Net Nanny vs. CyberPatrol for Internet access control: your thoughts

self

[rudy45]

What are thoughts on the relative strengths and weaknesses of both products? Thanks.

[Solson]

I use a different software program to not only control Internet functions but all software on the computer. It allows control of time and works really well with WindowsXP or Windows98. It's called "Child Control 2003" and is sold by Salfeld.com. You can read more about it at http://www.salfeld.com/

[Porterville]

Rule number 1, never ever allow a computer in a private room, always have it in the family room so that you can keep an eye on what is going on. Also check Kim Komando's site she has a lot of info for protecting kids and family.

[jeffo]

I used to be in this business (Internet blocking/Monitoring).

I think you will find that both applications are roughly equivalent, and I will let others delve into specific details if they wish. But I want to make sure you understand that although both do the job very well, no blocker is perfect. They all have omissions, and new sites pop up every day. If this is for a child, know that they may have friends who know how to defeat these programs. Also know that there are other ways to download objectionable content without using a web browser.

A content blocker, to be really effective, is just a tool you can use, and if you do not sit down with the child and explain what they are and are not permitted to do on the computer, and outline the consequences of misuse, you are just putting a band-aid on the situation.

As with protecting out Nation from liberals, the watchword is constant vigilance.

Good luck!

[LadyDoc]

My problem is that Norton has a nice blocker for naughty sites, but I found a lot of medical sites and Pro life sites were also blocked.

Luckily my husband hasn't figured out how to Google for naked ladies yet, so I can leave it unblocked ;-)

[ShadowAce]

I use SurfControl/Cyber Patrol here at the school I admin. It's fairly effective, but not 100% effective. No blocker will be. It's nice, cause I can block specific sites as well as sites based on content.

[Snowy]

I use 'CyberSentinel" (sp?). It keeps tabs on my 12 year old's computer surfing quite nicely. If it sees offending text, or websites, it will quickly take a screen capture, close the offending program, and immediately email me.

[mosel-saar-ruwer]

There is a very strong political agenda driving most of these censorship products [surprise, surprise, surprise!].

Go here as a start:

Filtering out morality: CyberPatrol software blocks pro-family sites but puts gay activists on the company's board

[Psycho_Bunny]

Well, if you have an extra $4500 laying around, the Symantec 5400 Series Gateway Appliance is pretty sweet.

[El Gran Salseron]

You may also want to look at the following link:

http://www.deepfreezeusa.com/benefits.htm

Deep Freeze "freezes" the current configuration. For example, if the child installs one of the online "chat" programs it will install. However, as soon as the computer is rebooted it returns to the original configuration and the chat program is "gone."

That in itself will send a very strong messsage to the child.

However, I agree with the previous poster. Use software only as a tool. Don't let software try to replace parental vigilance.

[Johnny Gage]

We had NetNanny for several years, and found it had several loopholes when doing "image searches" where it still allowed pornographic images to get through its "filter"

We've since switched to Max.Com which works really good.

They've got their own filtered ISP service OR an "over broadband" application that allows individual tailoring for each family member and in-depth reporting/accountability.

It costs about $10 per month, but it's worth it in our book.

Just my $.02 (I'm not affiliated in any way, just a satisfied user)

[TSgt]

I find that electric shock and severe beatings curtail most illicit internet surfing activities.