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When you have something as serious as child internet safety, parents want nothing but the best internet protection software. However, it may not be an easy task to manage. There are many software programs that claim to be the best one for internet protection.

In order to determine the best one, parents may have to try out several different software programs to see which one suits them. They should go through each one carefully, then make a decision which one best suited their needs.

Some software programs offer a trial version from a few weeks to a month. This way, it helps parents to make a decision without having to buy right away. Even if parents are using a trial, it’s good to have some type of internet protection software program installed.

There are some computers and some internet service providers that have internet protection software programs preinstalled. It’s a matter of the parents activating it when they turn on the computer. These programs are automated to send updates when needed. It’s important that the parents download the updates when they’re announced.

Even when parents decide on a program, it’s imperative that they keep the program updated. Parents can check for updates on their own, but it’s usually not necessary as the updates automatically appear.

Regardless of what internet protection program parents use, it should be operating in the computer at all times.

Parents can use filtering software that protects their child from accessing websites that are not age appropriate. When choosing filtering software, parents should choose one that is easy to install and navigate.

A parent will want to weigh out the pros and cons of using filtering software. They would want to make sure that it will be useful enough for the entire family.

Here are the pros for selecting filtering software:

• The child will not be able to access unauthorized websites (i.e. adult-oriented, gambling, etc.)

• Keeps sexual predators and perverts away from the child.

• The child can get on the internet with out parents by their side. Even with that, parents should still keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Here are the cons for selecting filtering software:

• Even though filtering software does what it’s supposed to do, it can filter out some legitimate sites also. The parents may have to override some of the websites.

• Parents may not feel like it’s the real thing.

• If a child is technically inclined, they can find a loophole and go through the filters. Then they’ll be able to access sites they have no business accessing.

There are other things about filtering software that parents should know about. All filtering software is created differently. Parents may want to check around before they decide on a final product. Here are some things parents should look for:

• Being able to set time limits. This is especially important for the child. They don’t need to be surfing the internet all day and all night. They can be missing out on important stuff, like doing their homework or having dinner with the family.

• The computer and filtering software should be compatible with each other. The best way to find out is to read the requirements on the software package before buying.

• Whether or not they want user profiles. If they do, parents can create one for everybody in the family. Parents can decide how much the child can access.

• The filtering software should provide regular updates to your computer. This helps to keep the computer free of viruses, spyware and similar items.

• The filtering software should be able to provide parents with information they need to find out what they’re children have been doing online.

The software will also have to be customized as a child gets older. What’s good for a six year old may be out of reach for a twelve year old and vice versa.

Firewall protection is used to block specific websites that you don’t want people to get access to. These websites can be in a number of different categories. The most popular ones are adult-oriented and related sites.

Parents that have children who surf the internet need to have some type of firewall protection on their computer. The thought of a child gaining access to a website that is harmful for them can be frightening.

There are different types of firewall protection. Parents have to choose the one that is best for them and their child. If parents have a computer with Microsoft XP, the firewall protection comes with the operating program.

However, just having this may not be enough for some parents. Some of them may want something that has more features and can do more functions. One of the best kinds to get is one that can block websites on both ends.

This means the firewall should be able to block certain sites trying to get access. It should also check out certain sites that have been accessed.

Whether the parents want firewall protection software that is software-based or hardware-based is up to them. All firewall protection software is made different, and what may work for one parent, may not be suitable for another parent.

If the parents do choose the hardware route, they can get a wireless router that will have a firewall already installed. The parents have to know whether or not this type of hardware with the firewall protection will be adequate enough for them. If the parents find out that it’s not enough, they may have to add additional software for extra security.

However, for the most part, firewall protection made from hardware won’t be needed. The hardware costs more and if you’re not somewhat technically inclined, you may get frustrated trying to install it. When it comes to getting updates for hardware based firewall protection, they’re not as easy to access as software based updates.

For parents, software based firewall protection would be their best bet. It only takes a few minutes to install and doesn’t cost as much as hardware based firewall protection. It is also easy to install and the computer will receive automatic updates.

Depending on the parents’ needs, they may want to go with a single firewall protection product or a combination software product that includes firewall protection.

The parents will have to figure out exactly what they need to monitor their children’s access on the internet. Whether or not it is a single product or a combination product, the important thing is to have the firewall protection installed on the computer.

