Proof Is In The Email

Have you ever wished to yourself, "I wish I had received that in writing" or "I wish I was able to record this conversation"? You can. Because of the quick send and response time on email, there is no need for verbal communication. Email monitoring software gives us the ability to capture conversations, remarks and other incriminating comments that may be needed as evidence later down the road.

Does Parental Control Software Block Everything?

No parental control system is perfect. It is equally important to educate your children about online safety and monitor what your child is viewing. Here are a few tips on helping to secure your Internet:

1. Sit down with your children and let them know what the limits are. Just like watching TV, set limits. For example, 1 hour of Internet time after supper and once homework is complete.
2. Ask your children if they know everyone in the contact list of their chat program. Ask them if they have been receiving emails from anyone they don't know. If they do have contacts that they are not familiar with, make sure those contacts get deleted, and even block them.
3. Relocate your home computer to an open area where it is in plain view of everyone.

Computer Monitoring Software

There are many different uses for Computer Monitoring software. Some of these uses are as follows:

1. Email Monitoring - Find out what types of email are being sent and to who.
2. Instant Message Monitoring - Track what types of conversation are being had from both parties.
3. Webpage tracking - Track Webpage surfing to determine what types of site are being looked at.
4. Keyword Monitoring - be alerted when certain keyword are being typed, or being received.

Monitoring Software - What Should I Pay?

A quick search on the Internet will show you that you can expect to pay anywheres from $30 - $50 for a Parental Monitoring software. Some programs will allow for unlimited usage of the software with a 1 time purchase which means you can install it on as many computer as you wish. Some programs you can purchase for a 1 time fee however may only come with a limited number of licenses. Finally, some programs may operate on a subscription basis which means that you would be given pricing options based on a period of time. For example, a subscription option might be $50 per year, or it might be cheaper if you sign up for more than a year. Again this is only an example.

Recognize The Warning Signs

Here are a few warning signs to watch for when your child is using Instant Messaging software:

• Does your child wait until everyone is in bed to start using the Internet?
• Does your child use the Internet for long periods of time that might exceed 2 hours? This does not include doing research for school or homework.
• Does your child spend the majority of his or her time while on the Internet in chat rooms?
• Does your child minimize windows on the computer screen when you presence is noticed? This is a good indication that he or she is trying to hide something from you.

If you have the opportunity, check their personal profile in their messaging program. See how they are describing themselves to others.

Can My Child Bypass Parental Controls?

As much as we want to protect our kids from all of the ugly content that is available on the Internet, parental control filters on a computer are just not going to cut it by themselves. Children's curiosity, when peaked, can turn them into mini super sleuths. If they want to find something out, they will do whatever it takes to get it, whether that means going to another computer at a friends house, or getting the help of a friend to help bypass whatever settings you have on your computer.

Is there a way to derail these little masterminds? Having a couple layers of protection will definitely help. Choose an Internet Service Provider that provides content filtering from their servers as well as have local protection on your computer at home. Also, if you have broadband Internet (high speed) try enabling logging on the router or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or cable modem, and password protect the modem. Then you can check where people are going to in the logs. Do not forget the power of Parent discipline -- it too can be just as effective.

What is Keystroke Logging?

Keystroke Monitoring is a process by which a computer system administrator views or records both the keystrokes entered by a computer user and the computer's response. Examples of keystroke monitoring would include viewing characters as they are typed by users, reading users' email, and viewing other recorded information typed by users. Some forms of everyday system maintenance record user keystrokes; this could incorporate keystroke monitoring if the keystrokes are saved together with the user identification so that an administrator can determine the keystrokes entered by
specific users.

Keystroke software provides system administrators with the ability to capture keystrokes entered by the computer users, both alphanumeric and invisible characters. Gather usernames and passwords, capture hate messages and 2-sided chat conversations.