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Definitions

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

Time Limiting limits time online.

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

Block Outgoing Content prevents kids from revealing personal information online.

Browsers for Kids do not display inappropriate words or images.

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

Monitoring Tools alert adults to online activity without blocking access.

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

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

Other Information

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

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

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

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Home / Tools for Families

Tools for Families


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


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1 - 10 of 34

 
iProtectYou
The Defender
ContentBarrier X4 Dual Protection
McGruff SafeGuard
CSWEB
Safe Chat Universal Messenger with Parental Controls
MyWeb
Cyber Sentinel
Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software
Bsafe Online

The information below tells you more about the tool features, including whether or not they can be set up differently for different family members and what information is available to help you decide whether or not a tool reflects your family values. If you decide that one of these tools may be what you want, click on the underlined name (at the top of the description) to reach the tool's web site.

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What the tool does:
Browsers for Kids
Blocks Outgoing Info
Filters Other
Filters Illegal
Filters Violence
Filters Hate
Filters Sex
Limits Time
Monitors
Pre-Selected Content Service
No Preference
Technology:
News Groups/Usenet
FTP
Instant Messages
Chat Rooms
Email
WWW
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Limit my search to filtered ISPs only.

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

 

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

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The Defender

Version 3.4.491

By PHXsystems, LLC

Available since March 2007

The makers of The Defender, PHXsystems, LLC, described their product as: The Defender is a plug-and-play device which connects between a family's high-speed modem and their pc/router. It also supports WIFI access. The Defender comes with a monthly Monitoring & Alert Service which detects and deters Internet Predator IM chat and Objectionable Content. There is also a version available for schools.

The Defender 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.
  • 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.

The Defender is available for these platforms:

  • OS-independent

The Defender requires special hardware: "The Defender is a separate device which connects between the high-speed modem and the pc or router."

The Defender 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: www.GetDefender.com

Time Limiting

When The Defender is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,

  • You can set the program to only allow Internet access during certain periods of time.

The Defender limits Internet use of all kinds.

Filtering

The Defender can control access to web pages, access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging.

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

  • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With The Defender, 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. The Defender 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. The Defender offers these categories: ads, adult, aggressive, anti-spyware, art nudes, banking, beer liqueur info, cell phones, childcare, chat, cleaning, clothing, culinary, dating, drugs, ecommerce, entertainment, gambling, games, government, hacking, naturism, online games, online auctions, phishing, pornographic, proxy, radio, religion, ring tones, search engines, social networking, spyware, violence, weapons.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When The Defender is running on your system,

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

Monitoring

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

May 18, 2007

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ContentBarrier X4

By Intego

Available since June 2006

ContentBarrier X4 is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS X
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP

The makers of ContentBarrier X4, Intego, described their product as: A tool that blocks offensive content coming from the internet on your Intel-based Macintosh for both OS X and Windows Vista/XP: adult, sites with subjects not fit for children, and chats when predatory language is used. If you have several children, you can adjust their access according to their age or maturity.

ContentBarrier X4 is a product that:

  • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.

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

Time Limiting

ContentBarrier X4 allows the administrator to control:

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

ContentBarrier X4 will restrict the time a user can access:

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

    ContentBarrier X4 is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review the web sites your children have visited.

    ContentBarrier X4 functions by analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

    This program runs in the system background at all times.

    The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When ContentBarrier X4 is running on your system,

    • You can prevent your children from using email.
    • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
    • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
    • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

    Filtering

    There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). ContentBarrier X4 is client-based.

    ContentBarrier X4 can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, access to newsgroups (Usenet), access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks, access to streaming media.

    Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With ContentBarrier X4,

    • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
    • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
    • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

    You CANNOT review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), nor the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. ContentBarrier X4 uses the following:

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

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. ContentBarrier X4 offers these categories:

    • Sex/Pornography
    • shopping
    • violence
    • racism
    • religion
    • finance
    • jobs
    • alcohol
    • chat
    • MP3s
    • Television
    • Auctions
    • Hacking
    • Sports
    • FreeMail
    • Gambling
    • Pay to Surf
    • movies
    • newsgroups
    • streaming media
    • peer-to-peer

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    ContentBarrier X4 does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    ContentBarrier X4 requires special software: NetUpdate X4

    ContentBarrier X4 can be password protected.

    ContentBarrier X4 does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    ContentBarrier X4 tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • IM/Chat
    • Online Knowledge Base
    • Other

    Language

    ContentBarrier X4 is available in Spanish.

