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Most parents are concerned about the online surfing habits of their children--and with good reason: With the phenomenal growth of both good and bad aspects of the Internet, even the most Net-savvy kids can get into trouble.That's where filtering software comes into play. Net Nanny Software was one of the pioneers in this space; the latest version of its software, the $40 Net Nanny 4, adds an updated interface and some new features that promise to keep control over kids' Web access firmly in parental hands.

Net Nanny helps parents (and system administrators) monitor Web surfing and allows them to determine acceptable content for each user logging on. The price includes unlimited free updates that are automatically downloadable from the company's Web site, unlike competitor CyberPatrol, which charges for updates after 12 months.

Net Nanny currently supports Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, and 2000; however, it doesn't support networks or the Mac OS.

Big Picture

Net Nanny breaks from complex installations required by earlier versions to provide a simpler, less intimidating setup and configuration procedure. Parents can now customize Net Nanny through simple on-screen instructions. You decide when and how long your child may go online and which Web sites, newsgroups, and IRC chat rooms they may access. You can also specify words and phrases to block, as well as turning off all .jpg and .gif graphics.

Net Nanny may be configured for up to 12 individual users. Through the new icon and tabbed interface, you can configure each user's access for Web sites, newsgroups, words and phrases, and IRC chat rooms. You control Web site access with customizable Can Go and Can't Go lists; you can also turn access on or off.

The software works with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher and Netscape 4.72 and higher, as well as with certain AOL setups, depending on your version and configuration. Although Net Nanny does not support instant messaging applications, such as ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, or Yahoo Messenger, it will catch a link sent through an instant message. Net Nanny can block or monitor IRC chats but not Java or HTML chats. Parents can, however, enter chat site URLs into the Can't Go list and block them. For newsgroups and IRC chat rooms, you can block all, allow all, or define a custom Can Go list.

Browse Away...Almost

Once installed, Net Nanny starts at boot time and runs in the background. When a PC user opens a browser, Net Nanny pops up a login screen before allowing access to the Web. If the user doesn't log in, Net Nanny blocks all Internet access. Parents (or the PC administrator) can globally deactivate the system with the administrator password to gain unrestricted Internet access.

However, unlike stealth programs that run totally transparently and block without explanation, Net Nanny places an icon in the tool tray giving the administrator quick access to the program settings and blocks with a customizable screen.

The Net Nanny documentation encourages parents to discuss filtering with their kids and provides family contract template to act as a guideline for safe Internet use that can be printed and signed by all.

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