ContentWatch News

Net Nanny for Mac 2.0

Net Nanny Named Editors' Choice for Parental Controls by Computer Shopper

*-- "No parental control software is perfect, but Net Nanny comes as close as anything we've seen so far" --* __SALT LAKE CITY - May 13, 2009__ - ContentWatch, Inc. has been named Editors' Choice for Parental Controls by *Computer Shopper* in its [recent review](http://computershopper.com/software/reviews/net-nanny-6.0) of Net Nanny 6.0. This recognition underscores Net Nanny's position as the industry leader for [Internet filtering and parental controls](http://www.netnanny.com/products). "If you're struggling with how to limit your child's Internet access, Net Nanny 6.0 could provide a helping hand," said the review. "It's much more powerful than the parental controls included in the popular security suites, and it's flexible enough that you can customize the restrictions to suit both you and your child." In the review, *Computer Shopper* said that most parental control programs are too easy for older kids to circumvent. Not so with Net Nanny: "Kids quickly learn that they can bypass the programs using a proxy server, which lets you surf anonymously," said the review. "Net Nanny has figured out a way to filter the content- even if a proxy server is brand-new. Net Nanny is currently the only program that can access the content behind an unknown proxy server." "With Net Nanny, we're proud to say we offer the most robust and customizable parental control solution on the market," said Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch. "The Internet is a powerful and ever changing resource, and parents can rest assured that Net Nanny will be there to protect them and their families as the Internet evolves." Another unique feature touted in the review is the user's ability to monitor Net Nanny remotely from home or work. "An online interface lets you change the filter settings or view detailed reports about your child's activity. You can set up a password that will allow a child to override a blocked site (handy for last-minute "but I need it for homework" situations)." In addition, Net Nanny features IM/Chat analysis, PC games blocking, social network site monitoring, and a wealth of additional features to give parents peace of mind. For more information about Net Nanny, visit [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com). ## About ContentWatch, Inc. Based in Salt Lake City, ContentWatch delivers family-safe computing solutions for the home, library, education, government, and small/medium business markets. ContentWatch's mission is to be the world leader in thought and technology by creating Internet management tools and services that provide homes and businesses with a safer, more productive Internet experience through its patent-pending contextual analysis engine. ContentWatch Internet Management solutions are used in over 125 different countries. For more information on ContentWatch products, visit [www.contentwatch.com](http://www.contentwatch.com).

Net Nanny 6.0.2

Net Nanny 6.0.1

Net Nanny Awarded Best Internet Filter Software by TopTenREVIEWS

*--Award marks fifth consecutive year Net Nanny has taken top honors--* __SALT LAKE CITY - February 3, 2009__ - ContentWatch, the leading provider of parental controls solutions and Internet filtering, announced today that its consumer filter, Net Nanny 6.0, has received the Gold award from TopTenREVIEWS for the Best Internet Filter Software. This marks the fifth year in a row that Net Nanny has received the award, further establishing itself as the best overall technology in family-safe computing. "This web-filtering program combines cutting-edge technology with non-technical settings and reports--perfect for informed, proactive parents who may not be computer or Internet savvy," according to TopTenREVIEWS. "ContentWatch offers Net Nanny with the technology to create the ultimate Internet safety software. Simply put--the internet can be a dangerous place and certainly contains unacceptable content. Children can be protected with filtering software and Net Nanny is the best." Net Nanny is a feature-rich and powerful filtering tool that allows you to determine what Internet content enters your home. Features such as PC game blocking, IM alert and analysis, social network profile reporting, secure website filtering and blocking, and high levels of customization ensure your family is safe while online. Net Nanny's new IM feature alerts parents to possible online behaviors and dangers including sexual harassment, cyberbullying, online predation, and other inappropriate conduct, an important part of being safe in today's Web 2.0 world. TopTenREVIEWS also notes, "Net Nanny doesn't stop with just websites; there are other problems out there. Net Nanny can detect and block other sources such as instant messaging programs and email accounts. There are many different settings that allow you to customize the level of filtering. This can help protect children from predators who might not rely on the pervasive chatrooms on the Internet." "Net Nanny continues to lead competition by establishing itself as the go-to parental controls and Internet filtering software solution, and this award speaks volumes about our product," said Jack Sunderlage, President and CEO of ContentWatch. "Internet safety is a hot topic amongst parents, and protecting their families is one of their top priorities. With the release of Net Nanny 6 and our Mac offering our customers can be rest assured that they are getting the best protection for their families." Net Nanny 6.0 is compatible with the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems and available today for $39.99 at www.netnanny.com and at your local software retailer. For more information about Net Nanny, visit [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com). ## About ContentWatch Based in Salt Lake City, ContentWatch delivers family-safe computing solutions for the home, library, education, government, and small/medium business markets. ContentWatch's mission is to be the world leader in thought and technology by creating Internet management tools and services that provide homes and businesses with a safer, more productive Internet experience through its patent-pending contextual analysis engine. ContentWatch Internet Management solutions are used in over 157 different countries. For more information on ContentWatch products, visit [www.contentwatch.com](http://www.contentwatch.com).

