Choosing Internet Safety Software...for YOUR Family - cont'd

By Joshua Finer, MBA

MONITORING PRODUCTS

Our #1 recommendation for monitoring software is Spector PRO. It recently won PC Magazine Editor's Choice for "Activity Monitoring" and is by far the easiest, most reliable, and best supported package we sell. It is also our #1 seller. It captures ALL instant messages, ALL email (including Hotmail and Yahoo mail) all websites, keystrokes, and more. However, to view what has been recorded with Spector PRO, a parent must sit down at the computer to access it.

For parents who may work late or travel a lot, a REMOTE MONITORING solution may be best. eBlaster is similar in features to Spector PRO, but will EMAIL you the recorded information remotely. That way, if your child comes home from school and you are still working, you can set it to email you exactly what they are doing while you are at work. eBlaster is also a very reliable product and includes live phone support, just like Spector PRO.

Last is our best value monitoring package: IamBigBrother. It includes most of the same features as Spector PRO, but only has email based tech support available. This product is best for people who are somewhat computer familiar, and are comfortable downloading and installing software with limited tech support.


FILTERING PRODUCTS

Our #1 recommendation for filtering is Cyber Sentinel. It is based on words and phrases that are totally customizable, but also the context in which these are used. The software is very easy to use and flexible, and includes live phone support. Features include: web/email/chat blocking, time limitations, privacy filters and more. One limitation is that you can only set up a "master" profile - not separate preferences for different children.

For parents with children of different ages, Net Nanny may be a good choice. It is similar in features to Cyber Sentinel, but you can set up specific preferences for each child who uses the Internet in your home. That way, you can be more flexible with a 16 year old, but more restrictive with a 11 year old. New to Net Nanny version 5 is pop-up blocking, a feature many parents will surely appreciate.

Overall, choosing a safety product can seem like a tough task, but with the right experts and advice, it does not have to be.