Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Cyber Sentinel
Pros: Installation was easy, fast and did not require a reboot. Cyber Sentinel integrates with your Windows user accounts. Unique Screen Capture feature, allows administrators to view exactly what the user was viewing during the violation.
Cons: No password recovery (warning: don't forget it.) Easily bypassed and removed. Email notifications require SMTP server (doesn't work for basic yahoo and hotmail accounts). Interface is not intuitive and can be confusing. Limited user profile customization. Extremely easy to bypass.
Summary
Cyber Sentinel’s Internet filter had several great features including: screen captures, time restrictions, application blocking and windows user integration. It was not the most intutive and somewhat confusing to use.
Cyber Sentinel blocked only 20% of the objectionable websites tested and Over-blocked on 40% of the “safe” websites tested.
The reporting/monitoring tools are very basic and need a lot of work. Although the product has no password recovery Cyber Sentinel is extremely easy to bypass and remove.
Installation/Setup
Cyber Sentinel 3.4 was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 18.9MB it took several minutes to download on a Broadband connection (May take 20-30 minutes on dial-up).
You are prompted to create an Administrator's password (don't forget this, there is no password recovery) and to enter your license key. Cyber Sentinel comes preconfigured to filter with its default settings and will automatically detect the windows user accounts.
Management
Cyber Sentinel automaticaly creates a default group adding all of your windows user accounts with default settings. You can access the main console from your Start menu or by clicking the Cyber Sentinel icon in your system tray (beside your computer clock). The main console is not very user friendly or intuitive.
From the Main Console Administrators can view screen captures, see a list of blocked websites, view chat conversation details, configure your filter mode, manage time restrictions, create a custom list of objectionalbe words and websites, set-up email notifications and manage user profiles.
Accuracy
Cyber Sentinel filters based on two lists of words and phrases: One is a built-in Library of objectionable words and the other a Child Predator Library. You have the choice to me "More" or "Less restrictive", create your own library of words, warn users of potentialy objectionable websites, close the browser, create a screen caputure and/or to secretly monitor online activity (stealth mode).
We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
Cons: No password recovery (warning: don't forget it.) Easily bypassed and removed. Email notifications require SMTP server (doesn't work for basic yahoo and hotmail accounts). Interface is not intuitive and can be confusing. Limited user profile customization. Extremely easy to bypass.
Summary
Cyber Sentinel’s Internet filter had several great features including: screen captures, time restrictions, application blocking and windows user integration. It was not the most intutive and somewhat confusing to use.
Cyber Sentinel blocked only 20% of the objectionable websites tested and Over-blocked on 40% of the “safe” websites tested.
The reporting/monitoring tools are very basic and need a lot of work. Although the product has no password recovery Cyber Sentinel is extremely easy to bypass and remove.
Installation/Setup
Cyber Sentinel 3.4 was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 18.9MB it took several minutes to download on a Broadband connection (May take 20-30 minutes on dial-up).
You are prompted to create an Administrator's password (don't forget this, there is no password recovery) and to enter your license key. Cyber Sentinel comes preconfigured to filter with its default settings and will automatically detect the windows user accounts.
Management
Cyber Sentinel automaticaly creates a default group adding all of your windows user accounts with default settings. You can access the main console from your Start menu or by clicking the Cyber Sentinel icon in your system tray (beside your computer clock). The main console is not very user friendly or intuitive.
From the Main Console Administrators can view screen captures, see a list of blocked websites, view chat conversation details, configure your filter mode, manage time restrictions, create a custom list of objectionalbe words and websites, set-up email notifications and manage user profiles.
Accuracy
Cyber Sentinel filters based on two lists of words and phrases: One is a built-in Library of objectionable words and the other a Child Predator Library. You have the choice to me "More" or "Less restrictive", create your own library of words, warn users of potentialy objectionable websites, close the browser, create a screen caputure and/or to secretly monitor online activity (stealth mode).We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
iShield
Pros: iShield was very easy to install and requires no configuration. Easy to manage and configure. Ability to create a personal list of allowed or objectionable websites. Can be used to block objectionable websites/images, warn or to monitor internet activity.