Net Nanny Repeats as PC Magazine's Editors' Choice for Parental Controls

-- "Net Nanny does everything a parental-control utility should do" -- SALT LAKE CITY - Dec. 10, 2008 - Just weeks after being released to the public, Net Nanny 6.0, the latest Internet filtering and parental controls software from ContentWatch, was named Editors' Choice by PC Magazine for the second consecutive time and calling it "a powerful and flexible parental-control solution that includes unique features not found in any of its competitors." "Net Nanny does everything you'd expect from a parental-control system extremely well," said the review. "It's uniquely able to filter HTTPS sites, and its IM monitoring outshines the rest by working at the protocol level. Net Nanny's combination of e-mail alerts and full remote management mean you can keep tabs on kids from work or from around the world. Net Nanny remains our Editors' Choice for parental control." In the review PC Magazine touted Net Nanny's ability to provide powerful content analysis and blocking saying, "The program categorizes sites by checking its database but also analyzes the content of Web pages as necessary. A brand-new site won't slip through just because it hasn't been logged, nor will a prurient page in a usually clean site." One of the highlighted features in Net Nanny 6.0 is its ability to dynamically filter secure proxy Web sites, which is the No. 1 method used by teens to circumvent desktop filters. In the review, PC Magazine states, "Net Nanny can block proxies, but it has a second line of defense: It filters both secure and non-secure traffic, kids can't fool it by tweaking a Web address to use HTTPS. This is highly unusual: I haven't seen any other product with this level of control." "The Internet is ever-changing and new threats like cyberbullying and cyber predators arise every day, and we've built Net Nanny to effectively combat these threats," said Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch. "Being able to provide parents with a product that protects their children and evolves with the Internet is our number one priority. With Net Nanny, parents can be sure they are getting the best possible protection out of any parental controls product, and being named the editors' choice by PC Magazine confirms this." The review also speaks highly of Net Nanny's Instant Message Management, another new feature, saying "Net Nanny's IM monitoring is nothing short of phenomenal... Net Nanny has two distinct styles of IM tracking that can be used separately or together. The IM Recording feature records the entirety of every IM conversation; Bsafe and Safe Eyes can do this as well. But the others have nothing like Net Nanny's IM Monitoring." Through the end of the year, Net Nanny 6.0 is being offered at a discounted holiday price through PCMag.com's Ultimate Bargain Hunt. Net Nanny 6.0 is compatible with the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems. In August 2008, ContentWatch introduced Net Nanny for Macs. For more information about Net Nanny, visit [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com). [Read the full review](http://static1.contentwatch.com/static/reviews/pcmag_60_review.pdf) ## About ContentWatch Based in Salt Lake City, ContentWatch delivers family-safe computing solutions for the home, library, education, government, and small/medium business markets. ContentWatch's mission is to be the world leader in thought and technology by creating Internet management tools and services that provide homes and businesses with a safer, more productive Internet experience through its patent-pending contextual analysis engine. ContentWatch Internet Management solutions are used in over 157 different countries. For more information on ContentWatch products, visit [www.contentwatch.com](http://www.contentwatch.com).

