Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Internet Filter Software.

Filtering Algorithm

Object Analysis

Is the ability to filter or block websites based on specific object analysis within the website. For example, certain specialized web visitor counters are supplied by a number of web pornography suppliers.

URL Based

Is the ability to filter or block websites based on their URL (Uniform Resource Locator). An example would be www.inappropriate-title.com

Keyword Based

Is the ability to filter or block specific words that a website may contain.

Dynamic Categorization

Is the ability to block or allow a website based on the ever-changing content on a website as opposed to its URL. For example, some material on a CNN.com webpage may be perfectly appropriate in the morning, but is inappropriate in the afternoon when the news changes.

Filtering Capabilites

Filter Categories

How many different categories does the product allow you to differntiate web content into. Examples would be News, Pornography, Sports, Violence, etc.

Editable Filter Lists

A list of websites and keywords that can be customized to either block access or allow access.

Chat Filtering

This allows you to specify whether or not to block chat rooms.

Chat Monitoring

Allows you to monitor and record what is being typed in a chat session.

Chat Blocking

Allows you to block chat rooms or content.

Newsgroup Blocking

This allows you to specify whether or not to block newsgroups.

IM Port Blocking

This allows you to specify whether or not to block the specific ports that an instant messenger uses.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Blocking

This allows you to specify whether or not to block peer-to-peer applications such as Gnutella, Kazaa, Morpheus, Limewire, Bearshare and many others. These are typically used for downloading and sharing files, many of which might be copyrighted music files, copyrighted software, or pornography.

FTP Blocking

This allows you to specify whether or not to block FTP (File Transfer Protocol). An example of using FTP would occur when you want to update the pages of a website you have created.

Customizable Port Blocking

Lets you choose which ports to allow access to. If the filter blocks access to a specific port it will allow you to customize this port.

Email Filtering

Blocks or filters content specific Email.

Email Blocking

Blocks specific Emails.

Popup Blocking

Blocks Popups. A Popup is a new browser window that appears unrequested (by you) on your screen. Usually, these are advertisements that appear.

Predator Blocking

Blocks out individuals that are seeking your children. Be it through chat rooms, Instant messaging, or Email.

Personal Info Blocking

Blocks your personal confidential information from leaving your computer, such as addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, etc.

Reporting Capabilities

Remote Reporting

You have the ability to look at reports from anywhere that you would have Internet access.

Notification Alerts by E-mail

This will send you an Email when pre-defined criteria has been met, such as someone trying to access an objectionable website.

Log Reports Sent by E-mail

This will send you activity reports to a specified email address.

Summary History Reporting

Sumarizes all activity by types of access, times, etc.

Detailed History Reporting

Detail activity reports that show all accesses, blocks, violations, visited sites, etc.

Graphical Reporting

Do the reports have graphical summaries and details as opposed to text-based presentations.

Logging of Security Violations

Keeps a record of any security violations to your system and notifies you of the attempt.

Management Capabilities

Individual User Profiles

You can customize filtering settings based on who is currently using the Internet.

Password Controls

Allows you to set passwords to change settings or override a blocked site.

Remote Management

Allows you to control the settings and passwords from anywhere that has Internet access.

Stealth Options

Allows you to run the filter in a stealth or hidden mode so no one knows it's there except you.

Other Features

Immediate Overriding of Blocks

Allows a user with the specific privelages to override a block attempt with a password.

Warning, Not Just Blocking

Instead of being blocked access to a particular website when objectionable content is attempted, some type of warning screen may appear before you access the website.

Daily Time Limits

You can set a certain time that a user is allowed to use the Internet.

Negligible Surfing Time Impacts

It does not slow down access to various Internet activities, such as surfing the web.

Updated URL/Filtering Rules

Does the software allow you to update or automatically update all data from the software manufacturer that is used in determing what is filtered and what isn't.

Blocking Sensitivity Settings

Allows you to set levels at which the filter works. This gives you the ability to block some, most or all of the questionable material.

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