SpectorSoft Pro Review - Computer monitoring software for parents
By Jeremy Shick | December 31, 2008
As a parent, monitoring your child’s computer activity is one of the most effective ways to protect them from the dangers that exist on Internet. A great way to do that is by using some sort of computer monitoring software. By using computer monitoring software, it allows you to always have a view of what your child is doing.
As I’ve stated in previous posts, I am a network manager for a high school in central Florida. And my job, protecting students from the dangers of the Internet is of the highest priority. One way in which we do this is by using Internet filtering software and also computer monitoring software. One of the best software programs that I’ve seen for home monitoring as well as corporate monitoring is by SpecterSoft. The program that I want to discuss today is called Spectorsoft Pro.
The beauty of this software is that it runs in the background and is totally undetectable. While running, it constantly monitors and records everything that is going on with the computer. You can set up thresholds on how often to take a screenshot of the computer. Each screenshot is a snapshot of what is currently on the screen. By piecing the snap shots together you can press the play button and fully watch what your child has been doing.
In addition to the screen capture feature, there is a host of other options that are provided. One of the great features this program provides a lockout feature. It allows you to set time frames on what your child can use the computer. This means that you can disallow computer use after school before you get home from work. You can also limit computer use after a certain time at night. This can prevent your child from waking up at night and using the computer while you are asleep.
In previous posts, I have talked about keystroke loggers. A keystroke logger is a piece of software that records everything that is typed on the keyboard. SpectorSoft Pro has this feature built in. He could record all conversations from Paramus such as AIM and MSN messenger. If you want to gain access to your child’s MySpace account to see what exactly it is they are doing, this software will allow it. He will know if your child has multiple MySpace accounts, one they keep for you at one they hide and use with their friends.
Many times, once a sexual predator has made contact on the Internet, e-mail correspondence will begin. Your child will begin sending and receiving messages from these predators. With SpectorSoft Pro, you will be able to see all e-mails that are sent and received. This is an important feature for ensuring that your son or daughter has not been contacted inappropriately.
SpectorSoft Pro really does provide anything that you would need to fully monitor your computers activity. I believe it is important for every household with children to have a computer monitoring software installed on their computer. SpectorSoft Pro is one of my top picks. I hope in the near future I will be able to provide a video tutorial on how the program operates. Until next time, take some action to help Protect the Child.
Topics: Child Internet Safety, Keyloggers, Software | No Comments »
Child Safety Online and Computer Location
By Jeremy Shick | December 30, 2008
Many of you are probably familiar with the case of Megan Taylor Meier. She was the 13-year-old girl who committed suicide because of the cyber bullying caused by a fictitious persona created by classmate’s mother. It is imperative that parents monitor their children’s activities on the Internet. The more time that your children spend on the Internet I’m more concerned you should be about what exactly it is that they are doing. Children are very impressionable and the Internet offers many inappropriate avenues for them to explore.
It is possible for you to protect your child from online predators whether it’s bullies or sexual predators. You just need to following these important rules for internet safety.
Open Area
It is important that you install your child’s computer desk in an area that is open in the house; basically this means that a common room where you can monitor activities at a glance is very important delivering in the family room are often great places for your kids computer desk.
It is important that you never installed an Internet connected computer in your child’s bedroom. This increases the risk that your child will be exposed to online dangers. It is difficult to monitor your child 24 hours a day. Adopt measures so you can reasonable monitor their online activities.
Open Communication
It is important that you take the time to educate your child about the dangers lurking on the Internet and help them understand the dangers on their own terms. Only when you’re child fully understands these dangers should you provide them with an Internet connection. You should always be concerned about your child’s safety while they are using the Internet.
Some of the rules you should discuss with your children are as follows:
Be sure that your children never give out any personal information. Anytime there is a need to enter personal information they are required to get your consent first. This includes home and work addresses, any contact telephone numbers, and names and locations of their school.
Parents should be informed of anything that happens making them feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
Rules for going online should be established. Children should know when they are allowed to go online, websites they’re allowed to visit, how to use the Internet and other rules as they should be needed.
Children should not be allowed to have their own e-mail accounts. The family e-mail address should be used for all communication by your children. Although it is easy to obtain your own e-mail address, be sure your children know this is not allowed.
