • Phone
  • Email
  • Online Knowledge Base
  • Other

Language

ContentProtect is available in Spanish.

October 2007

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PureSight PC

Version 2.62

By iCognito Technologies Ltd.

Available since 2001

The makers of PureSight PC, iCognito Technologies Ltd., described their product as: PureSight PC helps parents safeguard their family from intentional or accidental viewing of inappropriate Internet content. Based on advanced technology, PureSight provides maximum protection from objectionable content, while permitting access to legitimate sites. Parents can supervise their children's Internet access and protect them from all objectionable sites.

PureSight PC is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

PureSight PC is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

PureSight PC can be password protected. It does not support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.icognito.com

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). PureSight PC is client-based.

PureSight PC can control access to web pages.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With PureSight PC,

  • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With PureSight PC, you can review you cannot review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), nor the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. PureSight PC uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • Artificial Content Recognition (ACR™)

Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. PureSight PC offers these categories: adult/sex; gambling; hate; drugs; weapons; Web mail; job search; stock quotes.

Monitoring

PureSight PC is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review the web sites your children have visited.

The program will not operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

May 5, 2003

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