Net Nanny 6

ContentWatch Announces Net Nanny 6.0

*--Net Nanny 6.0 to Include PC Game Blocking, IM Monitoring, and Social Network Profile Reporting among over 50 new features and improvements--* __SALT LAKE CITY - November 24, 2008 -__ ContentWatch, the leading provider of Internet filtering and parental control software, announced the release of Net Nanny 6.0. This comes on the heels of adding a Mac filtering solution to its product line. With the release of Net Nanny 6.0 comes a variety of new features that further enhance the product's usability and expands the peace of mind that users have come to expect from this award-winning parental control solution. "Our customers have come to know Net Nanny as the go-to solution for unmatched Internet monitoring and parental controls," said Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch. "Net Nanny 6.0 extends our unmatched protection with new media features such as blocking of PC games and social network profile reporting, which are not available in any other solution." Along with the award-winning, best-in-class functionality found in previous versions, Net Nanny 6.0 will include features not available in other parental control solutions. Some of the more notable features include: - PC Games Blocking - Net Nanny 6.0 is the first parental control software solution to restrict PC games using the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system, and the first to block desktop PC games based on categories including violence, sex, alcohol, drugs, and more. - IM Alert & Analysis - Net Nanny's improved Message Monitor feature examines the content of instant messages (IM) and alerts parents via e-mail to potentially dangerous and risky online behaviors including: child grooming, sexual predators, cyber bullying, passing out private information, use of web cams, and more. - Social Network Profile Reporting - Parents can easily access and view their children's social networking activities on commonly used sites like Facebook. Reporting provides details about social networking profiles, including friends' lists, pictures, and personal descriptions. - Secure Website Filtering/Blocking - Net Nanny 6.0 now filters the content of secure Web sites and aggressively prevents attempts to get around filtering by blocking secure proxy and encrypted Web sites. Using secure proxy Web sites is the number one method used by tech-savvy teens to circumvent desktop filters. "Net Nanny 6.0 was developed with parents and their concerns in mind," continued Sunderlage. "We are the first to add PC games blocking because parents are becoming increasingly concerned with the influence video games are having on their kids." Other features of Net Nanny 6.0 include instant profile refresh, silent filter definition updates, customizable white list of URLs, an updated user interface, new e-mail notifications, and updated help and documentation. Net Nanny 6.0 is compatible with the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems and available today for $39.99 at [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com) and at your local software retailer. For more information about Net Nanny, visit [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com). ## About ContentWatch Based in Salt Lake City, ContentWatch delivers family-safe computing solutions for the home, library, education, government, and small/medium business markets. ContentWatch's mission is to be the world leader in thought and technology by creating Internet management tools and services that provide homes and businesses with a safer, more productive Internet experience through its patent-pending contextual analysis engine. ContentWatch Internet Management solutions are used in over 155 different countries. For more information on ContentWatch products, visit [www.contentwatch.com](http://www.contentwatch.com).

Net Nanny Now Protects Macs

*-- With the growing number of Mac users, protection for Macs a natural step --* __SALT LAKE CITY - August 11, 2008__ - Award-winning Internet filtering and parental control software vendor, ContentWatch, today announced the release of Net Nanny for Mac. With the introduction of an Apple Computer-compatible product, Net Nanny is now able to protect both Windows and Mac users. With Net Nanny for Mac, users can protect their computers and safeguard their children from unwanted Internet content. Net Nanny for Mac establishes a barrier around your computer with its predefined categories, but also allows users to create their own custom categories, offering a level of protection that is unmatched. "Use of Macs has risen 51 percent in the last year, creating an even greater demand to protect Mac users and their families from harmful and unwanted Internet content," said Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch. "Mac users can expect the same level of quality protection, customer service and Internet filtering that has become synonymous with Net Nanny, which has made it the most-trusted brand and top-rated technology for client-based Internet filters on the market." Net Nanny for Mac enhances and complements the existing parental controls already found in Mac OS X Leopard, but provides a further lever of protection. Net Nanny for Mac is also compatible with earlier versions of the Mac operating system and will be available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. Along with predefined and customizable filtering categories, Net Nanny for Mac also offers the following features: - __Usage Reports__ - Provides parents and administrators with a detailed log of users' Internet activity. - __Time Management__ - Allows users to control when and for how long the Internet may be accessed. - __Browser Alerts__ - Displays a warning when access to a blocked or potentially dangerous page is attempted. - __Content Assistant__ - Assists users in defining the appropriate level of protection for each individual user. Net Nanny for Mac will be available at [www.netnanny.com/mac](/mac) for $39.99 and only $19.99 to protect each additional Mac or PC in the house. Educational and non-profit pricing is available at a substantial discount. For more information about Net Nanny, visit [www.netnanny.com](http://www.netnanny.com). ## About ContentWatch, Inc. Based in Salt Lake City, ContentWatch delivers Internet security solutions for the consumer and business markets. ContentWatch's mission is to be the world leader in thought and technology by creating Internet management tools and services that provide homes and businesses with a safer, more productive Internet experience through its patent-pending contextual analysis engine. ContentWatch Internet Management solutions are used in over 157 different countries and are the recipients of the Reviewer's Choice from Government Computer News and Editors' Choice from PC Magazine. For more information on ContentWatch products, visit [www.contentwatch.com](http://www.contentwatch.com).

