GetNetWise

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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1 - 10 of 65

 
Safe Eyes
Internet 4 Families
Bsafe Online
Clever Island
KidZui
ContentBarrier X4 Dual Protection
Computer Cop
WebBlock
The Internet Filter
Pearl Echo

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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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
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Mac OS X
Windows XP
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Linux
OS-independent
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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.

 

Safe Eyes

SafeBrowse.com, Inc

Available since April 1, 2003

The makers of Safe Eyes, SafeBrowse.com, described their product as: Fast, effective, and reliable, the SafeEyesTM Parental Control Software provides online protection for your entire family. SafeEyesTM makes it easy to block objectionable material, limit time spent online, monitor instant messenger chats and control peer-to-peer file sharing. Its filtering servers are refreshed daily so your Parental Controls are always up-to-date. All the settings are stored on the SafeEyesTM secure servers which allows your children to be covered regardless of which computer they use in your house. Whether you are using PC or Mac, SafeEyesTM provides all of the benefits of the Internet with none of the worry.

Safe Eyes is a product that:

  • Blocks outgoing information
  • 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.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.

Safe Eyes is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS X
  • Windows 98,
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

Safe Eyes can be password protected. It does support multiple users. Technical support is available via phone, E-mail, and online.

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

Time Limiting

When Safe Eyes 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.

Safe Eyes 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). Safe Eyes is client-based and server -based

Safe Eyes 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 Safe Eyes,

  • 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 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 Eyes, you can review the list of keywords, 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. Safe Eyes 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 filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. Safe Eyes offers these categories:

  • Blocks outgoing information
  • 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.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When Safe Eyes 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.

Monitoring

Safe Eyes 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.

The program will not 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.

May 17, 2007

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Internet 4 Families

By Internet 4 Families, Inc.

Available since 1998

The makers of Internet 4 Families, Internet 4 Families, Inc., described their product as: Internet 4 Families provides Internet content filtering and spam and virus filtering through our filtered nationwide ISP. We also provide add-on filtering for customers who prefer to choose their own ISP.

Internet 4 Families is a product that:

  • Is a Filtered Internet Service Provider.
  • 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.

Internet 4 Families is available for these platforms:

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

Internet 4 Families 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.i4f.com/

Filtered Internet/Online Service Provider

To gain the benefits of Internet 4 Families, you will need to change the company you use to connect your computer to the Internet. Internet 4 Families is available in the following states: Nationwide

Make sure that a local telephone number is available for where you live. Neither GetNetWise.org nor Internet 4 Families, Inc. can be responsible for long distance charges that result from calling long distance.

Internet 4 Families supports these connection types: 56K (regular modem) and ISDN.

Internet 4 Families limits which web sites and what types of content you can view. You may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Internet 4 Families,

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

Internet 4 Families restricts access to these categories of online material: alternative lifestyles, alternative journals, arts and culture, chat, criminal skills, enterntainment, extreme content, gambling, general news, hate speech, humour sites, illegal drugs, job search, match making, occults, online games, online investing, online portals, online sales, political sales, safe sites, search engine, self help, sex, sports, technology sites, and travel.

Internet 4 Families filters 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 Peer to Peer networks.

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). Internet 4 Families is server-based. It is available for home use.

Internet 4 Families 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), and 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 Internet 4 Families,

  • 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 not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will not 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 Internet 4 Families, 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. Internet 4 Families 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
  • Proprietary

Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. Internet 4 Families offers these categories: alternative lifestyles, alternative journals, arts and culture, chat, criminal skills, enterntainment, extreme content, gambling, general news, hate speech, humour sites, illegal drugs, job search, match making, occults, online games, online investing, online portals, online sales, political sales, safe sites, search engine, self help, sex, sports, technology sites, and travel.

June 6, 2003

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Bsafe Online

Version 5.02

By Bsafe Online, Inc.

Available since February 2007

BSafe Online is available for these platforms:

  • Windows ME
  • Windows NT
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista

The makers of BSafe Online, BSafe Online Inc., described their product as: A unified client-server securing suite that delivers a blended threat defense against the constantly changing Internet threats. BSafe online focuses on a small footprint package that is easy to use, effective and delivers affordable, professional grade security service to protect consumers and small businesses.

