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Nov. 15, 2000
A Thumbnail Review of Some of the Most Popular Web Filtering Programs
By Jerry Crystal
The Bess® Internet Filtering System from N2H2, is an aggressive server-based system that blocks websites that may be in any of 40 broad categories. An N2H2 AD/Resource Bar on every web page allows users to submit potential sites to be blocked but the list of sites blocked by BESS is not disclosed to their customers.
Cyber Patrol® from SufControl®, filters by comparing words and website addresses to "forbidden" lists that require a subscription for regular updates. It allows customizable access controls for multiple users.
Internet Explorer 3.0 (or later) from Microsoft®, gives the user the ability to block websites that provide PICS ratings labels and to lock these settings with a password. Unfortunately, not enough sites use this rating system yet.
KidDesk Internet Safe from EdmarkTM, provides access to pre-selected user defined websites and applications. While this does allow for user-specific access it can be heavy-handed by disallowing access to sites not specifically assigned to a user.
Net Nanny® from Net Nanny Software®, uses allow/disallow categories that require regular updates. The initial installation needs to be updated immediately as there are minimal sites blocked and access to unfiltered sites can occur with the click of mouse.
SurfWatch® from SurfControl®;, provides iron clad, though perhaps overzealous protection against intentional or accidental exposure to inappropriate websites. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow different levels of access for different users.
We-Blocker filtering software from We-WebCorp.com, is a free filtering program that features key word and phrase blocking to block any sites that contain the words and phrases that the user has defined in their personal blocking list. It does allow for various levels of blocking for multiple users.
WinGuardian from Webroot Software, IncTM is a "Big Brother" monitoring agent that runs completely hidden and logs every keystroke a user does on the computer. It gives you the option of secretly emailing these logs to a third party email address for review.
X-Stop client software 3.04 from 8e6 Technologies, is a processor-intensive program that effectively blocks many inappropriate sites and has automatic updating of the disallow list. It is perhaps the most invasive of filtering programs in that it monitors ALL activity on the computer so that it will even block a user from typing, or viewing, inappropriate words or phrases in a chat room or word processor.
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