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Safe Chat with Parental Controls
By Zihtec Company LLP
Available since May 2006
The makers of Safe Chat, Zihtec Company, described their product as: Safe Chat with Parental Controls is a universal messenger that supports MSN, Yahoo, AIM, and ICQ network. The parental controls features lets the parents block other messengers, mask foul language, block Web based chat sites and set chat access hours. Safe Chat will sed an e-mail alert to parents when someome signs in to a chat account or to the parental controls panel.
Safe Chat 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.
- Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
- 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.
Safe Chat is available for these platforms:
- Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
Safe Chat 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.safechat.org
Time Limiting
When Safe Chat is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,
- You can set the program to only allow Internet access during certain periods of time.
Safe Chat limits access hours to IM chatting.
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). Safe Chat is client-based.
Safe Chat can control access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging.
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Safe Chat,
- You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
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 Safe Chat, 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. Safe Chat 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
Blocking Outgoing Information
When Safe Chat is running on your system,
- 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 edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.
Monitoring
Safe Chat 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, your children's instant messaging sessions.
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.
August 2006
Back to topModemLockDown
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
October 2007
Back to topKidGrid
By R. Lee Heath
Available since 1998
The makers of KidGrid, R. Lee Heath, described their product as: KidGrid is an index of the most popular and safe established links for children. The index is organized in colorful easy-to-navigate folders and Web site links whose organization is based on the Dewer decimal library index system. Search functions are intergrated from the most popular safe-search systems for children.
KidGrid is a product that:
- Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
KidGrid 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
KidGrid can not 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.kidgrid.com
Kids' Search Engines
KidGrid is a kids' search engine designed for all ages. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With KidGrid,
- You can review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
- You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
- You can not review the list of keywords.
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. KidGrid uses the following:
- the web page address (URL)
- Human review of web sites
April 8, 2003
Back to topPureSight 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
Back to topFilterGate
Version 5.15
By FilterGate Pty Ltd.
Available since 1997
The makers of FilterGate, FilterGate Pty Ltd., described their product as: FilterGate prevents the viewing of adult content via its password protected Adult-Filter. You can add your own shareable personalized site and keyword lists to be blocked or accessed. FilterGate also blocks other intrusive Internet clutter including popups, banners and spyware. Online weekly filter updates and software upgrades are always free.
FilterGate is a product that:
- Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
- Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
- Prevents the display of other categories of material.
FilterGate is available for these platforms:
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
FilterGate 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://filtergate.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). FilterGate is client-based.
FilterGate 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 FilterGate,
- You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
- You will not 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 FilterGate, 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. FilterGate 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
- Some other technology--pages containing direct links to adult content
Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. FilterGate offers these categories: pornography including sexually explicit material, violence and coarse language.
July 23, 2003
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Yahooligans!
By Yahoo! Inc.
Available since 1996
The makers of Yahooligans!, Yahoo! Inc., described their product as: a browsable, searchable directory of hand-screened Internet sites for kids 7-12. Site also includes other content features including games, sports, news, animals, science and dinosaurs, a reference area, and more.
Yahooligans! is a product that:
- Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
- Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
Yahooligans! 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
Yahooligans! can not 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.yahooligans.com/
Kids' Search Engines
Yahooligans! is a kids' search engine designed for ages 7-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Yahooligans!,
- You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
- You can not review the list of keywords.
- You can not review the list of blocked 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 are perfect. Yahooligans! uses the following:
- the web page address (URL)
- Human review of web sites
Pre-Selected Content Service
Yahooligans! makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:
- Tool provider personnel,
- Proprietary content developed by tool provider
It is technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.
Content is made available to families via normal access over the web.
Users may control the pre-selected content provided by Yahoo! Inc. by
- submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
- submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed
Yahooligans! does not rely on other commerically available products.
April 29, 2003
Back to topClever 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
Back to topMcGruff SafeGuard
By McGruff SafeGuard
Available since June 2006
McGruff SafeGuard is available for these platforms:
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
- Windows Vista
The makers of McGruff SafeGuard, McGruff SafeGuard, described their product as: This free service from The National Crime Prevention Council and McGruff, monitors your kids' potentially dangerous online activity.
McGruff SafeGuard 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 or blocks 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: www.GoMcGruff.com
Time Limiting
McGruff SafeGuard will restrict the time a user can access:
- Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)
- Internet access of all kinds
- Other
McGruff SafeGuard allows the administrator to control:
- Total # of hours spent online per day
- Times during the day which access is permitted
- With whom they chat
Monitoring
McGruff SafeGuard 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.
McGruff SafeGuard 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.
Blocking Outgoing Information
When McGruff SafeGuard 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 instant messaging.
General Tool Information
Updates
McGruff SafeGuard does have regular updates to the product.
These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.
Customization
McGruff SafeGuard can be password protected.
McGruff SafeGuard does support multiple users.
Tech Support
McGruff SafeGuard tech support is available via:
- Online Knowledge Base
- Other
April 2008
Back to topKaZipster
By IPower Applications, Inc.
Available since January 2008
KaZipster is available for these platforms:
- Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
- Windows Vista Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
- Linux
- OS-independent
The makers of KaZipster, IPower Applications, Inc., described their product as: IPOWER Applications KaZipster� is a solution-based adaptable platform that provides a safe and secure Internet browsing environment for children. KaZipster's design and architecture permit accessibility by registered users from any computer connected to the internet from anywhere at anytime. (i.e. Home, Schools, Libraries, Corporations, etc.).
KaZipster is a product that:
- Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
- Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users. <
- Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
- 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: www.kazipster.com
Monitoring
KaZipster 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, and your children's instant messaging sessions,
KaZipster functions by analyzing the cache of the user's Web browser, analyzing the history listing of the user's Web browser, analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer, and analyzing the email files stored by popular email programs.
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 KaZipster 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 instant messaging.
Browsers for Kids
KaZipster is a kids' browser designed for ages Toddlers to Teens. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.
You may wish to review the ways in which your kid's browser determines content acceptable. With KaZipster,
- You can review the list of keywords.
- You can review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
- You can 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. KaZipster uses the following:
- Human review of web sites
- Kids are only able to view Websites (URL's) previously pre-approved (white listed) by the Admin/Parentwhite-listed.
KaZipster will can request for parental consent to override and will do so via:
The following is a list of categories that KaZipster can be configured to filter or block: Kids are only able to view Websites (URL's) previously pre-approved (white listed) by the Admin/Parentwhite-listed)
Pre-Selected Content Service
KaZipster makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:
- Computer with human oversight,
- Specifically chosen by the end user
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 may control the pre-selected content provided by IPower Applications, Inc. by
- adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
- removing URLs from pre-selected content
- submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
- submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed
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). KaZipster is client-based.
KaZipster 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,
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With KaZipster,
- You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
- You will XXNOTXX be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
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. KaZipster uses the following:
- Human review of web sites
General Tool Information
Updates
KaZipster does have regular updates to the product.
These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.
Customization
KaZipster can be password protected.
KaZipster does support multiple users.
Tech Support
KaZipster tech support is available via:
- Phone
April 2008
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