The database is updated and automatically downloaded each day. SurfWatch is available for Windows 95, Windows 3.1, and Macintosh platforms. It can create graphs showing the percentage of time each child spends on educational, Internet or game-playing activities. It's a nice feature, but one that requires a thorough understanding of the software. NetRated is available for Windows 95 and 3.1 platforms.
Many pornographic sites are unrated and therefore unblocked.
Parents can configure SafeSearch to block all unrated sites, but then many child-friendly sites are restricted in the process. As my survey illustrates, even the best software programs do not offer complete protection. Limit the amount of time your child spends on the computer. Software programs can serve as online padlocks, but there's no guarantee that your children won't find a way to pick the lock. This article first appeared in Citizen magazine.