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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


Your search for information about tools for families produced the results at the bottom of this page. If you are going to print out the information, wait for the page to finish loading on the screen before you start.


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- 9 of 65

 
Application Error #1: missing arguments in get_tool_by_id($id)

Hoopaa
ModemLockDown
ContentBarrier X4 Dual Protection
Clever Island
Optenet PC 9.4
EyeTimer
Lycos SearchGuard
PureSight PC
NetSweeper

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
Other
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.

Application Error #1: missing arguments in get_tool_by_id($id)
Application Error #2: missing arguments in get_tool_info($id)
 

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Hoopaa

By Hoopaa Inc.

Available since July 2006

The makers of Hoopaa, Hoopaa Inc., described their product as: Hoopaa monitors and logs all MSN chat, on every computer that it is installed. Hoopaa takes pictures of Web sites visited, with parents defining what Web sites to take pictures of.

Hoopaa is a product that:

  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
  • Is some other kid safety service. Blocks Web sites that parents decide are off limits.

Hoopaa is available for these platforms:

  • Windows XP

Hoopaa 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.hoopaa.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). HoopaaXXCHOOSE1OFTHESE3XX is client-based.

Hoopaa 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 Hoopaa,

  • 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 Hoopaa, you can review the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses).

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. Hoopaa uses the following:

  • Human review of web sites.

Monitoring

Hoopaa 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.

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.

September 2006

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ModemLockDown

Version 4.10

By TechcoNZ Ltd

Available since March 25, 2004

ModemLockDown is available for these platforms:

  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista

The makers of ModemLockDown TechcoNZ Ltd., described their product as: ModemLockDown automatically disables Internet use until a supervisor or parent is present to grant access. You can pre-allocate automatic one-hour access blocks for individual users or permit access with limited or unrestricted time. Dialup modems are locked to halt malicious dialling. This can occur automatically when you disconnect your session.

ModemLockDown 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.

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

Time Limiting

ModemLockDown allows the administrator to control:

  • Times during the day which access is permitted

ModemLockDown will restrict the time a user can access:

  • Internet access of all kinds

A warning will flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.

Automatic locks overridable with password by supervisor or parent. Access sessions can also be time limited.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When ModemLockDown is running on your system,

  • You can prevent your children from using email.
  • You can NOT 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 can NOT edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

General Tool Information

Updates

ModemLockDown does have regular updates to the product.

These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

Customization

ModemLockDown can be password protected.

ModemLockDown supports multiple users.

Tech Support

ModemLockDown tech support is available via:

  • Phone
  • Email

October 2007

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ContentBarrier X4

By Intego

Available since June 2006

ContentBarrier X4 is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS X
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP

The makers of ContentBarrier X4, Intego, described their product as: A tool that blocks offensive content coming from the internet on your Intel-based Macintosh for both OS X and Windows Vista/XP: adult, sites with subjects not fit for children, and chats when predatory language is used. If you have several children, you can adjust their access according to their age or maturity.

ContentBarrier X4 is a product that:

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

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

Time Limiting

ContentBarrier X4 allows the administrator to control:

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

ContentBarrier X4 will restrict the time a user can access:

  • Internet access of all kinds
  • A warning will flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • Monitoring

    ContentBarrier X4 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.

    ContentBarrier X4 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 ContentBarrier X4 is running on your system,

    • You can prevent your children from using email.
    • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
    • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
    • You can 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). ContentBarrier X4 is client-based.

    ContentBarrier X4 can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, access to newsgroups (Usenet), access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks, access to streaming media.

    Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With ContentBarrier X4,

    • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want 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, starting from scratch.

    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. ContentBarrier X4 uses the following:

    • 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
    • Some other technology

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. ContentBarrier X4 offers these categories:

    • Sex/Pornography
    • shopping
    • violence
    • racism
    • religion
    • finance
    • jobs
    • alcohol
    • chat
    • MP3s
    • Television
    • Auctions
    • Hacking
    • Sports
    • FreeMail
    • Gambling
    • Pay to Surf
    • movies
    • newsgroups
    • streaming media
    • peer-to-peer

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    ContentBarrier X4 does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    ContentBarrier X4 requires special software: NetUpdate X4

    ContentBarrier X4 can be password protected.

    ContentBarrier X4 does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    ContentBarrier X4 tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • IM/Chat
    • Online Knowledge Base
    • Other

    Language

    ContentBarrier X4 is available in Spanish.

    October 2007

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    Clever Island

    By Alfy, Inc.

    Available since 2000

    Clever Island is a product that:

    • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

    The makers of Clever Island, Alfy, Inc., described their product as: a leading subscription-based service dedicated to educating children ages 3 to 8. Clever Island offers a unique learning system and educational content designed to be responsive to a child's educational needs. Develops skills such as reading, arithmetic, geography, social studies, science, art, music and creativity.

    Clever Island is available for these platforms:

    • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
    • Windows 3.1
    • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000,
    • Windows XP

    Clever Island 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.cleverisland.com

    Pre-Selected Content Service

    Clever Island makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by: Proprietary content developed by tool provider.

