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Definitions

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

Time Limiting limits time online.

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

Block Outgoing Content prevents kids from revealing personal information online.

Browsers for Kids do not display inappropriate words or images.

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

Monitoring Tools alert adults to online activity without blocking access.

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

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

Other Information

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

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

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

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Home / Tools for Families

Tools for Families


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


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1 - 9 of 9

 
AOL Parental Controls
Lycos SearchGuard
KidGrid
SnoopStick
KidZui
Hazoo
Yahooligans!
Intergrity Online/Everyware
SurfontheSafeside.com (SOS)

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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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
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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.

 

AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS

By AOL LLC

Available since 1994

AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS are available for these platforms:

  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

The makers of AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS, AOL LLC, described their product as: AOL Parental Controls lets you monitor your child's online experience to help ensure that it is safe, fun and enriching. By setting up child accounts for your kids, you can use AOL Parental Controls to apply web filtering, online time restrictions, email/IM controls or get a complete report on your children's Internet activities.

AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS 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.
  • 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://parentalcontrols.aol.com

.

Time Limiting

AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS will restrict the time a user can access:

  • Internet access of all kinds

AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS allows the administrator to control:

  • Total # of hours spent online per day
  • Times during the day which access is permitted
  • A warning will flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • Monitoring

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS 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, the web sites your children have visited, and your children's instant messaging sessions.

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS functions by operating over proprietary software developed over the past 15 years.

    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 AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS is running on your system,

    • You can prevent your children from using AOL-based email.
    • You can NOT permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients. It CAN allow you to setup a pre-approved receive list using an AOL e-mail address.
    • You can NOT prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
    • You can prevent your children from using AOL instant messaging.
    • You can NOT edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

    Kids' Search Engines

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS is a kids' search engine designed for ages [Engine_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 AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS,

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

    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. AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS 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.

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS will can request for parental consent to override and will do so via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • Credit Card Number

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS controls access to these categories of online material:

    • Sexually explicit material
    • Graphic Violence
    • Gambling
    • Hacking

    Pre-Selected Content Service

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

    • 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, user's installation of client-side software.

      Users may control the pre-selected content provided by AOL LLC by

      • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
      • creating their own list of selected content, overriding the provided list

      AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS does NOT rely on other commercially 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). AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS is client-based and server-based.

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS can control access to web pages, the use of AOL email, access to AOL chat rooms, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to AOL/AIM 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 AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS,

    • The company alone will decide what material will be filtered.
    • You will NOT be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
    • You will be NOT 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 AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS, 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. AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS 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. AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS offers these categories:

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS can be password protected.

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    AOL PARENTAL CONTROLS tech support is available via:

    • Online Knowledge Base

    June 4, 2008

    Back to top 

    Lycos Search Guard

    By Lycos

    Available since 1999.

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

    Lycos Search Guard is a product that:

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

    Lycos Search Guard is available for these platforms:

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

    Lycos Search Guard can not be password protected. It does not support multiple users.

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

    Kids' Search Engines

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

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

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

    June 2, 2003

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    KidGrid

    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

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    SnoopStick

    By Solid Oak Software, Inc.

    Available since 2006

    SnoopStick is available for these platforms:

    • Windows 2000
    • Windows XP
    • Windows Vista

    The makers of SnoopStick, Solid Oak Software, Inc., described their product as: An innovative new product that allows you to monitor your kids Internet activities completely remotely in real time or by viewing recent activity. Monitors web site visits, chat sessions, IM's, e-mail, displays screen captures and much more. Absolutely the best choice for employers, accountability programs, working parents, and monitoring teenagers, even if they have mobile laptops.

    SnoopStick 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 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.snoopstick.com

    Time Limiting

    SnoopStick allows the administrator to control:

    • Times during the day which access is permitted

    SnoopStick will restrict the time a user can access:

    • Internet access of all kinds
  • A warning will NOT flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • Monitoring

    SnoopStick 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.