BSafe Online 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.bsafe.com

Time Limiting

BSafe Online allows the administrator to control:

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

BSafe Online will restrict the time a user can access:

  • Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)

Monitoring

BSafe Online 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.

BSafe Online 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 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.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When BSafe Online 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.
  • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Pre-Selected Content Service

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

  • Computer with human oversight,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user

It is technically possible to leave the service's approved content area, with the exception of porn that will always be blocked.

Content is made available to families via normal access over the web and user's installation of client-side software.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by BSafe Online Inc. by

  • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
  • submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
  • submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed
  • creating their own list of selected content, overriding the provided list

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). Bsafe Online is server-based. It is available for home use.

Bsafe Online 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 BSafe Online,

  • 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 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 BSafe Online, 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. BSafe Online uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords
  • Some other technology

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

  • Alcohol
  • Anarchy
  • Anarchy
  • Automobile
  • BSafe Games
  • BSafe Pop-Up
  • Chat
  • Criminal Skills
  • Cults
  • Drugs
  • Employment
  • Entertainment
  • Financial
  • Free Host
  • Gambling
  • Games
  • Hate
  • Humor
  • Lifestyle
  • Obscene
  • Opinion
  • Personals
  • Public Proxies
  • R-Rated
  • Search Engines
  • Shopping
  • Sports
  • Tickets
  • Travel
  • Web Email
  • Web News Groups

General Tool Information

Updates

BSafe Online does have regular updates to the product.

These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

Customization

BSafe Online can be password protected.

BSafe Online supports multiple users.

Tech Support

BSafe Online tech support is available via:

  • Phone
  • Email
  • Online Knowledge Base

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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KidZui

By KidZui, Inc

Available since March 19, 2008

KidZui is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS X
  • Windows Vista,
  • Windows XP

The makers of KidZui, KidZui, Inc, described their product as: KidZui is a revolutionary new kids' browser that makes surfing the Internet fun and easy for kids from ages 3-12. It has over 600,000 kid-friendly websites, photos, and videos. Content is reviewed by teachers and parents so your kids can surf independently. It is a great way to stay in tune with your kids by providing you with weekly e-mails and online reports keeping you up-to-date on your kids' online activities.

KidZui 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 search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • 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.
  • For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.kidzui.com/

    Privacy Policy

    Monitoring

    KidZui 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.

    KidZui functions by analyzing the history listing of the user's Web browser.

    This program DOES NOT run in the system background at all times.

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When KidZui is running on your system,

    • You can prevent your children from using email.
    • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.

    Browsers for Kids

    KidZui is a kids' browser designed for ages 3-12. 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 KidZui,

    • You can NOT 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. KidZui uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)
    • Human review of web sites
    • A list of keywords.

    KidZui will can request for parental consent to override and will do so via:

    • Email

    The following is a list of categories that KidZui can be configured to filter or block: Nudity, Profanity, Intense violence, Sexual violence, Sex themes/sex, Racism/ discrimination/propaganda, Slander, Illegal drugs, Teenage & adult chat and communication sites.

    Kids' Search Engines

    KidZui 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 KidZui,

    • You can NOT 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. KidZui uses the following:

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

    KidZui will can request for parental consent to override and will do so via:

    • Email

    KidZui controls access to these categories of online material: Nudity, Profanity, Intense violence, Sexual violence, Sex themes/sex, Racism/ discrimination/propaganda, Slander, Illegal drugs, Teenage & adult chat and communication sites.

    Pre-Selected Content Service

    KidZui 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 user's installation of client-side software.

    Users may control the pre-selected content provided by KidZui, Inc by

    • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
    • removing URLs from pre-selected content
    • KidZui does NOT rely on other commerically available products.

    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). KidZui is client-based.

    KidZui 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 KidZui,

    • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material 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 KidZui, 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. KidZui 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
    • Please refer to our content selection process at www.KidZui.com

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. KidZui offers these categories: Nudity, Profanity, Intense violence, Sexual violence, Sex themes/sex, Racism/ discrimination/propaganda, Slander, Illegal drugs, Teenage & adult chat and communication sites

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    KidZui does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    KidZui can be password protected.