    It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

    Content is made available to families via normal access over the web.

    Users do not have any control over the pre-selected content provided by Alfy, Inc..

    Clever Island does not rely on other commerically available products.

    April 1, 2003

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    Optenet PC

    Version 9.4

    By WebWhile (for Optenet SA)

    Available since 1999

    The makers of Optenet PC, WebWhile (for Optenet SA), described their product as: A highly intuitive, accurate Web filter that provides parents with the tools they need to maintain a safe Internet enviroment in their home. Filter inappropriate content, manage time spent online and control the files downloaded onto your PC. Updated daily and includes 15-minute unblocking service 24/7.

    Optenet PC 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.

    Optenet PC is available for these platforms:

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

    Optenet PC 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.optenetpc.com

    Time Limiting

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

    • A warning will not 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.

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

    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). Optenet PC is client-based.

    Optenet PC 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 other Internet capabilities.

    Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Optenet 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 Optenet PC, you can review the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses).

    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. Optenet PC 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
    • Content analyzer - dynamic, on-the-fly technology.

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. Optenet PC offers these categories: anonymizers; anorexia and bulimia; gambling; banners; bombing; chat; shopping; webmail; drugs; forum; hacking; games; instant messaging servers; models; music; personal web sites; pornography; racism; society; sects; p2p servers; sexuality; spyware; violence.

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When Optenet PC is running on your system,

    • You cannot 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 ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
    • You cannot edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

    Monitoring

    Optenet 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.

    Feb 23, 2006

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    EyeTimer

    By EyeTimer, Inc.

    Available since 2003

    The makers of EyeTimer, EyeTimer, Inc., described their product as: EyeTimer allows parents to set budgets for their childrens computer usage in a non-threatning, effective, tamper -proof manner.

    EyeTimer is a product that:

    • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

    EyeTimer is available for these platforms:

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

    EyeTimer requires special hardware: Switches (this is required to control other devices besides computer but not needed to just track time spent on the computer.)

    EyeTimer requires special software:CD-Rom

    EyeTimer 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.eyetimer.com

    Time Limiting

    When EyeTimer 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.

    EyeTimer limits all computer use.

    Monitoring

    EyeTimer 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 NOT be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

    EyeTimer does NOT rely on other commerically available products.

    March 3, 2003

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    Lycos Search Guard

    By Lycos

    Available since 1999.

    The makers of Lycos Search Guard, Lycos, described their product as: Internet search engine with adult content filters.

    Lycos Search Guard is a product that:

    • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.

    Lycos Search Guard is available for these platforms:

    • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
    • Windows 3.1
    • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000
    • Windows XP
    • Linux
    • OS-independent

    Lycos Search Guard can not 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://searchguard.lycos.com/

    Kids' Search Engines

    Lycos Search Guard is a kids' search engine designed for ages 3-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Lycos Search Guard,

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

    Lycos Search Guard controls access to these categories of online material: sexually explicit, hate, weapons, and violent.

    June 2, 2003

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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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    Netsweeper

    By Netsweeper Inc.

    Available since 1999

    Netsweeper is available for these platforms:

    • Windows 2000
    • Windows Vista,
    • Windows NT
    • Windows XP

    The makers of Netsweeper, Netsweeper Inc., described their product as: Netsweeper Internet content filtering solutions offer a safe and productive user experience for children when using the Internet. By filtering inappropriate content and blocking websites found to have potentially harmful information, Netsweeper ensures our children are protected from the threats posed by today's Internet, The At Home desktop filtering solution puts control into the hands of the parents/caregivers as they are given the tools to limit the sites a child can visit, the use of personal email, web chat, Peer-2-peer file sharing and other Internet Protocol applications. And while filtering such sites, the family computers will also be protected from viruses, phishing, and spyware.

    Netsweeper 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.

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

    Time Limiting

    Netsweeper will restrict the time a user can access:

    • Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)
    • Internet access of all kinds

    Netsweeper allows the administrator to control:

    • Times during the day which access is permitted
  • A warning will NOT flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • 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). Netsweeper is client-based and is server-based. It is available for home use.

    Netsweeper 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 Streaming media, VoIPs.

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

    • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.

    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 Netsweeper, you can review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses).

    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. Netsweeper 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
    • Also use, IRCA, RTA Ratings, SafeLabel

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. Netsweeper offers these categories: Substance abuse, Match Making, Occult, Pornography, Profanity, Weapons, Arts & Culture, Entertainment, Games, Humour, Sports, General news, Journals & Blogs, Politics, Portals, Religion, Self Help, Sex Education, Technology, Travel, Adware, Directory, Host is an IP, Malformed URL, Phishing, Proxy Anonymizer, Investing, Job Search, Sales, Searhc Engine, Web Chat, Web email,

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    Netsweeper does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    Netsweeper can be password protected.

    Netsweeper does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    Netsweeper tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email

    Language

    Netsweeper is available in Spanish.

    April 2008

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