The Best Parental Control Software to Protect Your Family

The Internet can be an incredible resource for your children, but it can also put them in danger without proper supervision. There are many ways that a child can be at risk online, including predatory websites, bullying, and, exposure to graphic content. Parents cannot
monitor their kids Internet activities all the time. This makes using parental control software very handy, especially for working parents.

Not all parental filter software available today offers the best protection for your kids. Some may have the protection you want, but they’re not user friendly. For your ease and for the safety of your kids, here are a few of the top most effective and easy to use programs you can
buy.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny ranks first among the rest of the filtering software because it blocks not only adult
content but also suspicious chat rooms, emails account, and other forms of Internet danger.
It assures that your children can only play and install games that you think are appropriate.
This parent control program is simple to install and easy to set-up. It also has a feature that
helps you to choose the appropriate program, games and other online activities based on your
child’s age.

PureSight PC

PureSight is a newer company – they’ve been protecting kids from online treats since 1998
– but their software is still very effective. Its latest filtering software ensures your child’s
protection from sites that are considered threats, but at the same time allows access to sites
that are useful. Similar to Net Nanny, PureSight also has many user-friendly features in its
interface.

PureSight is designed to totally block pornographic sites. It allows social networking sites
such as Facebook and chat rooms but under strict real time analysis where parents are alerted
in case suspicious interactions or communication happens.

CYBERsitter

CYBERsitter may not be the most popular name in parental software, but it is one of the best
filtering programs available today. It’s effective and easy to use and is designed to protect
kids from any treats that can be accessed through the Internet. The program is developed so
that you can customize filtering features for any program that allows chatting and emails.
This program also helps to avoid ‘overblocking’ (blocking of harmless programs)
and ‘underblocking’ features (unblocking programs that are considered as threats).

There are many great programs out there to help a busy parent keep an eye on their child’s
online behavior for a reasonable price. For other objective and data driven comparisons, be
sure to check out FindTheBest, where you can compare everything from antivirus software to
tablets.


*Guest post by Tom, who is part of the editorial staff at FindTheBest.

LifeShield Home Security System

Ever since my husband went off to Iraq in 2003 I have had a security system in each home we have lived in. Depending on where we live I have also used different types of systems as well as providers.  I was really intrigued when LifeShield proposed the idea of reviewing their "plug and play" security system. It is touted as a highly sophisticated, “plug and play”, do-it-yourself, wireless system that is revolutionizing the home security industry. So does it?


LifeShield is completely wireless and do-it-yourself.  The kit itself arrived in a box no bigger than one would find a pair of mid-calf boots.  The first thing I thought about was how great this security system would be for renters.  Since it isn't hardwired you can take it with you when you move and install it in your new apartment or home.  Great for military families as well! LifeShield also offers Wi-Fi cameras which is good if you have a child that comes home before you do each day.  The cameras enable you to see your child walk through the front door and they can also notify you if a scheduled event doesn’t occur. If your child does not arrive home at the expected time, the system will alert you via text message. The system can even be used as a baby monitor.  There are mobile and email alerts so you can monitor your property from anywhere. 

One of the nice things about LifeShield is that there is no contract.  For a basic system with 8 sensors it is about $300 up front and about $30 a month for monitoring, which is a fairly standard industry price.  No multi-year contracts is wonderful too.  The basic system also includes two keypads, a console, grid extendor, and keychain remote.  You can purchase additional equipment if you need or want to.  After you install it (no drilling needed!) you simply call LifeShield and it will begin monitoring your home. 


Some of the things I liked about LifeShield and their system is that it really is one of the most sophisticated wireless home security systems available.  There's no hard wiring involved and you can monitor your home or property through the web or phone.  It gives real peace of mind and is quite practical.  Incidentally, monitoring is actually done by Guardian Protection Service.  And they provide those handy window stickers and yard signs that let people know you have an alarm system for your home or property.  That to me is half the battle right there.  A 30-day risk free guarantee is also available. 

LifeShield is offering my readers a nice deal when you visit their site and enter the promo code- momdeal50

MPR Rating:  Three Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products recieved are for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 














 

VueZone Personal Video Network

The Vue Personal Video Network ($299) is a handy, compact security device that works well in your home. It comes with two wireless battery operated cameras, a network gateway with its own AC power adapter, four camera mounts for mounting your cameras, and an Ethernet cable. The personal my.VueZone.com account with 2 GB storage and the first year of membership are also free.




First off, I was pleased that the system came with its own batteries. It looks like it would be the perfect nanny cam too. The set up is easy and takes mere minutes. Simply peel and stick the magnetic mounts and the cameras are ready to be hidden or adhered anywhere they are needed or even in plain sight. There is little configuration on the Vue network gateway too. All you need to do is plug it into your router and synchronize the cameras. Viewing is almost immediate. This is great for those of us with kids who are pressed for time.

I also liked that there is no software to install. From there all you have to do is view, record or even share what is happening with your content and you can do it all online. Your VueZone account is secure so you don't have to worry about unauthorized access or an invasion of privacy either. Pricing for the Vue is fair except when you want to add additional cameras.  You can add up to fifty which is amazing, but at $99 a pop that is steep.

I think this device is wonderful because it is so easy to set up and use. It is perfect for those of us who cannot be home with our kids all the time and want to see what is going on at home with them and the sitter or even our pets. You could be on vacation and see what is going on in your home right from your desktop or laptop computer. It really is peel, stick and  view just like Vue claims. The Vue Personal Video Network can add peace of mind in mere minutes. Even better is that you can share your images with friends and family via the internet and even upload videos or pictures to Flickr and YouTube. It is fun and useful all at the same time.

Available online at the VueZone website and Amazon as well.

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.