    October 2007

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    McGruff SafeGuard

    By McGruff SafeGuard

    Available since June 2006

    McGruff SafeGuard is available for these platforms:

    • Windows XP
    • Windows 2000
    • Windows Vista

    The makers of McGruff SafeGuard, McGruff SafeGuard, described their product as: This free service from The National Crime Prevention Council and McGruff, monitors your kids' potentially dangerous online activity.

    McGruff SafeGuard 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.

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

    Time Limiting

    McGruff SafeGuard will restrict the time a user can access:

    • Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)
    • Internet access of all kinds
    • Other

    McGruff SafeGuard allows the administrator to control:

    • Total # of hours spent online per day
    • Times during the day which access is permitted
    • With whom they chat
  • A warning will NOT flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • Monitoring

    McGruff SafeGuard 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.

    McGruff SafeGuard 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.

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When McGruff SafeGuard 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.

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    McGruff SafeGuard does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    McGruff SafeGuard can be password protected.

    McGruff SafeGuard does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    McGruff SafeGuard tech support is available via:

    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base
    • Other

    April 2008

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    CSWEB

    By Security Software Systems, Inc.

    Available since 2004

    CSWEB is available for these platforms:

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

    The makers of CSWEB, Security Software Systems, Inc., described their product as: CSWEB is a state-of-the-art Internet and computer protection tool designed to protect children regardless of which ISP or online/offline application they are using. CSWEB is the most robust filtering technology currently available, utilizing a combination of dynamic real-time filtering engines, site blocking capabilities and Instant Messaging catalogues. CSWEB put parents in complete control 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where they may be.

    • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
    • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
    • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
    • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
    • Prevents the display of other categories of material.

    For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: www.securitysoft.com. (NOTE: GetNetWise staff were unable to find a Privacy Policy on this web site. We urge you to be careful when shopping at or sharing information with sites that do not post privacy policies.)

    Time Limiting

    CSWEB allows the administrator to control:

    • Times during the day which access is permitted
    • Other

    CSWEB will restrict the time a user can access:

    • Certian software products (ie: web browsers, email clients)
    • Internet access of all kinds
  • A warning will NOT flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
  • Monitoring

    CSWEB is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, and your children's offline computer use.

    CSWEB functions by taking screen shots of the computer desktop at predetermined intervals and analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

    This program runs in the system background at all times.

    The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When CSWEB is running on your system,

    • You canprevent 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). CSWEB is client-based.

    CSWEB 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 CSWEB,

    • 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 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 CSWEB, 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. CSWEB 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. CSWEB offers these categories:

    • Pornographic
    • Predator
    • Profanity
    • Acronyms
    • Drugs
    • Suicide
    • Racism
    • Hate/Violence
    • Gambling
    • Games
    • Music/Entertsinment
    • Shopping
    • Personals
    • Webmails

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    CSWEB has regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    CSWEB can be password protected.

    CSWEB supports multiple users.

    Tech Support

    CSWEB tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • IM/Chat
    • Online Knowledge Base

    October 2007

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    Safe Chat with Parental Controls

    By Zihtec Company LLP

    Available since May 2006

    The makers of Safe Chat, Zihtec Company, described their product as: Safe Chat with Parental Controls is a universal messenger that supports MSN, Yahoo, AIM, and ICQ network. The parental controls features lets the parents block other messengers, mask foul language, block Web based chat sites and set chat access hours. Safe Chat will sed an e-mail alert to parents when someome signs in to a chat account or to the parental controls panel.

    Safe Chat 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.
    • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
    • 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.

    Safe Chat is available for these platforms:

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

    Safe Chat 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: www.safechat.org

    Time Limiting

    When Safe Chat is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,

    • You can set the program to only allow Internet access during certain periods of time.

    Safe Chat limits access hours to IM chatting.

    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 Chat is client-based.

    Safe Chat can control access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging.

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

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

    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 Chat, 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. Safe Chat 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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When Safe Chat is running on your system,

    • 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 edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

    Monitoring

    Safe Chat 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 online chat, your children's instant messaging sessions.

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

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

    August 2006

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    MyWeb

    By MyWeb LLC

    Available since September 2002

    The makers of MyWeb, MyWeb LLC, described their product as: the first ever fully animated browser with a 'smart filter.' The filter blocks access to material that you don't want your kids accessing. It also has a spam-proof email account, educational tools, and a 'kid friendly' internet radio station.

    MyWeb 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 an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.

    MyWeb is available for these platforms:

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

    MyWeb 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.myweb.com

    Time Limiting

    When MyWeb 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.

    MyWeb 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). MyWeb is client-based.

    MyWeb 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 instant messaging, and access to Peer to Peer networks.

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

    • 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 MyWeb, 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. MyWeb uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)
    • 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. MyWeb offers these categories: sexually explicit material, graphic violence, gambling, and hate groups.

