Best Reviewed
Parental Control Software
- Best parental control software Net Nanny *Est. $40
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- Best web-based parental controls OnlineFamily.Norton *Est. $0
- Best parental controls for Macs Safe Eyes *Est. $50
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- No annual fees
- IM blocking
- Adjustable levels of blocking
- Restricts games based on ratings
- No remote access
- No time-limit customization
If you've just bought a new computer or plan to upgrade your operating system to Windows Vista, reviews recommend trying Windows Vista Parental Controls before buying standalone software. Reviewers say that Vista's controls are easy to use and difficult for kids to circumvent. The Vista operating system offers most of the major features of standalone software packages, including time-limit settings, adjustable levels of site and application blocking, IM blocking and usage logging. The lack of annual fees is a major competitive advantage. However, reviewers note that Vista doesn't allow parents to customize time limits as well as some other programs, and doesn't offer remote management. For a standalone program that offers remote management, reviewers recommend Safe Eyes 5.0 (Discontinued).
Windows Vista Parental Controls software is reviewed in depth by three sources -- CNET, WinCustomize.com and NetSweeper.com -- which all go into great depth about the virtues and liabilities of this program.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Olsen compares the parental control modules of Apple's Leopard OS and Windows Vista. Feature for feature, she says the two operating systems are on par: Both offer time limits, log activities and offer options for different levels of online and application access.
Review: Parents the Winner in Leopard, Vista Showdown, Stefanie Olsen, Nov. 20, 2007
Reviewer "Island Dog" tests the parental controls in Windows Vista, concluding that Vista works better than most freeware and shareware programs. Overall, Vista's tools are a good solution for many parents, though they're advised not to rely on software alone.
Review: Windows Vista: Parental Controls, "Island Dog", Jan. 26, 2007
