Editor's note: This article has been amended from its original posting.
For parents worried about the Internet's potential to expose children to sexual predators and inappropriate content, parental-control monitoring software that watches kids' activities and communication on the computer can provide some peace of mind. We looked at a pair of monitoring applications--SearchHelp's Sentry Remote and SpectorSoft's eBlaster 6.0 (beta). Both offer stealthy surveillance tools, but work quite differently. Sentry Remote provides real-time monitoring from a remote PC, while eBlaster logs and reports on computer activity, including applications used and keystrokes typed. In the end we preferred Sentry Remote for its superior Web-based monitoring interface and support for cell phone notifications.
Sentry Remote ($50 for two computers, for the first year) offers the ability to alert children to the presence of the monitoring software. The "visible mode" setting, on by default, puts an icon for the password-protected application in the system tray near the clock. Kids can see that the application is there and running, but they can't access it without your password. Also available is the stealth mode, which hides the program, even from the Add or Remove Programs menu, so that children can't uninstall it while you're gone.
Sentry Remote is an aggressive tool that gives the parent live control of the machine from a remote location. Once the program is installed, its easy-to-use (though jarringly bright red) interface lets you set limits on what a child can do. You can program the app to send a notification to your cell phone or e-mail account when a child violates the limitations you've sent on his IM account; you can then respond to the cell phone alert or use the Web-based control panel to lock down the computer. With a few mouse clicks, you can also remotely tweak the settings to prevent a child from disabling programs, lock or shut down the computer, or close an IM window when a predetermined violation occurs.
The program's Web interface lets parents log in to the SearchHelp Web site, tie an account to a monitored PC, and obtain some aggressive remote-watchdog tools. The Remote TV option, which opens a Java applet, is the equivalent of standing behind the child and looking live at the computer screen. During my tests, it worked flawlessly within both Internet Explorer and Firefox to give a view of the monitored computer.
From the Web interface, you can also sort through conversation logs and online chats, check browser URL history (for Internet Explorer only), or intervene and take action in real time to hide or show the Start button, hide or show the Desktop, hide or show the taskbar, open or close browser windows, shut down an IM program, or even lock or unlock the computer. Through a nifty text-chat feature, you can send messages to the child in real time.
Less-Aggressive Alternative
SpectorSoft's eBlaster 6.0--which was in beta when we reviewed it--isn't as aggressive as Sentry Remote, but it is pricier: The company says the final version will cost about $100 for one license. (Editor's note: The final version is now available.) eBlaster acts as a forwarding service that e-mails chat logs and e-mail logs, plus data on keystrokes, programs used, Web sites visited, peer-to-peer files downloaded, and log-on/log-off activity. eBlaster can be programmed to provide a customizable message that your child will see every time they log on or power up their PC, letting them know that the computer is being monitored.
Getting eBlaster set up is a breeze. The control panel features a three-tab interface for tweaking the report delivery options. You can use one-click on/off check boxes to determine the extent of recording violations and sending alerts, as well as computer-usage restrictions. You can ask to be alerted when certain keywords appear in a chat session, but you must select those keywords yourself; unlike Sentry Remote, eBlaster does not include a list of suggested cringe-worthy keywords.
The beta we tested worked well, and the program offers the ability to change any configuration setting remotely when direct access to the computer is impossible, but it falls short on true remote monitoring of PC use. Also, the use of e-mail as the sole delivery mechanism for reporting violations is less convenient than Sentry Remote's Web-based approach.
That both applications offer a visible mode should appeal to parents who want monitoring software but are wary of invading their children's privacy. Both offer a good set of tools for keeping your children safe online. In the end, though, we prefer the real-time monitoring approach of Sentry Remote.
Solid watchdog tool gives a remote, over-the-shoulder view of the PC under surveillance.
Price when reviewed: $50, two-computer license
www.sentryparentalcontrols.com
Stealthy monitoring tool provides e-mail alerts of parental-control violations.
Price when reviewed: $100
www.spectorsoft.com
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