ContentProtect Security Appliance Awarded GCN Reviewers Choice Award

We are pleased to announce that our ContentProtect Security Appliance was recently tested with 5 other Web content filtering appliances and came out on top. From the article: "The ContentProtect (CP) 100 from ContentWatch is a combination security appliance that includes bandwidth management, antivirus and spyware applications, and peer-to-peer control in addition to Web filtering. All of this comes in one box that is easy to use and not too hard on the budget... We were pleased with the precision with which it handled our tricky Web site list. It was not fooled by any of the potential false positives and managed to stop nearly everything else. It even blocked a Java-based program from connecting to play online board games, which no other appliance in the review managed to do."

Preventing System Abuse

A guide to deploying a flexible, accurate content-filtering solution.

Top Security Companies Align to Support Consumer Launch of Windows Vista

Anti-virus and family safety solutions bolster built-in security of newest version of Windows

REDMOND, Wash. - January 17, 2007 - Microsoft Corp. today announced that leading security providers are committing to delivering fully tested and compatible versions of their consumer and small-business security solutions by Jan. 30, when the Windows VistaTM operating system becomes generally available on new PCs and in retail stores around the world. In addition, today many independent software vendors pledged to deliver a wide range of innovative applications and services designed to further enable safer online experiences for families and home users in time for the consumer launch.

Throughout the development of Windows Vista, Microsoft has worked closely with security partners to provide technical support resources, access to application testing and compatibility labs, and developer training and certification programs. These efforts help industry partners provide consumers with numerous security and safety software and services to choose from to help make their computing experiences safer from the moment they begin using Windows Vista.

"A more secure computing experience, including protection from online threats, viruses and hackers, is more important than ever before, for businesses and consumers alike," said Ben Fathi, corporate vice president of the Security Technology Unit at Microsoft. "Windows Vista is the most secure operating system we've ever built, and our security partners continue to play a vital role in adding layers of protection onto the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) platform. With all of us working together, we can help people feel safer and more confident when using their PCs."

Windows Vista is built to provide in-depth defense against existing and emerging digital threats. Microsoft started by designing Windows Vista using the Security Development Lifecycle, an education, design and testing process that helps minimize security bugs in the operating system's underlying code. New built-in security features such as Windows Defender, User Account Control, an improved Windows Firewall, Parental Controls, and Windows Internet Explorer(R) 7 Protected Mode and Phishing Filter provide additional layers of protection. Microsoft's industry partners add the final layer by building security solutions on top of the Windows platform. Partner security offerings that are scheduled to be available on Jan. 30 include a range of anti-virus, anti-malware and family safety solutions.

Companies committing to the availability of consumer and small-business security solutions for Windows Vista by Jan. 30 include these:

