Why Internet Filter Software?
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all time. As our families become increasingly intertwined with it, the more active role we must take to protect our loved ones from Internet pornography. Although nothing can take the place of a well-informed parent that takes an active part in their children's online activities, Internet filter software adds a strong, additional layer of defense, giving parents an added measure of control and further peace of mind.
Internet filter software gives you the ability to control content displayed, block websites and set up passwords. Powerful services like email filtering, popup blocking and chat room monitoring are just some of the tools available with today's Internet filter software, each designed to protect against and counteract the tactics of aggressive online porn companies.
With so many Internet filter software choices available, researching and choosing the Internet filter that's right for your family can be complex and time-consuming, that's where we can help.
Within this site, you'll find articles about Internet pornography, recent news stories, side-by-side comparisons and comprehensive reviews on Internet filter software that will help you make a fast, informed decision. At TopTenREVIEWS - We do the research so you don't have to.™
What to look for in Internet Filter Software
Even though the perfect Internet Filter does not exist in today's marketplace, there are a number of great solutions depending on your family's needs. Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Internet filter software:
- Ease of Use – The most important attribute an Internet filter program can offer is an easy-to-use design, making it possible for people with all levels of computer experience to easily install and use the filter to its fullest capacity.
- Effective at filtering – Top Internet filter software offers a good balance between filtering objectionable material and not filtering too much content. Another important aspect is the ability to customize the filter's sensitivity for each family member.
- Filtering algorithm – The best filter programs use a combination of filtering techniques, including URL filtering, keyword filtering and dynamic filtering.
- Activity reporting – The most useful Internet filter software offer reports on what each family member has been doing on the computer, which includes websites visited, chat room activities, IM conversations and so on.
- Client-Server based – Good filtering programs offer a flexible platform, which allows users to decide whether their optimal filtering solution is client (home computer) based, server (Proxy or ISP) based or a combination of both.
- Foreign language filtering – Effective Internet filter programs offer the capacity to filter keywords in multiple languages. One of the tricks that many teenagers have discovered to bypass Internet filters is to type in the foreign language equivalent of certain keywords.
- Port filtering and blocking – Filtering programs should block or filter all major Internet protocols, including web access, chat rooms, email, peer-to-peer networks, bulletin boards and popup windows.
With Internet filter software and proper supervision, parents can keep their families safe from the ever-present problems and help them enjoy the most educational and entertaining aspects of the Internet.
To read our top-ranked Internet filter software, read our Net Nanny Review.
