PC Magazine: Cybersitter 9.0

Cybersitter 9.0 offers the strongest filtering we've seen, as well as good monitoring features. It is easy to use and does an excellent job of defending itself against computer-savvy kids who might try to find ways around the filter. While none of the programs in this roundup block content flawlessly, Cybersitter errs on the conservative side; by default it may block sites you would deem okay, but at least it doesn't let inappropriate content slip through.

Cybersitter relies on an extensive, frequently updated database of sites and word patterns. By default, Cybersitter blocks content related to sex, drugs, hate, and violence, as well as blocking all image searches. But parents can select from 32 content categories—including cults, gambling, file sharing, wrestling, and free e-mail sites—to tailor the filter to their needs. These settings are applied to Web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, and newsgroups. Or you can simply block all instant messaging, newsgroups, FTP access, and file sharing.

Every Internet application is filtered for inappropriate content and personal information that parents have specified. Unlike iProtectYou, whose brute-force approach shuts down the app, Cybersitter just blanks out the bad words that appear in e-mails and instant messages. Of course, if a Web site has offending content, it is blocked.

Cybersitter offers a good stealth mode, letting parents filter and monitor kids' activities without their knowledge. Cybersitter can record both sides of IM sessions, as well as log all sites visited and any violations. This information can then be automatically e-mailed to you in a daily activity report.

The Cybersitter Remote Control (available as a separate download) lets a parent remotely configure and control Cybersitter from a different machine on the network. This is handy for families with multiple PCs, but a static public IP address is required, so homes with a cable or DSL connection may require a special setup.