CA Inc.'s CA Anti-Virus 2007 provides protection against viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs that can invade through e-mail attachments, downloads, instant messages and the Web. CA Anti-Virus 2007 was one of the first security solutions available to Windows Vista beta users, providing anti-virus protection to more than 160,000 beta participants.
ContentWatch Inc.'s top-rated Internet filtering software features a patent-pending, dynamic contextual analyzer that filters Internet content in real time. ContentWatch's software also includes powerful remote management, monitoring and reporting, time management, and instant messaging management tools to help parents monitor children's Internet activity - even from work or while traveling.
GRISOFT, maker of AVG security solutions, has made available AVG Anti-Virus 7.5 and AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 in both commercial and free versions, as well as AVG Anti-Malware 7.5, comprising anti-virus and anti-spyware protection with full support for the Windows Vista operating system, downloadable at http://www.grisoft.com.
IMSafer Inc. offers the first service to alert parents when their children are involved in inappropriate online communications, providing parental notification of language that may be indicative of a potential sexual predator, and enabling parents to anonymously share and view community feedback about contacts they think may be inappropriate. Support for Windows Vista includes all the existing IMSafer functionality, plus logging and reporting to the Windows Vista Parental Controls control panel and a freely downloadable wizard to help parents set up Parental Controls in Windows Vista.
Kaspersky Lab will make available Kaspersky(R) Anti-Virus and Kaspersky Internet Security, offering premium virus, spyware, hacker and spam protection with anti-malware updates every hour and exceptionally low impact on Windows Vista systems resources.
McAfee Inc.'s award-winning consumer software includes VirusScan Plus 2007; McAfee PC Protection Plus 2007; McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 with 8 in 1 protection for a consumer's identity, PC and online experience; McAfee Total Protection 2007; McAfee(R) Wireless Protection 2007; McAfee SiteAdvisor, the world's first safe search and browse technology; and McAfee SiteAdvisor Plus, which prevents consumers from browsing to risky sites.
Microsoft Windows LiveTM OneCareTM evolving, all-in-one PC care service will provide Windows Vista customers with unified, real-time anti-virus and anti-spyware protection and assist them with other important consumer PC protection and maintenance needs including data backup, the activation of anti-phishing protection (anti-phishing features require Windows Internet Explorer 7), automatic updates when they are online and the management of firewall policies when its latest version is launched on Jan. 30. Because OneCare is a subscription service, as new features are developed and released they will automatically be available to subscribers. The subscription service will be available at http://onecare.live.com and retail centers in the U.S. and 16 countries worldwide.
Panda Software International is announcing Panda Antivirus 2007, the lightest anti-virus solution in the company's consumer product lineup, which uses minimal system resources, and Panda ClientShield, a global protection solution for workstations in corporate environments. In addition, the company is announcing Panda Internet Security 2007 Identity Protect to help protect online transactions and confidential data.
PixAlert, providers of intelligent image auditing and monitoring solutions for home and business use, has made its advanced PC protection and real-time image-monitoring solution, SafeScreen, available in Windows Vista. SafeScreen actively blocks unsuitable images from all sources (including the Internet, DVDs and cell phones), helping to protect the family from unwelcome content.
SafeBrowse.com's Safe Eyes parental control software, winner of PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award, provides a range of customizable features for Windows Vista, including content control, time limits and instant message monitoring. With Safe Eyes software, families can enjoy all the benefits of the Internet without the worry.
Symantec Corp. today announced that the world's first comprehensive transaction security solution, Norton Confidential, and the award-winning Norton Internet Security and Norton AntiVirus, will be Windows Vista-compatible at the consumer launch date.
Trend Micro Inc.'s Internet security with TrendSecure safeguards computers, home networks and personal identities. The comprehensive software and services help prevent malicious attacks and reduces time-consuming interruptions. TrendSecure, a set of online services, provides extended protection, at home or on the go. Trend MicroTM AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware offers essential protection against viruses, worms, Trojan horse programs and spyware.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft, Windows Vista, OneCare, Windows, Windows Live and Internet Explorer are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Addendum

"The enhanced security features of Windows Vista work hand in hand with CA Anti-Virus 2007 to help protect consumers from current and emerging Internet threats. This potent combination of protection features helps make our customers' Internet experience safer and more secure than ever." - David Luft, Senior Vice President, Product Development, CA

"AVG is ready for the Windows Vista launch, and we are excited to be one of the first security software vendors to announce Windows Vista support to users globally. By our working together with Microsoft and in advance of the launch, customers will benefit with more secure features for a better PC and online experience." - Larry Bridwell, Vice President, Global Security Strategies, GRISOFT

"McAfee is excited to support its customers with Windows Vista compatibility. The threat landscape has moved well beyond traditional viruses, requiring consumers to have identity theft protection, safe search and browse technology, and protection from rootkits and stealth technologies. With our Windows Vista-compatible products, and the software-as-a-service model McAfee pioneered eight years ago, consumers are better protected from a wide range of threats 24x7." - Marc Solomon, Director of Product Management, McAfee

"When the Windows Vista operating system and Windows Live OneCare PC care service are combined, they work better together to provide consumers with automatic protection and PC maintenance, so they can get the most out of their computers and help keep them running well." - Ryan Hamlin, General Manager, Technology Care and Safety Group, Microsoft

"With our Windows Vista-compatible versions of Panda Antivirus 2007 for home users, and Panda ClientShield for workstations, we aim to enhance protection against Internet threats from the moment users access the new platform." - Jaime Herrero, Director of Consumer Marketing, Panda Software International

"We are pleased to have worked closely with Microsoft during the beta program of Windows Vista by ensuring that customers receive reliable malware protection from our TrendLabs researchers. Windows Vista customers can rely on Trend Micro's long-standing security expertise to help protect their systems, just as we've safeguarded users of Windows client operating systems for nearly two decades." - Lane Bess, Global General Manager, Consumer Products and Services, Trend Micro