    SnoopStick functions by taking screen shots of the computer desktop at predetermined intervals and 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.

    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). SnoopStick is client-based.

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

    • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want 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 SnoopStick, 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. SnoopStick uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    SnoopStick does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    SnoopStick requires special hardware.

    SnoopStick can be password protected.

    SnoopStick does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    SnoopStick tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base

    October 2007

    Back to top 

    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

      Back to top 

      Hazoo

      By Kidsnet, Inc.

      Available since 2002

      The makers of Hazoo, Kidsnet, Inc., described their product as: Hazoo is the search engine of the Kidsnet database. All of the Web sites in the database have been reviewed by Kidsnet reviewers (trained, certified, Kidsnet content review specialists) and the level of sex and nudity, language, and violence has been put into the Kidsnet system.

      Hazoo is a product that:

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

      Hazoo is available for these platforms:

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

      Hazoo can not be password protected and does not support multiple users.

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

      Kids' Search Engines

      Hazoo is a kids' search engine designed for ages [Engine_6-16]. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Hazoo,

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

      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. Hazoo uses the following:

      • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
      • the web page address (URL)
      • Human review of web sites

      Hazoo controls access to these categories of online material: language, nudity and sex, violence, classifieds/auctions, drug/alcohol/tobacco, entertainment, fraud/cheating/illegal activities, gambling, games, gay/lesbian, hate speech/intolerance/discrimination, higher education/college/universities, intimate apparel, mysticism/astrology, news, personals/dating/romance, personal Web sites, politics, religion, sex education preteen, sex education teen/advanced, shopping, sports, suicide, weapon promotion or sale, and material that may disturb or set a bad example for young children.

      April 2008

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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

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      Integrity Online/Everyware

      By Integrity Online

      Available since 1996

      The makers of Integrity Online/Everyware, Integrity Online, described their product as: Integrity is a filtered Internet and email service provider (ISP).

      Integrity Online/Everyware 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.
      • Is a Filtered Internet Serivce Provider.

      Integrity Online/Everyware is available for these platforms:

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

      Integrity Online/Everyware can be password protected and does not support multiple users.

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

      Filtered Internet/Online Service Provider

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

      Make sure that a local telephone number is available for where you live. Neither GetNetWise.org nor Integrity Online can be responsible for long distance charges that result from calling long distance.

      Integrity Online/Everyware supports these connection types: Other.

      Integrity Online/Everyware 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 Integrity Online/Everyware,

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

      Integrity Online/Everyware filters access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms.

      Monitoring

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

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

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

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

      April 17, 2003

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      SurfOnTheSafeside.com

      By CIC Ltd.

      Available since 1999

      The makers of SurfOnTheSafeside.com, CIC Ltd., described their product as: SurfOntheSafeside.com gives protections from over 15 million Internet sites promoting pornography, racism, suicide and violence. One million new sites are checked every month. Members can use the Internet Service Provider of their choice, relaxed in the knowledge that their children are getting the best protection in the world.

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com 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.
      • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
      • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
      • Is a Filtered Internet Serivce Provider.

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com 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

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com requires special software: Internet Access Control

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com 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.surfonthesafeside.com

      Filtered Internet/Online Service Provider

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

      Make sure that a local telephone number is available for where you live. Neither GetNetWise.org nor CIC Ltd. can be responsible for long distance charges that result from calling long distance.

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com supports these connection types: 56K (regular modem), ISDN, DSL, Cable, and Other.

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com 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 SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

      • 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).

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com filters access to web pages, access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging, and access to Peer to Peer networks.

      Browsers for Kids

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com is a kids' browser designed for ages: elementary and high school students. 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 SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

      • 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. SurfOnTheSafeside.com uses the following:

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

      Kids' Search Engines

      SurfOnTheSafeside.com 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 SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

      • 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. SurfOnTheSafeside.com uses the following:

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

      May 21, 2003

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