Cons: Limited features, functionality and customization. No multiple user customization. Very limited feature set: No p2p, chat, newsgroup blocking. Reporting is very limited. Images and websites will sometimes load before iShield can detect and block them. Can slow computer performance.
Summary
iShield was the only product we tested that could block specific images, although it would usualy display the image before it would accuratly block it. iShield's more notable features include giving administrators the ability to create a list of allowable and objectionable websites, create a custom image and/or monitor internet activity.
iShield however was lacking in other areas including: No custom user profiles, very limited reporting abilities, no application blocking or filtering, and many more.
Overall iShield was simple to use and easy to manage. It correctly blocked only 35% of the pornographic websites/images visited but only overblocked on 25%.
Installation/Setup
iShield was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 4.05MB it took about a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). Installation is simple and requires no configuration or restart, you will be required to close your Internet browser before iShield can take effect.
Once installation has completed you are asked to enter your registration number, email address, and to create a password. iShield will begin filtering websites with its default settings and no further configuration is required.
Management
iShield gives administrators the ability to change your password, adjust filter sensetivity, change detection mode (block, warn, monitor), create a list of allowed and/or objectionable websites and view internet activity reports. All settings are applied to the computer and are not user specific.
iShield's reporting tool will show website blocked and the Date/Time the website was visited. From here you can open the blocked website, delete the record, and add it to the "Black" or "White" list. In addition to the above mentioned iShile also allows you to replace iShield's default blocked image with any image saved on your hard-drive (jpeg, gif, png, bmp).
Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to Block objectionable websites (redirect), Warn users of objectionable websites, or to monitor website activity. iShield's sensitivity can be adujsted to be Safe, Safer or Safest.
With iShield we test 2 different lists of websits including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, lingere, swimsuits, toys, cars, etc…
Cons: Limited features, functionality and customization. No multiple user customization. Very limited feature set: No p2p, chat, newsgroup blocking. Reporting is very limited. Images and websites will sometimes load before iShield can detect and block them. Can slow computer performance.
Summary
iShield was the only product we tested that could block specific images, although it would usualy display the image before it would accuratly block it. iShield's more notable features include giving administrators the ability to create a list of allowable and objectionable websites, create a custom image and/or monitor internet activity.
iShield however was lacking in other areas including: No custom user profiles, very limited reporting abilities, no application blocking or filtering, and many more.
Overall iShield was simple to use and easy to manage. It correctly blocked only 35% of the pornographic websites/images visited but only overblocked on 25%.
Installation/Setup
iShield was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 4.05MB it took about a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). Installation is simple and requires no configuration or restart, you will be required to close your Internet browser before iShield can take effect.
Once installation has completed you are asked to enter your registration number, email address, and to create a password. iShield will begin filtering websites with its default settings and no further configuration is required.
Management
iShield gives administrators the ability to change your password, adjust filter sensetivity, change detection mode (block, warn, monitor), create a list of allowed and/or objectionable websites and view internet activity reports. All settings are applied to the computer and are not user specific.
iShield's reporting tool will show website blocked and the Date/Time the website was visited. From here you can open the blocked website, delete the record, and add it to the "Black" or "White" list. In addition to the above mentioned iShile also allows you to replace iShield's default blocked image with any image saved on your hard-drive (jpeg, gif, png, bmp).Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to Block objectionable websites (redirect), Warn users of objectionable websites, or to monitor website activity. iShield's sensitivity can be adujsted to be Safe, Safer or Safest.With iShield we test 2 different lists of websits including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, lingere, swimsuits, toys, cars, etc…
Web Watcher
Pros: WebWatcher was easy to install and makes it even easier by scanning your computer for known incompatibilities. Remote administration (manage WebWatcher from any internet connection), Screen captures, keystroke logging, and email monitoring.
Cons: Filtering is not enabled by default and requires some setup. Can slow computer performance, easily removed, no multiple user customization, and poor Internet filtering capabilities (black list only).
Summary
WebWatcher was one of the most robust monitoring tools we reviewed. It allows administrators to monitor email, chat, keystrokes, and websites. All settings and reports are viewed via WebWatcher’s remote website allowing administrators to manage from virtually any Internet connection.