"ContentWatch is pleased to work with Microsoft in offering a state-of-the-art parental control solution to Windows Vista customers. Both Microsoft and ContentWatch have a greater mission of keeping families safe online. Through our integration with Windows Vista parental controls, customers now benefit by having additional options to help protect their children and family members online." - Jack Sunderlage, President and CEO, ContentWatch

"We founded IMSafer because we felt there was a significant gap between how parental control software works and how kids use computers. Microsoft shared our concern and is bringing parental controls to the masses with Windows Vista. We were able use its parental control APIs to expand on the functionality Microsoft provides, to give parents more security when their children are using instant messaging and social networks to develop online relationships." - Brandon Watson, Founder and CEO, IMSafer

"We are delighted to be part of Microsoft's Family Safety efforts that for the first time dramatically improves family protection by working at the operating system level. SafeScreen is ideally suited to work with Windows Vista as it helps prevent families from being exposed to unwanted images that are increasingly getting onto home PCs from the Internet, DVDs and cell phones. By using the most advanced screen interception and audit technology developed for the corporate environment, SafeScreen obscures pornographic images as they appear and also allows parents to scan their PCs and review and remove unsuitable material." - John Nolan, CEO, PixAlert

"With its proven, state-of-the-art parental controls, Safe Eyes will powerfully complement the Family Safety Settings features available on Windows Vista. Our two companies share a strong commitment to providing parents with the best tools to manage their children's computer use and help keep them safe online." - Forrest Collier, Safe Eyes Creator and CEO, SafeBrowse

A Security Feature May Need Tinkering

A New Way To Protect Your Children and Yourself From Internet Porn

Freddy Petersen
EdgfieldDaily.com Columnist
March 21, 2006

We all know the Internet is a vast wealth of information and opportunity. We use the web daily to keep up on news, connect with friends, family and co-workers. Search engine research has all but replaced the library for gathering information for students and adults alike. Everything you need is just a simple mouse click away! All good things come with a price. The Internet is wide open to any and all who wish to be there and some of those people are up to no good.

As the parent of a teenage son, every time I see him log on the Internet, I worry. It's not so much that he will deliberately look for things that he shouldn't be that troubles me; it's that predators and con artist seeking to snare the young and the weak are at the ready. As a web designer, I know the tactics predators, and even some so-called legitimate website designers, use to trick us into going to their sites; whether we intended to or not. The list of ways to fool us is as vast as the Internet itself.

How can we protect our children and ourselves from this? Can it be done without denying legitimate sites? Readers of this column, friends and family, have asked over and over, "How can I keep my kids from seemingly harmless sites that have proven later to be trouble?" One parent told me she suspects her son will do word searches for, "those dirty sites." "How can I stop that from happening?" she worried. She also said, "He tells me he's not doing this type of search, I need to know if he is telling the truth or not!"

Others have stated concerns about chat rooms and instant messaging. Our children have computers in their bedrooms; we need to know they're not getting into trouble when we're busy doing other things. How can we watch from the other side of the door?

These tough questions and my own concerns as a parent convinced me to search for a solution. My search led me to several Internet filters. One stood out by far, ContentProtect.

I contacted ContentProtect directly and spent some time speaking directly to the staff and found them to be very informed on Internet filtering, the issues we all face concerning our children's online safety. The staff at ContentProtect was extremely friendly, and willing to answer any question.

ContentProtect explained that they were asked by a Porn company to develop products to reach potential customers. Instead they decided to develop a product that would help stop the porn company from reaching vulnerable people; that decision led to ContentProtect as we see it today.

I've been using the software now for over three weeks with no problems whatsoever. I've tried several times to trick the software by searching for website names that were not obviously "Adult" oriented and ContentProtect caught every one. Among the key benefits are the reports I receive with inappropriate IM conversations, lists of inappropriate sites visited and date and time they were visited, and the ability to set times of day for my son to go online.

I can even do all of this from work. I can choose remotely to allow him to visit a safe site if needed for a project or turn off Internet privileges from my office, should he attempt to violate our Internet standards while I am away.

ContentProtect has developed a great product that answered many, if not all, of my needs as a parent concerned about my child on the Internet.

Parents can have the peace of mind ContentProtect has provided me for the annual license fee of $39.95 for up to three home computers. (Correction: one license per computer in the home; after the purchase of the initial license additional licenses can be purchased at a 50% discount)