Features
As one of the web-based monitors, we were excited about this software's potential to compete with some of the other serious products out there. We were pleased to see how well it handled recording web activity and chat conversations, but we were disappointed at what was needed to get at the data. (That there's a "Tell-a-Friend" link in the MAIN window of the software is a little crass. Do you
REALLY need to see that
every time you log in?!)
Functionally, the features like recording email and chat worked well for us, but when usage got moderatly heavy on the computer, it occassionally seemed to noticably slow things down. Further, we were disappointed in the web monitoring which lacked a date recording feature, so it didn't really give us any perspective on what was happening on the computer.
Ease of use
As with
Guardian Monitor, we were unimpressed with the user interface. Certain parts of it are solid; others felt quite second-run. The web recording interface for instance is clunky, requring multiple clicks just to visit a recorded site. We got used to it, but it was always a sore spot. Additionally, the lack of a search function in certain parts of the software is sorely lacking and desperately needed.
Monitoring effectiveness
We were pleased to see there was an option for automatically recording screenshots based on typed words--not just timed intervals--but what we didn't like is that it
seemed to slow the sytem down when it was activated--it paused for an instant every time it was capturing. Additionally, it only recorded words typed and not words read--definitely less than ideally effectiveness.
As for the effectiveness of the keylogger, it's definitely not as good as others tested--particularly because there's no search function and keylogger activity is just lumped together instead of separated into different groups by application.
Accessibility of information
We were glad to see another competitor in the web-based space; however, we were disappointed that it was SO expensive. In addition to the up front cost of $29.99, a year of this service will set you back an
additional $119.88. Total outlay for one year: $149.87!
For us, web-based access is a necessity, as without that, the information you need most may be inaccessible exactly when you need it most. So, while we're glad to see the web-based option, this added cost makes IAmBigBrother second only to the eBlaster/Spector combination in cost. Given the lack of search feature and the less-than-perfect user interface, there are better values to be had for sure.s
Customer Support
The support offerings are
very thin. Their "Support" link goes to a web form with no phone number, no hours of operation, and no guidelines for when you can expect a response. This is very disappointing. As we've said with other software, offering phone support is a must--even if you charge for it as Microsoft does, on a "per-incident" basis.
Though the name intimates some kind of Orwellian evil, this kid-friendly product is a decent, but unexceptional monitor. Given its name and the package artwork, it's pretty clear the intended audience are those primarily interested in parental monitoring, yet for parental control software it lacks some functions we expect to see from such a tool. 
