The purpose of Internet filter software is to block access to certain places on the World Wide Web while allowing access to others. It has many applications, from preventing children from viewing adult material to ensuring that employees don’t access unauthorized sites while at work. Internet filtering software also promotes better overall computer security by blocking access to sites that are known to host viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware.
Features and Advantages of Internet Filter Software
The best Internet filtering software offers a complete range of filter algorithms and blocking, management and reporting capabilities. It should also support a wide range of Web browsers and provide excellent manufacturer help and support.
A complete set of filter algorithms recognizes URL-based and keyword-based requests and provides object analysis as well as dynamic categorization of Web content.
Filtering capabilities should be complex and allow you to monitor newsgroups, chat functions, social networking websites, PC games and email usage. It should also block popup windows, peer-to-peer file sharing applications, FTPs and IM ports, among other capabilities.
The management capabilities of Internet blocking software allow you to identify users that are subject to the prescribed controls, monitor in “stealth mode,” set password controls and access the management tools remotely.
Reporting capabilities include logging, email notifications, remote reporting capabilities and the ability to create either summary-style or highly detailed report histories. Finally, given that Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape and Opera are the most widely used Web browsers, you should look for Internet filtering software that supports all of them.
In the workplace, Internet filtering software promotes enhanced productivity by limiting employee access to sites they have no need to visit in the execution of their duties. At home, you can use Internet blocking software to make sure your children aren’t going places they shouldn’t go on the Web and also that they aren’t communicating with people they shouldn’t be communicating with.
Popular Internet Filter Software Products
Typically, free Internet filter software offers only very limited capabilities. In general, free software is intended to demonstrate a program’s advantages for a trial period before requiring the user to pay for continued use. To get the best protection, it’s recommended that you purchase a well-reviewed application that offers complete functionality.
Some of the most popular Internet filter applications include Net Nanny Parental Controls, Safe Eyes, CYBERsitter, PureSight PC, CyberPatrol, MaxProtect, McAfee Parental Controls, FilterPak, imView and Norton Parental Controls. Your choice should be guided by your intended application—some programs are designed specifically for home use, while others are programmed to support commercial use across a local area network.