    Browsers for Kids

    MyWeb is a kids' browser designed for all ages. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

    You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With MyWeb,

    • You can review the list of keywords.
    • You can review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
    • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. MyWeb uses the following:

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

    Some kids' browsers allow you to control access in a number of different categories. MyWeb offers these categories: sexually explicit material, graphic violence, gambling and hate groups.

    Monitoring

    MyWeb 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 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.

    April 7, 2003

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    Cyber Sentinel

    Version 3.0

    By Security Software Systems, Inc.

    Available since 1997

    Cyber Sentinel is available for these platforms:

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

    The makers of Cyber Sentinel, Security Software Systems, Inc., described their product as: Cyber Sentinel is a product designed to protect children from inappropriate on-line content including sexually explicit, pornographic, and predatory material. Cyber Sentinel is designed to prevent sexual predators from contacting children in Internet chat rooms, through instant messaging and via e-mail. Cyber Sentinel is the only product that works effectively for all on-line and off-line sessions.

    Cyber Sentinel 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.securitysoft.com

    Time Limiting

    Cyber Sentinel allows the administrator to control:

    • Times during the day which access is permitted

    Cyber Sentinel 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

    Cyber Sentinel is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited, your children's instant messaging sessions, and your children's offline computer use.

    Cyber Sentinel functions by taking screen shots of the computer desktop at predetermined intervals, and analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

    This program runs in the system background at all times.

    The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When Cyber Sentinel is running on your system,

    • You can NOT 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). Cyber Sentinel is client-based.

    Cyber Sentinel 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 Cyber Sentinel,

    • The company alone will decide what material will 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 Cyber Sentinel, 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. Cyber Sentinel 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

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    Cyber Sentinel has regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    Cyber Sentinel can be password protected.

    Cyber Sentinel does support multiple users.

    Tech Support

    Cyber Sentinel tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • IM/Chat
    • Online Knowledge Base
    • Other

    October 2007

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    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software

    Version 4.2.2

    By Covenant Eyes, Inc

    Available since July 2007

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software is available for these platforms:

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

    The makers of Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software, Covenant Eyes, Inc, described their product as: Provides monitoring and filtering to protect families and individuals from dangerous and offensive websites. It serves as an extra set of eyes to guard those around you from the harmful influences of the Internet. 3 choices: Monitoring, Filtering, or Both.

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software 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.
    • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
    • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.

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

    Time Limiting

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software allows the administrator to control:

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

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software 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

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software 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.

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software functions by analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

    This program runs in the system background at all times.

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

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software is running on your system,

    • You can NOT 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 NOT prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
    • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
    • You can NOT 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). Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software is client-based.

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software can control access to web pages, 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 Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software,

    • You will NOT 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 Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software, 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. Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software 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
    • Additionally, "Our technology scores each site for possible objectionable/harmful content. Users adjust settings that allow for more blocking or less blocking."

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software is specifically designed to block sexually explicit material in 'real time' using our proprietary scoring technology. Blocks websites in real time if they are not in our database using our scoring technology.

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software can be password protected.

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software supports multiple users.

    Tech Support

    Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering Software tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base

    October 2007

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    Bsafe Online

    Version 5.02

    By Bsafe Online, Inc.

    Available since February 2007

    BSafe Online is available for these platforms:

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

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

    BSafe Online is a product that:

    • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
    • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
    • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
    • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
    • Prevents the display of other categories of material.

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

    Time Limiting

    BSafe Online allows the administrator to control:

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

    BSafe Online will restrict the time a user can access:

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

    Monitoring

    BSafe Online is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, your children's online chat, the web sites your children have visited and your children's instant messaging sessions.

    BSafe Online functions by analyzing TCP/IP packets moving in and out of the computer.

    This program runs in the system background at all times.

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

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

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

    Blocking Outgoing Information

    When BSafe Online is running on your system,

    • You can prevent your children from using email.
    • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
    • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
    • You can prevent your children from using instant messaging.
    • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

    Pre-Selected Content Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Filtering

    There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). Bsafe Online is server-based. It is available for home use.

    Bsafe Online can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to newsgroups (Usenet), access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks.

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

    • You will be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
    • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
    • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

    You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With BSafe Online, You CANNOT review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), nor the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. BSafe Online uses the following:

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

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

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

    General Tool Information

    Updates

    BSafe Online does have regular updates to the product.

    These updates do NOT carry an additional cost.

    Customization

    BSafe Online can be password protected.

    BSafe Online supports multiple users.

    Tech Support

    BSafe Online tech support is available via:

    • Phone
    • Email
    • Online Knowledge Base

    October 2007

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