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CYBERsitter
Version 10
By Solid Oak Software, Inc.
Available since 1995
The makers of CYBERsitter, Solid Oak Software, Inc., described their product as: CYBERsitter is the original Internet filter. It is the best choice for pre-teens and public/educational/institutional use. It was designed to be easy to use and easy to install. It is a full-featured content management product that keeps kids safe by restricting access to millions of objectionable Internet websites, providing detailed logs of all Internet access, and much more. New categories include social networking sites such as MySpace, FaceBook and others. CYBERsitter is the only Internet filter to receive the prestigious PC Magazine editors choice award 5 times.
CYBERsitter 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.
- Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
- Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
- Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
CYBERsitter is available for these platforms:
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
CYBERsitter 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.cybersitter.com
Time Limiting
CYBERsitter allows the administrator to control:
- Times during the day which access is permitted
CYBERsitter will restrict the time a user can access:
- Internet access of all kinds
Monitoring
CYBERsitter 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.
CYBERsitter 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 NOT be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.
Blocking Outgoing Information
When CYBERsitter is running on your system,
- You can prevent your children from using email.
- You can NOT permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
- You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
- You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
- You can 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). CYBERsitter is client-based.
CYBERsitter 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 CYBERsitter,
- 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 NOT 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.
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. CYBERsitter 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 filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. CYBERsitter offers these categories:
- Adult/Sexually oriented,
- Illegal Activities/Drugs,
- Hate/Intolerance,
- Illegal Guns/Violence,
- Image searches,
- Social Networking
General Tool Information
Updates
CYBERsitter does have regular updates to the product.
These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.
Customization
CYBERsitter can be password protected.
CYBERsitter does support multiple users.
Tech Support
CYBERsitter tech support is available via:
- Phone
- Online Knowledge Base
March 2008
Back to topiProtectYou
Version 3.06
By SoftForYou
Available since March 2003
The makers of iProtectYou, SoftForYou, described their product as: Control which Web sites can be visited and which programs can have Internet access, block emails and chat sessions with inappropriate words, stop annoying ads, and/or restrict Internet time to a predetermined schedule.
iProtectYou 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 other categories of material.
- Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
- Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
iProtectYou is available for these platforms:
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
iProtectYou 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.softforyou.com/
Time Limiting
When iProtectYou 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.
iProtectYou 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). iProtectYou is client-based.
iProtectYou can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, and access to instant messaging.
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With iProtectYou,
- 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 iProtectYou, 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. iProtectYou 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: patterns
Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. iProtectYou offers these categories: sex, nakedness, violent, indecent, drugs, extremist, and satanic.
Blocking Outgoing Information
When iProtectYou is running on your system,
- You can prevent your children from using email.
- You can not permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
- You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
- You can prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
- You can not edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.
Monitoring
iProtectYou 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.
The program will operate without the child's knowledge.
The program can not be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.
The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.
May 19, 2003
Back to topAOL 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
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
- 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,
- adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
- creating their own list of selected content, overriding the provided list
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
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 topSafe Access
Version 7.62
By Safe Access, Inc.
Available since 1998
Safe Access is available for these platforms:
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
The makers of Safe Access, Safe Access, Inc., described their product as: Safe Access is an Internet filter that blocks access to offensive websites. Users can install the client on up to three computers and have up to 5 different profiles. Filtering can be customized by category. Safe Access works on any standard Internet connection. Spam and Virus free email accounts are also offered. Just install it and forget it, it just works.
Safe Access 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.
For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.safeaccess.com
Filtering
There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). Safe Access is server-based. It is available for home use.
Safe Access can control access to web pages, the use of email,
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Safe Access,
- The company alone will decide what material will be filtered.
- 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 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. Safe Access 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
General Tool Information
Updates
Safe Access does have regular updates to the product.
These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.
Customization
Safe Access requires A small client is installed on the users' computer
Safe Access can be password protected.
Safe Access supports multiple users.
Tech Support
Safe Access tech support is available via:
- Phone
October 2007
Back to topSafe 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
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 topSurfPass
Version 3.12
By Cogilab
Available since 1997
The makers of SurfPass, Cogilab, described their product as: SurfPass 3 Home Edition is the more complete, FREE parental control software.
SurfPass 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.
SurfPass is available for these platforms:
- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
- Windows NT, Windows 2000
- Windows XP
SurfPass 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.cogilab.com
Time Limiting
When SurfPass 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.
SurfPass limits all computer use.
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). SurfPass is client-based.
SurfPass 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 any port (TCP/UDP).
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With SurfPass,
- 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 SurfPass, 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. SurfPass uses the following:
- the web page address (URL)
- Human review of web sites
- Squid block-list can be imported
Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. SurfPass offers these categories: all kids and education.
Blocking Outgoing Information
When SurfPass 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.
- You can not edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.
Monitoring
SurfPass 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 and 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 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
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The makers of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Corporation, described their product as follows: "The Content Advisor provides parents enhanced control over what content their children can view on the Internet. With Content Advisor, you can: Use the Parental Internet Content Selection (PICS) Rules to decide what your children can and cannot see when they browse; use a trusted organization's rating system to determine which sites your children can and cannot see; specify approved and disapproved sites for your children, regardless of the way sites have rated themselves." Available since 1994 Microsoft Internet Explorer is a product that:
Microsoft Internet Explorer is available for
Macintosh,
Windows 3.1,
Windows 95,
Windows 98,
and
Windows NT. It
does not require. The settings
can be
protected by a password that would prevent anyone but you from changing the
way the program runs. It
is not possible
to configure the program for multiple users. If you have a problem,
technical support can be reached at (425) 635-7123.
For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/. You may also wish to visit Microsoft's page describing how to activate PICS-based filtering in new versions of Internet Explorer.
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). Microsoft Internet Explorer is a Client-side product. It is available for home use. When Microsoft Internet Explorer is installed on your computer,
Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Microsoft Internet Explorer,
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 Microsoft Internet Explorer,
There are several technologies for determining which sites should be filtered and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Microsoft Internet Explorer uses the following:
Finally, many filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. For Microsoft Internet Explorer, those categories include the following: Any PICS-compatible rating system category. For more information, click here.
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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
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
- Online Knowledge Base
- Other
February 2008
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