All About Filtering


		Internet Filtering
	By using a powerful server-side block we are able to provide an Internet environment that is safe without restricting the use of valuable tools or "overblocking". Automated daily updates and the added level of network filtering provide protection that exceeds any parental control software package alone. Many of these packages, including the ones we recommend, offer excellent control over the local computer configuration, but are only aware of a few hundred, or maybe a thousand objectionable sites. Our server-based filter is aware of literally millions of objectionable sites! Because of the constant changes on the Internet, we cannot guarantee 100% porn-free access, but the danger of finding an offensive site is greatly reduced. Several standout features separate our filter from other products designed to restrict access to offensive online content. Two of the most significant are its exclusive use of Direct Address Blocking (DAB) - blocking sites by their Internet addresses - and a proprietary technology known as "the MudCrawler" - a search array that constantly scans millions of Web addresses for offensive content. DAB doesn't rely on keywords - like most simple filters - but actually restricts access to an exact Web site or IP address. These addresses are kept in a massive library researched and maintained daily. The MudCrawler (also known as the X2 or chi square array) keeps the library current. It uses 44 criteria to identify "suspect" pornographic sites. Every day suspect sites are reviewed by technicians (to insure the accuracy of the automated selection) and then added to topical categories (e.g., pornography, hate, gambling, bomb making, etc.). Finally the updated categories are automatically loaded into our filter server's database.


		Local Control Programs
	In addition to the DAB system, we also recommend that concerned parents install a local parental control program on your own computer. This augments our server-based solution with highly customizable, effective local controls on when and how your children connect to the Internet. The product we recommend is Cyber Patrol. This system allows parents to establish separate User IDs for each family member, setting access permissions appropriate for each ID. Controls include the hours of the day and cumulative hours during a week that children can access the Internet. It also offers options as to which Internet services the child can access (i.e., chat rooms, news groups, email, etc.) Cyber Patrol also allows you to define specific phrases to be filtered from information sent *Out* from your computer. This allows you to prevent your child from inadvertently giving your home address, telephone number, etc. to strangers on the Internet. You can download a free trial version of Cyber Patrol from http://www.cyberpatrol.com or by clicking the button below.