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 38

 
CYBERsitter
iProtectYou
AOL Parental Controls
Safe Access
Safe Eyes
WebBlock
SurfPass
Optenet PC 9.4
Microsoft Internet Explorer
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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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:
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Mac OS X
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Windows ME
Windows 2000
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OS-independent
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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.

 

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
  • A warning will NOT flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • 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

    *** Optional---Gay/Lesbian Topics, Cults/Occult, Violent Games, Peer to peer file sharing, Tobacco/Alcohol, Gambling sites, Banner Ads, Legal guns/Weapons. Personal Ads, Tattoo/Piercing, Warez/Hacker sites. On-Line chat, Shareware sites, Financial sites,Illegal MP3 files

    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
    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base

    March 2008

    Back to top 

    iProtectYou

    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 top 

    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 

    Safe 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
    • Email

    October 2007

    Back to top 

    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

    Back to top 

    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

    Back to top 

    SurfPass

    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

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    Optenet 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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    Microsoft Internet Explorer

    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:

  • 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 material in other categories.
  • 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.

    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). Microsoft Internet Explorer is a Client-side product. It is available for home use.

    When Microsoft Internet Explorer is installed on your computer,

      

    It can control access to web pages.

    YES
      

    It can control the use of email.

    NO
      

    It can control access to chat rooms.

    NO
      

    It can control the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP).

    NO
      

    It can control access to newsgroups (Usenet).

    NO
      

    It can control access to ICQ and other forms of instant messaging.

    NO
      

    It can control access to other Internet capabilities.

    NO

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

      

    The company alone will decide what material will be filtered.

    NO
      

    You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.

    YES
      

    You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.

    NO
      

    You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.

    NO
      

    You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.

    NO
      

    You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

    NO

    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,

      

    You can review the list of keywords.

    NO
      

    You can review the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses).

    NO
      

    You can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

    YES

    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:

      

    PICS ratings (an independent rating system).

    YES
      

    Using the web page address (URL).

    YES
      

    Human review of web sites.

    NO
      

    A list of keywords.

    NO
      

    A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear.

    NO
      

    Some other technology.

    NO

    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
  • 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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