Most sites listed here include an e-mail link to contact the developer. Before making your selection you will want to spend a fair amount of time reviewing product information found on site, or by request. The software companies have targeted schools and business users. NetNanny and Cyber Patrol have home use versions. Most of the software developers have on-line help desk and provide a toll free number.

Filters are only as accurate as their last update. There will always be those who can beat the filter. Look for filter quality to improve in both browser and stand alone software, as demand increases.

An alternative to the filter is the software called WebWacker. You create a customized database of web sites that you select. Interface your web browser to the database, and the web user can only access the sites that are stored in the database. This is initially time consuming, but it is as fail safe as it gets, for now. Unlike a filter program, a WebWacker web session is totally self contained. No on-line surfing is possible, while it is enabled. Evaluation copy

CHANNEL LOCK
You may want to sign up for the free seminar. An evaluation download is available.

CYBER PATROL
Has several filter formats for home, school and business. Link to the download site for an evaluation copy. After which you will need to register your copy. For personal user format link to the retail site

NET NANNY
An evaluation download is available, plus there is a link to submit the URL for a site that you feel is inappropriate for children. And you will find a link to recommended kidsites.

WebSENSE
Has several evaluation copies to select from. You will also find a BETA version. If interested you can enroll in the BETA tester program. (BETA translates research and design version being tested before it is released to the public)

SMART FILTER This is filter (formerly called WebTrack) acts as a proxy server designed for school and corporate use. Look for the on line demo. And you can download an evaluation copy for assorted environments (UNIX, etc.) Most of the Secure Computing's sites are under construction. If unable to log on, use http://www.securecomputing.com/

An excellent informative review of its features is available.

This page is informational use only. Elsberry R-2 School District is not associated with any of the aforementioned products, and it does not receive any benefit for listing the said companies on this site.

PageMaster Wade Grimes
MMC Student Assistant Danny Holton
Latest Update 6 February 1998