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More Articles
Sept. 1998 - "Now is the Time"
Oct. 1998 - "What is the Internet?"
Nov. 1998 - "It's an Email World"
Jan. 1999 - "Little Help from a ..."
Jan. 1999 - "Is the Internet Safe?"
Mar. 1999 - "Desktop Clutter"
Apr. 1999 - "Searching the Net"
May 1999 - "What's in Domain Name?"
June 1999 - "Inernet Chaperones"
July 1999 - "Mind Your Online Manners"
Aug 1999 - " Chasing the Porsche"
Sept. 1999 - "Buying Hardware"
Oct. 1999 - "Buying Software" |
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(This article was originally published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune)
Summer is upon us, kids are out of school and will be visiting
the Internet in great numbers. Sometimes they will be surfing
the net and visiting Chat Rooms when parents aren’t around. That’s
why Internet Chaperones are available. It’s not a service that
sends Helga, a thick armed nanny with a menacing scowl, to make
sure your child toes the line.
Internet Chaperones are software programs installed on your hard
drive that helps keep offensive sites off your computer and away
from the innocents in your household. Most programs have a nominal
cost between $30 - $50.
Of course, good parenting is the best defense against the crud
that’s on the internet, but even the best kid may enter an inappropriate
site. Oftentimes, the visit will be unintentional, but why worry
about it at all.
Internet Chaperone programs work in one of two ways or a combination
of both. Most programs keep a list of offensive sites that the
software will not allow access to, though access can be allowed
using passwords. The second way is a built-in word list that will
not allow access to any site where certain words are used. Some
programs will stop all access, others will simply delete
the offensive words. Either way, the lists can be updated by parents
or by visiting the manufacturer’s web site.
Other features include allowing internet access only during a
predetermined time period (great for parents who work), monitoring
other programs (like word processors), only allowing certain sites
to be accessible, and blocking the ability to send sensitive information
like social security number, address, phone number, etcetera.
Although most programs work very well, many don’t block banner
ads which can include nudity. Still, the programs were effective
90% of the time monitoring both web sites and email.
CYBER PATROL uses a rating system service (such as SafeSurf or
RSACi) to block inappropriate sites and has a multi-level system
which includes blocking sites not only for nudity, but for violence,
hate and language. Cyber Patrol also blocks Chat Room ability
to divulge sensitive information. You can find out more about
the program on their web site, www.cyberpatrol.com.
NET NANNY uses both the Web Site hit-list and offensive word method
to block offensive sites. Net Nanny is one of the few programs
available that allows you to view their list of blocked sites.
It also allows you to update the list and create your own words.
As in all the programs, however, be careful which words you block
because the program will stop you from visiting all sites which
use the words. For example, by blocking the word “breast,” you
will also block sites with information about breast cancer research.
Net Nanny also has a setting which chooses which way to inform
you of attempted entry into an offensive site, whether it be a
warning message, log the hit, or shut down the program altogether.
This can be a nice feature. You can find out more about this program
on their web site at www.netnanny.com.
CYBERSNOOP lists all sites and email visited on a running log
to let you know where attempts at access were made. Like all the
programs tested, you can update the information by visiting the
company’s web site. CyberSnoop uses one of three rating systems
(SafeSurf, RSACi or Weburbia to monitor offensive sites). You
can find out more at www.pearlsw.com.
Again, the best defense against unwanted debauchery entering your
home through the computer is education. Be up front with your
children and explain to them what you expect of them and what
you will not allow. Never give out a real name or other personal
information like address, phone number, social security number,
or school they attend. Also, use email addresses that are vague.
Never use a child’s real, full name because the unscrupulous can
track information like that.
On the whole, the internet is safe and a wonderful educational
medium, but like every place in the real world, caution is the
key. Know what your children are doing and your summer peace of
mind will be a lot brighter.
Rick Langford is founder of Tahoe Mall, The Tahoe Net and Cache-World
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