Monitoring Solutions
Types of Internet filtering and monitoring
Software |
Hardware |
Service Provider |
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|
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Software filtering is a program that installs on your computer. The software may monitor chat sessions, E-mail, Web surfing and offer many other control features. The best rated software at this time is cybersitter.
| Pros: |
| This software is affordable, a one time price of $40.00 per computer. It sends detailed reports by E-mail. It has a multitude of controls. It has been consistently rated #1. |
| Cons: |
| The software must be purchased for every computer you intend to monitor. You will have to configure each computer independently. |
Hardware filtering is usually built into a Router/Firewall solution. It sits between your computer and the Internet, blocking hacking attempts, filtering the Internet, routing traffic and delivering wireless access to your house. The Linksys WRT54GS receives good ratings.
| Pros: |
| Provides a central point to configure and monitor all computers from. A hardware solution is more difficult to bypass. This is also an all in one solution, Providing Router/Firewall/Filtering/Wireless in one device. Reasonable at $80.00 for device and an annual $40.00 for the filtering service. |
| Cons: |
| Does not offer as much control and monitoring options as the software. |
A few service providers offer parental controls. Signing up for MSN Premium features which includes parental controls costs $9.99 extra per month. I believe AOL offers parental controls standard.
Spy software simply monitors and records all activity on a computer. It allows you to secretly monitor everything from chat programs, visited websites and E-mail to applications used. It also takes snapshots of the screen and logs all keystrokes.
| Pros: | |
| Logs all activity | |
| Cons: | |
| May be picked up by some spyware removal programs and deactivated. | |
| Spector Pro 5.0 http://spectorsoft.com | $99.00 |
| IamBigBrother http://iambigbrother.com | $29.99 |
Information and content obtained with permission from Bishop T.K.Gorman Catholic School : http://www.tkgorman.net/