Feature Set:  

CyberPatrol’s feature set isn’t as extensive as some, but includes almost all of the essential tools for effective internet filtering, managing and monitoring. CyberPatrol actually has quite a bit of flexibility for filtering at a variety of levels. CyberPatrol does more than just block inappropriate sites, but can also effectively block or filter instant messaging and chat programs, P2P file sharing, or other installed software (finance programs, games).

With CyberPatrol you can help keep your children from accessing unsuitable sites, but also protect them from the increasing dangers from cyber bullies and online predators. You will be able to block inappropriate words and phrases, and ensure that your children don’t release personal information like your address or phone number.

Another impressive feature of the CyberPatrol software is the ability to utilize time limits. You can set specific times when each user can (or can’t) get online. You can set time limits for each day, or set a weekly time allowance. But more than just set time restrictions for internet use, with CyberPatrol you can manage time limits for other PC programs, like computer games.

CyberPatrol features good reporting tools and monitoring capabilities. The reports are actually quite detailed, including the time and duration of each page visited. Summary reports are also available for each week, or even every day.

CyberPatrol can also help you enable appropriate internet use, not just restrict harmful sites. Settings can be fixed to allow users to override blocks and even time limits. Of course this requires a password, but can be beneficial when your child needs to view information that otherwise might be blocked normally or needs extra time for a big project. For older kids you might decide to place warnings rather than just definitive blocks. You can even specify which sites to always block (blacklist) or always allow (whitelist).

Ease of Use:  

CyberPatrol is considerably easy to use. The program itself is easy to navigate and utilize the various functions and tools. The software is organized using a basic tree structure, which is always viewable on the screen so you know where you are in the program. Though not as effective or streamlined as some interfaces, the layout and organization are simple to follow and use.

One aspect that makes the program particularly easy to use is the level of customization you can control. Each user (unlimited) can have unique settings, restrictions, or allowances. The software filters 14 distinct categories (adult, chat, gambling, violence, etc.), and each can be set to one of five strength levels. The desired level is easy to choose or change with self-explanatory adjustable sliders.

Ease of Installation:  

We had no problems whatsoever installing and setting up CyberPatrol. The program installation process is surprisingly quick and straightforward. Setting up individual users and profile details takes a bit of time, but is made simpler with predefined user levels for children, young teens, mature teens, and adults.

The program is versatile, but won’t take forever to set up. You can even integrate your existing Windows XP or Vista user accounts. Scheduling specific time restrictions or allotments is simple with the timegrid, allowing you to set generic time limits for a week, or specific allotments each day.

CyberPatrol comes on a 1-year subscription basis that is available to download on up to 3 PCs. Updates are essential for to-the-minute protection, so you can manually update, or set the program to update automatically each day.

Filtering Effectiveness:  

CyberPatrol is good at filtering inappropriate content, and doesn’t overblock. The filtering categories are pretty comprehensive, including sexually oriented material, weapons, gambling, violence, and even remote proxies (and more). CyberPatrol does a good job at keeping unsuitable material at bay, and doesn’t block sites that are fine. The software did struggle with some of the more obscure workarounds like objectionable material on foreign sites, but overall is pretty effective.

Complementing the product’s effectiveness is the ability to add sites that should be blocked. If you find a questionable site that isn’t blocked, you can set it to be restricted (for a specific user or for all users). Or maybe there’s a site that is blocked that you’d like to always allow. Simply put that site on the whitelist and it won’t be blocked again. You can also manage allowed/restricted material by entering specific keywords.

Overall, CyberPatrol offers an easy to use filtering solution with quite a bit of versatility and utility. The software isn’t the best available, but has a unique combination of features and abilities that make it a good choice for effective internet filtering for the whole family. For customization, simplicity, and efficiency, CyberPatrol is a good overall internet filtering solution.