Unfortunately even the most strict precautions by the strictest parents and the most obedient children can fail. If this occurs to your children, don’t solely blame them. Be sure to keep an open mind.
Keep an Open Mind
Keep an open mind and be willing to listen to your children’s side of the story. Don’t judge them because it is the online offenders that bears the full responsibility of any actions towards your children. Instead learn from the lessons and be sure to avoid repetitions of the incident.
Of course, you must stop all communication your children have with an online predator or offender. It is important that you also contact the local law enforcement agency in your area with all history has many forms of online harassment are a federal crime.
Keeping all these things in mind, an open area, open communication, and an open mind, it is possible to keep your children safe from many online dangers. The Internet is a valuable resource but it is also a potential danger.
Topics: Child Internet Safety | No Comments »
Parents Need to Know How to Protect Their Child Online
By Jeremy Shick | December 19, 2008
Protecting your children online whether they are home or at school is one of the most important daily responsibilities you have as a parent. This article will provide with a detailed “5-Step” plan that you can follow to improve your child’s safety online including the best service for helping parents with their children online, WiHood.
When we were children, we were not all connected to each other all the time, everywhere we went. Today’s children are! Children take for granted that the internet is always on and with it or a mobile phone, anyone can be reached in a few seconds. As a parent, the first thing you must do is to not be intimidated by the internet but enjoy it as much as they do but from your own perspective.
Step 1: How not to be intimidated by the internet, so you can be the new internet Guru in your home
If you’re a parent who does not even have an email address, you can get a free email address at www.Gmail.com or www.Hotmail.com . Once you have an email address, you will be able to join, subscribe and become part of the online community actively. That is really the secret that your kids have already figured out. By actively being a part of the internet communities, it doesn’t matter which site or service, your role or their role in society changes because you are amongst many while still sitting in your favorite chair or if your surfing using your cell phone, riding on your local bus.
The internet is a constant communication between everyone and no one, between you and a lost friend from high school, and you and your child’s teacher. You get the idea.
Step 2: Be a part of the internet community…Walk the Talk!
Children today have learned about MSN Messenger (an IM program that allows for real-time text chat), MySpace and Facebook (both are online communities where millions of people are online all day communicating with friends). In my experience, Facebook is a wonderful place for parents because within minutes you will find old classmates, friends, and lost loves. Not only will you find them, you will be communicating with them in seconds. Proof of how powerful the internet is, while writing this article an old high school friend that I have not spoken to in 20 years found me on Facebook… Yes, Facebook and MySpace are as much fun for adults as they are for kids!
Step 3: Communication
Now that you are online and really enjoying yourself by finding old and new friends, it is time to unplug from the internet and communicate with your child. This is paramount! Once you understand and feel the bug of the internet, you must talk to your kids about it -everyday. Make light conversation of it, let them discuss cool things and show you web pages that they find amazing. This is your child’s generation version of online quality time. It does not replace offline quality time but is as important to your child and you.
Step 4: Online child filtering services
Online filtering services are a must for children when they surf the internet. Don’t believe you will be around all the time to protect them, no parent can be. Many children use the internet while visiting a friend and also at the school’s library. It’s difficult for a parent to be all these places and still take care of their own responsibilities. Normal online filtering programs are not portable except for one, WiHood.
WiHood protects your child while using the internet and also provides your child with their own virtual desktop PC service online. Your child receives their very own new state-of-the-art virtual PC on the internet is how you should understand it. That virtual PC is stored on a WiHood USB bracelet that your child can carry with them everywhere they go. If your not home or they are at a friends, WiHood is protecting your child while on the internet while also helping them to do their homework.
Step 5: Do more then protect your child, educate them with the internet
There are many great internet web sites and kids will find them, I promise, but the internet is also the most powerful learning tool of our time. Make sure your kids are surfing. If you can not afford to purchase a new PC for your child, there is an online solution. Online virtual desktop companies like WiHood focus exclusively on children and parents. Contact your local school and inquire about what are their internet hours so you can reserve time for your child. Also contact the local library and find out what are their computer hours for your child.
These 5-steps are the foundation for you to protect your child on the internet and also offer to them the wonderful opportunities that the internet has to offer. I recommend you to subscribe to WiHood’s child protection and virtual desktop services. Your child deserves the best protection and tools for a wonderful internet experience.
Topics: Child Internet Safety | No Comments »
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