Although you cannot create multiple user profiles and its Internet filtering capabilities are not the most robust, you can create a list of websites or keywords to block on. WebWatcher can be uninstalled easily as it is not password protected. In fact some anti-spyware products will detect it and easily remove it from your computer.
Installation/Setup
WebWatcher was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 2.53MB it took less than a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). Also, WebWatcher will automatically scan your computer for known compatibility issues.
You are then prompted to enter your username and password. Once entered installation will smoothly complete. It is not necessary but recommended that you restart your computer. You are then notified with a message that you can manage your settings by logging-in at www.webwatcherdata.com.
Management
WebWatcher is set to monitor email, chat, keystrokes, websites, and capture screenshots by default. It is not however, set to block objectionable websites by default. WebWatcher is ideal as a monitoring tool but not as an Internet filter. Its filtering settings permit customization for only a single user but do allow you to block on keywords and/or websites.
In addition to monitoring email (web-based and outlook), chat conversations, keystrokes, and websites visited WebWatcher also has a unique alert feature that will take a picture of the screen when specific words are typed or viewed (user specified). It remains hidden while monitoring but can easily be detected and removed with most anti-spyware utilities.
Accuracy
WebWatcher comes with a small list of websites and keywords composed of such categories as: Adult, Cheating, Employment, Gambling, Profanity, Sexual, Violence, Drugs, Dating, and Children. Administrators can add and remove websites and keywords as they see fit.
We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
Cons: Filtering is not enabled by default and requires some setup. Can slow computer performance, easily removed, no multiple user customization, and poor Internet filtering capabilities (black list only).
Summary
WebWatcher was one of the most robust monitoring tools we reviewed. It allows administrators to monitor email, chat, keystrokes, and websites. All settings and reports are viewed via WebWatcher’s remote website allowing administrators to manage from virtually any Internet connection.
Although you cannot create multiple user profiles and its Internet filtering capabilities are not the most robust, you can create a list of websites or keywords to block on. WebWatcher can be uninstalled easily as it is not password protected. In fact some anti-spyware products will detect it and easily remove it from your computer.
Installation/Setup
WebWatcher was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 2.53MB it took less than a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). Also, WebWatcher will automatically scan your computer for known compatibility issues.
You are then prompted to enter your username and password. Once entered installation will smoothly complete. It is not necessary but recommended that you restart your computer. You are then notified with a message that you can manage your settings by logging-in at www.webwatcherdata.com.
Management
WebWatcher is set to monitor email, chat, keystrokes, websites, and capture screenshots by default. It is not however, set to block objectionable websites by default. WebWatcher is ideal as a monitoring tool but not as an Internet filter. Its filtering settings permit customization for only a single user but do allow you to block on keywords and/or websites.
In addition to monitoring email (web-based and outlook), chat conversations, keystrokes, and websites visited WebWatcher also has a unique alert feature that will take a picture of the screen when specific words are typed or viewed (user specified). It remains hidden while monitoring but can easily be detected and removed with most anti-spyware utilities.Accuracy
WebWatcher comes with a small list of websites and keywords composed of such categories as: Adult, Cheating, Employment, Gambling, Profanity, Sexual, Violence, Drugs, Dating, and Children. Administrators can add and remove websites and keywords as they see fit.We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
CyberSitter Review
Price
$39.95 (subscription)
Trials & Specials
Pros: CyberSitter was easy to install and leaves very little trace of itself. After installation you can scan your computer for objectionable files. Easy to manage. If you purchase the SnoopStick you can monitor your account from any Internet connection. Custom word, phrase, and website blocking. Includes Email filtering and the ability to block file sharing.
Cons: Computer scan is inaccurate (lots of false positives). Uninstall is not the most user friendly. Additional costs for the SnoopStick (some Internet filters provide the same service for free). Can slow computer performance, no multiple user customization, daily email of reports are difficult to configure (good luck with msn or yahoo).
Summary
CyberSitter is noted for its simplicity in design, unique feature set and ease of use. Some of CyberSitter's unique features include: Scanning your hard disk for objectionable material and a SnoopStick to monitor your computer from any Internet connection (for an additional cost).
CyberSitter however was lacking in other areas including: No custom user profiles, limited reports, no immediately override of blocked websites, and poor customer support. Be advised that you will be charged an addition $10 to reset your password.