    KidZui does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    KidZui tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • IM/Chat

    April 2008

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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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    ComputerCOP

    By Computer Cop Software Inc.

    Available since 1999

    The makers of ComputerCOP, Computer Cop Software Inc., described their product as: ComputerCOP is parental monitoring software that lets parents know what their kids are doing on the computer. It runs off a CD; no installation required. The most novice computer user can use it with ease. ComputerCOP finds images and questionable text even if they have been deleted.

    ComputerCOP 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.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
    • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

    ComputerCOP is available for these platforms:

    • Windows 3.1
    • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000
    • Windows XP

    ComputerCOP 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.computercop.com

    Monitoring

    ComputerCOP 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.

    July 17, 2003

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    WebBlock

    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

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    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT

    Version 1.6e

    By Turners & Sons Productions, Inc.

    Available since 1995

    The makers of The Internet Filter: IF-NOT, Turners & Sons Productions, Inc., described their product as: IF-NOT is a comprehensive scanner with the ability to block, log, and forward e-mail to third parties if access violations occur.

    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT 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.

    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT is available for these platforms:

    • Macintosh OS X
    • Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000
    • Windows XP
    • Linux

    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT 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.internetfilter.com/iifnot.html

    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). The Internet Filter: IF-NOT is client-based.

    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT can control access to web pages, access to chat rooms, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to newsgroups (Usenet), access to instant messaging, and 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 The Internet Filter: IF-NOT,

    • 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 The Internet Filter: IF-NOT, you can review the list of keywords and 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. The Internet Filter: IF-NOT uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)
    • Human review of web sites
    • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. The Internet Filter: IF-NOT offers these categories: sex, hate, violence, gambling.

    Monitoring

    The Internet Filter: IF-NOT 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 and 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 can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

    August 4, 2003

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    Pearl Echo

    Version 8.0

    By Pearl Software, Inc.

    Available since 1998

    Pearl Echo is available for these platforms:

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

    The makers of Pearl Echo, Pearl Software, described their product as: an Internet monitoring, filtering and control software program designed to monitor and control the Internet activity of multiple PCs and from a central location. Pearl Echo actively captures web browsing, file transfers, news, chat, IM, e-mail and web-mail, including all encoded attachments..

    Pearl Echo 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.

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

    Time Limiting

    Pearl Echo allows the administrator to control:

    • Times during the day which access is permitted

    Pearl Echo will restrict the time a user can access:

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

    Pearl Echo 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.

    Pearl Echo 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 Pearl Echo 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.
    • 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). Pearl Echo is both is client-based. and server-based, there is a client piece and a server piece to run Pearl Echo with its filtering module.

    Pearl Echo 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 Pearl Echo,

    • You will XXNOTXX be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
    • You will XXNOTXX be able to completely override the company's list of material 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.
    • You will XXNOTXX 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 Pearl Echo, 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. Pearl Echo 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
    • Bots to detect malware and spyware sites

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

    • Adult
    • Error or Blank
    • Gambling
    • Hacking and Warez
    • Illegal Activities
    • Parked Domains
    • XXX,
    • Ad Services
    • Alternative Lifestyle
    • Anonymizer
    • Arts
    • Auctions
    • Blogs
    • Business
    • Chat
    • Computers
    • Dating and Personals
    • Download Media
    • Downloads
    • Education and Reference
    • Entertainment
    • Finance and Investment
    • Free Hosting
    • Games
    • Health
    • Home
    • Job Search
    • Kids and Teen
    • Lingerie
    • News
    • Recreation
    • Redirectors
    • Regional
    • Religion
    • Science
    • Sex Education
    • Shopping
    • Society
    • Sports
    • Travel .
    • Weapon Related
    • Webmail
    • World

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    Pearl Echo does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    Pearl Echo requires special software: Admin Console + Workstation Agent

    Pearl Echo can be password protected.

    Pearl Echo does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    Pearl Echo tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base
    • Other

    February 2008

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