Effective Monitoring
You need a program that's going to allow you to see all web pages visited, read sent and received email, and see both sides of IM conversations...
more
 Web-based /
remote data access
This means:
1. No need to repeately access the monitored computer to review recorded data.
2. Keep an eye on things from anywhere.
(Imagine keeping an eye on the kids' Internet activity from your office for instance.)
more
 Invisibility / Stealth
If you want to have any hope of seeing what the person you're monitoring does when they think no one's looking, you need a program that's completely invisible...
more
 Key Logger
The keylog component is a crucial part of any monitoring suite. (And it's completely missing in the sparse Microsoft's parental controls center in Vista.) Keyloggers are often referred to more specifically as: "ghost key logger" or "stealth key logger"...
more
 Ability to block
Since the Internet changes so fast, we suggest that you go for a program that has some kind of contextual blocker...
more
 Data filtering
Be sure to look for some kind of data filter, search mechanism, and "important" word alert systems that will help you quickly find the essential information...
more
 Screenshots
Some monitoring applications can take screenshots of on-screen activity; for real Internet safety, you'll see the best let you automatically trigger those screenshots when they encounter an "imporant" word...
more
Stay informed with the latest
in Internet monitoring software
and parental controls.
 


For the price Cybersitter 9.0 isn't a bad buy but be prepared for some frustration. At times a little overzealous, you may find that some of the tamest sites on the internet get blocked.

If you've got really young kids, however, and are just looking for an extra hand in cleaning up the internet, this may be a viable option for you. If you have older children, however, you should probably look elsewhere.

Despite some claims about its monitoring capabilities, Cybersitter is strictly for blocking objectionable content and limiting the time that a child can be on the computer. For anything else, you are going to need to go with a solution that allows you to both block and monitor.




CyberSitter
Pros
  • blocks content
  • good interface
  • Cons
  • limited monitoring
  • over simplistic
  • no web interface
  • verdict: limited monitoring capabilities.



    Want to see how this software did against the competition?

    monitoring software reviews...



    Rate the features most important to you, and we'll make recommendations on which software we believe best suits your needs.

    Your custom results will appear instantly.
    Feature
    1: Unimportant
    >>   4: Must have 
    Full Remote Access to Recorded Data
    1 4
    Web Site Activity Logging
    1 4
    Web Site Content Blocking
    1 4
    Read Emails Sent / Received
    1 4
    Read IM ("Chat") conversations
    1 4
    Automatically record screenshots of any activity "of interest"
    1 4
    Automatic alerts on any words or activity "of interest"
    1 4
    Invisibility
    1 4
    Ease-of-use
    1 4






    Facts On:

    Internet Predators


        Did you know...
    • One in 33 youth received an aggressive sexual solicitation in the past year.
      - Youth Internet Safety Survery
        
    • 77% of the targets for online predators were age 14 or older. Another 22% were users ages 10 to 13. 
      - Crimes Against Children Research Center
    •  
    - protectkids.org -


      Features

    When it comes to managing your kidís time on the computer or internet Cybersitter is a great tool. Equipped with over 30 categories for cleaning up the internet, this program offers a lot of flexibility for parents looking to create a family friendly internet for their kids.

    While it lacks the standard monitoring capabilities that come n the high-end monitors, version 9.0ís addition of some limited monitoring features (such as the tracking of who your kids are IMing) is a welcome improvement.

    From our view, Cybersitter 9.0 also does do a respectable job of thwarting computer savvy kids that try to get around the programs functionality.


      Ease of use

    It suffers a bit from being overly simple, but that certainly makes it easy to use.


      Monitoring effectiveness

    Version 9.0 has brought some great new features to the table. You can now monitor both sides of your kids IM conversations, and you can track all websites visited.

    A little thin in terms of capabilities when compared to the other applications listed here, but at the price point it may be a worthy alternative to the more advanced programs available.


      Accessibility of information

    Cybersitter can be set to send email reports of the computerís activity, which isn't a great solution for many reasons, but ultimately, the only way to see the data is to be on the computer being monitored.


      Customer Support

    Cybersitter customer support is adequate. Wait times were respectable; questions were answered accurately.


     
    HOME \\  CONSUMER GUIDE \\  COMPARE \\  ABOUT US \\  LEGAL \\  TESTIMONIALS \\  CONTACT