Overall CyberSitter's Internet filter was simple to use and easy to manage. Overblocking was not a problem, but it did underblock a little more than it should have.
Installation/Setup
CyberSitter was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 2.37MB it took less than a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). In order to "insure you receive maximum blocking efficiency" you are asked to clear your browsers cache and/or temporary Internet files (can be difficult for inexperienced users)..
Once installation has completed you are asked if you would like to configure your Internet settings, which will open the CyberSitter administrative console. You are also asked if you would like to scan your hard disk for objectionable material. This will scan to find files on your computer that may contain objectionable keywords.
Management
Some of CyberSitter's most notable features include: block file sharing, block ftp sites, block newsgroups, block instant messengers, filter email, and restrict access to the Internet (based on time-of-day). Settings are applied to the computer and are not user specific, but do allow customization to block on words, phrases and/or websites.
In addition to the above mentioned CyberSitter can also send a daily email report. This includes violations (when users are blocked), a list of websites visited, and instant message conversations. Unfortunately if you do not know your smtp mail server or want to use a basic yahoo/msn account your out of luck.
Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to filter on 33 different categories. CyberSitter comes with 7 categories filtered by default including: Adult/Sexually Oriented, Illegal Activities/Drugs, Hate/Intolerance, Illegal Guns/Violence, Image Searches, and Social Networking sites.
We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc
$39.95 (subscription)
Trials & Specials
Pros: CyberSitter was easy to install and leaves very little trace of itself. After installation you can scan your computer for objectionable files. Easy to manage. If you purchase the SnoopStick you can monitor your account from any Internet connection. Custom word, phrase, and website blocking. Includes Email filtering and the ability to block file sharing.
Cons: Computer scan is inaccurate (lots of false positives). Uninstall is not the most user friendly. Additional costs for the SnoopStick (some Internet filters provide the same service for free). Can slow computer performance, no multiple user customization, daily email of reports are difficult to configure (good luck with msn or yahoo).
Summary
CyberSitter is noted for its simplicity in design, unique feature set and ease of use. Some of CyberSitter's unique features include: Scanning your hard disk for objectionable material and a SnoopStick to monitor your computer from any Internet connection (for an additional cost).
CyberSitter however was lacking in other areas including: No custom user profiles, limited reports, no immediately override of blocked websites, and poor customer support. Be advised that you will be charged an addition $10 to reset your password.
Overall CyberSitter's Internet filter was simple to use and easy to manage. Overblocking was not a problem, but it did underblock a little more than it should have.
Installation/Setup
CyberSitter was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 2.37MB it took less than a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). In order to "insure you receive maximum blocking efficiency" you are asked to clear your browsers cache and/or temporary Internet files (can be difficult for inexperienced users)..
Once installation has completed you are asked if you would like to configure your Internet settings, which will open the CyberSitter administrative console. You are also asked if you would like to scan your hard disk for objectionable material. This will scan to find files on your computer that may contain objectionable keywords.
Management
Some of CyberSitter's most notable features include: block file sharing, block ftp sites, block newsgroups, block instant messengers, filter email, and restrict access to the Internet (based on time-of-day). Settings are applied to the computer and are not user specific, but do allow customization to block on words, phrases and/or websites.
In addition to the above mentioned CyberSitter can also send a daily email report. This includes violations (when users are blocked), a list of websites visited, and instant message conversations. Unfortunately if you do not know your smtp mail server or want to use a basic yahoo/msn account your out of luck.
Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to filter on 33 different categories. CyberSitter comes with 7 categories filtered by default including: Adult/Sexually Oriented, Illegal Activities/Drugs, Hate/Intolerance, Illegal Guns/Violence, Image Searches, and Social Networking sites.We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc
Webroot Child Safe
Price
$39.95 (subscription)
Pros: Not just Internet but computer and program restrictions (i.e. restrict the amount of time your children play games). Can prevent access to computer system tools (improves tamper resistance). Provides remote administration, only across your home network. Integrates with your Windows User accounts and allows for individual user customization.
Cons: Overwhelming user interface. Difficult password recovery. Email notifications require SMTP server (doesn't work for basic yahoo and hotmail accounts). Reporting is text-based making it difficult to gather useful information.
