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Tools for Families
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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
Back to topWebBlock
Version 1.0
By AB Software
Available since February 2003
The makers of WebBlock, AB Software, described their product as: a service that applies a rating to Web sites. It allows users to select rated sites to view or reject.
WebBlock 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.
WebBlock is available for these platforms:
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
WebBlock 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.webblock.net
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). WebBlock is both client-based and server-based. It is available for home use.
WebBlock can control access to web pages, access to chat rooms, and access to newsgroups (Usenet).
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With WebBlock,
- 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 WebBlock, you can review 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. WebBlock uses the following:
- the web page address (URL)
- Human review of web sites
- WebBlock classified ratings
Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. WebBlock offers these categories: auction sites, chat rooms, dating sites, employment sites, gambling sites, hate sites, illegal sites, kids, news group, age 17 and older, search engines, and xrated sites.
Monitoring
WebBlock 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 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
Back to topYahooligans!
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 topOptenet 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
Back to topContentBarrier 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
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
- IM/Chat
- Online Knowledge Base
- Other
Language
ContentBarrier X4 is available in Spanish.
October 2007
Back to topKey Captor
By Keylogger Software
Available since January 1, 2003
The makers of Key Captor ,Keylogger Software, described their product as: Secretly records all keystrokes, open windows,and date/times in which they occur. Remote emailing of logs is available along with import/export features.
Key Captor 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. Monitoring software
Key Captor is available for these platforms:
- Macintosh OS 9,
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
Key Captor 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.keylogger-software.com
Monitoring
Key Captor 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 NOT be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.
Key Captor does NOT rely on other commerically available products.