Cybersitter is a great internet filter to use for your children, whether they are pre-teen or teenagers. The software is parent-friendly and has simple installation. It takes less than 60 seconds to install the software.

The software works by limiting internet access to questionable and adult-oriented websites that may pose harm to children. Cybersitter also allows parents to see what sites their children have visited.

In addition to that, the software provides over 35 subjects that can be filtered. The areas that parents filter out can be updated automatically. There may be times where there are sites that are filtered out accidentally. Parents can override websites that they feel don’t need to be filtered out by the software.

If you child participates in a chat room, adults are allowed to get copies of the conversations. They can get copies from the child’s end and the person to whom they’re speaking with. This can be done by using MSN, Yahoo or AOL Messenger.

With Cybersitter, the parents can determine how much time their children spend on the internet. They can also receive reports via e-mail to let them know which sites their children accessed and if they accessed any chat rooms.

Only people who are authorized to use the software will know it’s there. They will be the only ones that can change the settings, if need be. Parents can use a remote control to install more than one copy of the software. There is one flat fee and free filter file updates are included.

SnoopStick is software used to monitor your child’s internet access. Parents can do this from anywhere they have an internet connection and a computer, whether it’s a desktop or laptop.

The device is made like a flash drive, and it works by inserting it into an available USB drive on the computer you want to monitor. There is a setup installation and the process takes about one minute to complete. This installation contains the secret monitoring used to check on the children’s computer. The device can be removed after installation.

The software takes note of all accessed sites, records all conversations, notes all e-mail addresses for correspondence, and it savvy enough for screenshots. The SnoopStick is then inserted in a computer of the parent’s choice. After everything is set up, it will start compiling the reports they need.

SnoopStick allows parents to look at their children’s activity in real time. They can also download the activity logs for any specified period. There is a camera icon that will allow parents to take a snapshot of any webpage their children have accessed.

If parents decide to let your children know that they’re monitoring their internet access, they can do it in a way that will get their attention. Just like people use pop ups to get people to sign up for their newsletter, parents can use pop ups to let their children know that they’re being watched.

If they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing on the computer, parents will let them know with the pop up. This innovative idea would be a good way to let their children know that they’re being watched and that they can’t get away with sneaking around.

Parents also have the authority to shut off internet access to their children. They can also log off anyone and completely shut down the computer. Their children will think something is wrong with the computer when in reality, the parents have put the access in their control.

With the popular emergence of social networking, SnoopStick is designed to deny access to any social networking sites that parents choose. There are also games that parents may not want their children to play. Those can be blocked as well.

The best child internet protection software should be in line with the child’s age and the needs of the parent. Prior to buying, they should discuss their plans with their child. Once their child knows what’s going on, they may start to feel comfortable about coming to their parents with any concerns.

Parents hear the horror stories of children that get caught up online with sexual predators. To ensure that they don’t go through the same thing, they look to monitor their child’s online activity closely. However, is this considered spying on your children? Your children may think so.

In order for them to have the parents’ trust, the parents should lay down guidelines to be followed by the child. They should also let them know that they will be monitoring their online access on a consistent basis.

This can help to bridge the communication and trust gap between parents and their child. The child may not be as inclined to surf for an adult-themed website.

If parents want to find out what their child has surfed for online and don’t wand to spend any money just yet on a software program, there is a simple way where they can snoop on your child with Internet Explorer.

Parents can check the browser to find out what sites their child has visited.

• Go to the View section.

• Then go to Explorer Bar.

• After that choose History and the day you want to look at.

• Then click the page you want to look at.

This is the simplest way to find out what your child has been surfing for online and it doesn’t cost you a dime.

Parents can also use Internet Explorer to block access to some websites.

• Using the Tools section on the browser, go to Internet Options.

• Click the Content tab.

• Within the Content Advisor section, go to Enable.

This will open up the Content Advisor. Now parents can make their selections.

• In the Ratings tab section, parents can select the level that they want for language, nudity, sex and violence.

• In the Approved Sites tab, parents can select sites that block sites that they don’t want their child to look at.

• In the General tab, you can permit or forbid your child to look at unrated sites.

• A Password should be created. For an older child, if they try to access a site that is blocked, they can get access with the password. The parents have the say-so as to whether or not they will allow their child to access the site.