Summary
From computer time restrictions to temporary override passwords, Child Safe provides several features that offer another level of customization. With these new features it also made Child Safe difficult to manage and a little overwhelming. The user interface can be confusing at times and is cluttered with descriptions and tool tips.
Child Safe blocked only 65% of the objectionable websites tested and Over-blocked on only 15% of the “safe” websites tested.
The reporting/monitoring tools are all text-based which make it difficult to gather useful information about your families’ Internet activity.
Installation/Setup
Webroot’s Child Safe was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 8.28MB it took only a few minutes to download on a Broadband connection (May take 10-20 minutes on dial-up). You are given two choices: Install Child Safe Remote Access Client – Used to remotely manage Child Safe on any networked computers; and Install Child Safe – recommended for all other computers in the house.
You are then prompted to create a password for this account with the default username of ‘cscontrol’. Remember to write down the username and password, as recovery can be very difficult. You will be asked to add Child Safe to you firewall settings. This allows Child Safe to communicate to the web filter servers. This can be cumbersome and it is recommended that you contact your firewall vendor for details. You are finally prompted to restart your computer to complete installation.
Management
Child Safe provides administrators with a management consol, which can be accessed from your Start Menu. Child Safe automatically creates users based on your Microsoft Windows user names. Each user can be categorized as a Child, Teenager, Young Adult, Adult, Administrator or Custom.
From here administrators can set restrictions based on: Category, Computer, Internet, Programs, Passwords, Web Filtering, Reporting and other Advanced options. Time Restrictions can be based on Computer time allowances or Internet time allowances. They can also be set to restrict by time-of-day.
Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to filter on two types of categories: Mature and General. Mature contains 4 main categories including: Adult, Illegal/Criminal, Vice, and Non-mainstream. General contains 7 main categories from computers and Internet to Shopping. There are a total of 59 sub-categories between the Mature and General categories.
.
We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
$39.95 (subscription)
Pros: Not just Internet but computer and program restrictions (i.e. restrict the amount of time your children play games). Can prevent access to computer system tools (improves tamper resistance). Provides remote administration, only across your home network. Integrates with your Windows User accounts and allows for individual user customization.
Cons: Overwhelming user interface. Difficult password recovery. Email notifications require SMTP server (doesn't work for basic yahoo and hotmail accounts). Reporting is text-based making it difficult to gather useful information.
Summary
From computer time restrictions to temporary override passwords, Child Safe provides several features that offer another level of customization. With these new features it also made Child Safe difficult to manage and a little overwhelming. The user interface can be confusing at times and is cluttered with descriptions and tool tips.
Child Safe blocked only 65% of the objectionable websites tested and Over-blocked on only 15% of the “safe” websites tested.
The reporting/monitoring tools are all text-based which make it difficult to gather useful information about your families’ Internet activity.
Installation/Setup
Webroot’s Child Safe was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 8.28MB it took only a few minutes to download on a Broadband connection (May take 10-20 minutes on dial-up). You are given two choices: Install Child Safe Remote Access Client – Used to remotely manage Child Safe on any networked computers; and Install Child Safe – recommended for all other computers in the house.
You are then prompted to create a password for this account with the default username of ‘cscontrol’. Remember to write down the username and password, as recovery can be very difficult. You will be asked to add Child Safe to you firewall settings. This allows Child Safe to communicate to the web filter servers. This can be cumbersome and it is recommended that you contact your firewall vendor for details. You are finally prompted to restart your computer to complete installation.Management
Child Safe provides administrators with a management consol, which can be accessed from your Start Menu. Child Safe automatically creates users based on your Microsoft Windows user names. Each user can be categorized as a Child, Teenager, Young Adult, Adult, Administrator or Custom.
From here administrators can set restrictions based on: Category, Computer, Internet, Programs, Passwords, Web Filtering, Reporting and other Advanced options. Time Restrictions can be based on Computer time allowances or Internet time allowances. They can also be set to restrict by time-of-day.
Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to filter on two types of categories: Mature and General. Mature contains 4 main categories including: Adult, Illegal/Criminal, Vice, and Non-mainstream. General contains 7 main categories from computers and Internet to Shopping. There are a total of 59 sub-categories between the Mature and General categories..
We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…
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