CyberSitter 9

CyberSitter 9.0 Box

Our Rating

 Scored:

   7

out of 10
Pros: CyberSitter was easy to install and leaves very little trace of itself. After installation you can scan your computer for objectionable files. Easy to manage. If you purchase the SnoopStick you can monitor your account from any Internet connection. Custom word, phrase, and website blocking. Includes Email filtering and the ability to block file sharing.


Cons:
Computer scan is inaccurate (lots of false positives). Uninstall is not the most user friendly. Additional costs for the SnoopStick (some Internet filters provide the same service for free). Can slow computer performance, no multiple user customization, daily email of reports are difficult to configure (good luck with msn or yahoo).

User Rating

 Scored:

  7.5

out of 10

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Price
$39.95 (subscription)
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Trials & Specials
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  • Company website
    www.cybersitter.com
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    CyberSitter Full Review


    Summary
    CyberSitter is noted for its simplicity in design, unique feature set and ease of use. Some of CyberSitter's unique features include: Scanning your hard disk for objectionable material and a SnoopStick to monitor your computer from any Internet connection (for an additional cost).

    CyberSitter however was lacking in other areas including: No custom user profiles, limited reports, no immediately override of blocked websites, and poor customer support. Be advised that you will be charged an addition $10 to reset your password.

    Overall CyberSitter's Internet filter was simple to use and easy to manage. Overblocking was not a problem, but it did underblock a little more than it should have.

    Installation/Setup
    Cyber Patrol Installation ScreenshotCyberSitter was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 2.37MB it took less than a minute to download with a Broadband connection (May take 2-3 minutes on dial-up). In order to "insure you receive maximum blocking efficiency" you are asked to clear your browsers cache and/or temporary Internet files (can be difficult for inexperienced users)..

    Cyber Patrol Setup Screenshot
    Once installation has completed you are asked if you would like to configure your Internet settings, which will open the CyberSitter administrative console. You are also asked if you would like to scan your hard disk for objectionable material. This will scan to find files on your computer that may contain objectionable keywords.


    Management
    Cyber Patrol Management ScreenshotSome of CyberSitter's most notable features include: block file sharing, block ftp sites, block newsgroups, block instant messengers, filter email, and restrict access to the Internet (based on time-of-day). Settings are applied to the computer and are not user specific, but do allow customization to block on words, phrases and/or websites.

    cyber patrol Reporting screen shots
    In addition to the above mentioned CyberSitter can also send a daily email report. This includes violations (when users are blocked), a list of websites visited, and instant message conversations. Unfortunately if you do not know your smtp mail server or want to use a basic yahoo/msn account your out of luck.


    Accuracy
    cyber patrol user profilesAdministrators are given the choice to filter on 33 different categories. CyberSitter comes with 7 categories filtered by default including: Adult/Sexually Oriented, Illegal Activities/Drugs, Hate/Intolerance, Illegal Guns/Violence, Image Searches, and Social Networking sites.

    We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…

    Blocked Correctly - 65% (websites blocked that are inappropriate for kids and teens)<br />
    Over-blocked &ndash; 15% (websites blocked that are safe for kids and teens)

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    CyberSitter Features

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    Filtering /Architecture
    Black/White List  
    Keyword Analysis  
    Dynamic Content Analysis  
    Safe image search  
    Filtering Settings
    Adjust Filter Settings  
    Customize Block Page  
    Chat Monitoring  
    Chat Blocking  
    Newsgroup Blocking  
    Newsgroup Filtering  
    Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Blocking  
    Games Blocking  
    Disable Feature  
    Email Filtering  
    Reporting Capabilities
    View Reports remotely  
    Client Based Reporting  
    Email Alert of Violation  
    Graphical Reports  
    Detailed Chat Reports  
    Maintain Past Reports  
    Report Security Violations  
    Management Capabilities
    Individual User Profiles  
    Password Controls  
    Remote Management  
    Windows User Integration  
    Stealth Options  
    Other Features
    Immediate Overriding of Blocks  
    Warning, Not Just Blocking  
    Time Restrictions  
    Time allowance day/week  
    Updated URL/Filtering Rules  
    Free Product Updates  
    Help/Support Options
    Online Help  
    Product Documentation  
    Free Technical Support  
    Supported Browsers
    Internet Explorer  
    Netscape  
    FireFox  
    Opera  
    AOL  
    Platforms Supported/Required
    Windows 98  
    Windows 2000  
    Windows XP  
    Vista  
    Macintosh