content blocking software features

Content Blocking Software Features Explained.

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A family guide to Internet content censoring and access control
Part 4: Software Packages

Applications Examined
  Cyber Patrol
  CyberSitter
  CyberSnoop
  NetNanny
  Norton Internet Security
  Mcafee Privacy Service
 
Cyber Patrol CyberSitter CyberSnoop NetNanny Norton Internet Security Mcafee Privacy Service
Multiple Accounts Yes No Yes Ye Yes Yes
URL Lists Upgraded Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Editable Block Lists Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Web Content Filtering No Yes No Yes No No
Chat Control Yes Yes Yes No Yes No
Time Limits Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Privacy Protection Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
XP No No No No Yes Yes
CyberPatrol
Price: $49.95 / year
Platforms:  Windows 95,98,ME,2000.  XP has partial support. Mac System 7.1 to 9.03, No OSX support
Notes: CyberPatrol is the most well known company in the field of content blocking. The same CyberNOT list (blocked URL List) that is used for this product is used in their corporate 'server' edition. CyberNOT is automatically updated weekly and daily manual updates are also available. They have been made an example of by people against internet filtering so you have probably heard of them. The biggest problem with CyberPatrol is the limited Windows XP support but that is common among these applications.
CyberSitter
Price: $39.95
Platforms:   Windows 95,98,ME,2000.  XP has partial support.
Notes: CyberSitter has extensive monitoring and blocking features. It is the only product that can email activity logs. In addition, it logs any attempts to remove or gain access to the administration screens so you know when the kids are trying to bypass the filter. It even allows a partial lockdown of some computer features like setting the time (kids might try setting the time to bypass the Internet time restrictions).
CyberSnoop
Price:
Platforms:   Windows 95,98,ME,2000.  XP has partial support.
Notes: CyberSnoop's claim to fame, as you might expect from the name, is being able to log just about everything. Web sites, web based email, chat logs, etc. They can all be blocked or logged at the parents discretion.
NetNanny
Price: $
Platforms:   Windows 95,98,ME,2000.  XP has partial support.
Notes: Another well recognized grandfather in the content control business. NetNanny is the only program that lets you view the complete 'block' lists. Most other programs consider this proprietary information. It is also one of the only programs that can NOT block or filter Instant Messengers.
Norton Internet Security
Price: $69.99
Platforms:   Windows 95,98,ME,2000,XP
Notes: Although the Norton Internet Security package includes an Anti-virus program, a Firewall, worm/script protection, and a whole bunch of other things - the family Internet control falls a little short.  It does NOT feature time based access, nor does it have a content filter - just Norton's URL block Lists.  It DOES however integrate well with XP.
Mcafee Privacy Service
Price: $29.99 / Year
Platforms:   Windows 95,98,ME,2000,XP
Notes:
Mcafee Privacy Service is a small, easy to install application.  The interface, although appearing simple can be a little confusing.  Wizards have buttons labeled 'create' instead of the standard 'next'.  I did find it fairly well hardened - even under Windows98.  Ending the Mcaffe tasks caused the internet access to stop functioning (a good thing).  The content blocking controls are simplified to age groups that resemble movie ratings.  Be careful with their subscription plan, it automatically enrolls you to be automatically charged when your subscription runs out (I dont like that).  Be sure to change your subscription preference to manual!  I was promised that Q2 of 2002 would be a major step for Mcafee Privacy Service.  We will see how the product Improves.
 
Windows XP Notes:
Many of these programs that have partial XP support just need Fast User Switching disabled.  Fast user switching allows the computer to (!) switch quickly between different users.  To Disable Fast User Switching:
1. Log into Windows XP with a Computer administrator account
2. From the Start button, select 'Control Panel'
3. In the Control Panel, select 'User Accounts'
4. Select 'Change the way users log on or off'
5. Uncheck the box next to 'Use fast user switching'
 
Outside Links of interest:
DMOZ Internet Child Safety Links
Google
Web HomeNetHelp
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Content Blocking Software Features Explained.

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