Internet filters and parental control software

An "Internet Filter" is a hardware or software solution that prevents access to certai

n undesirable areas of the internet. They filter by various methods - some by comparing site requests with a list of previously known bad URLs and preventing viewing if they are listed, others by scanning incoming data and blocking it if it contains undesirable keywords, file types or other parameters. Sometimes the parent can control or create the list of keywords or sites filtered, sometimes not. Parental control software is a type of internet filter used by parents to maintain supervision while their children surf the web.

There are a number of internet filter software products which prevent inappropriate sites being visited or content being downloaded from the internet. Search for 'internet filter' on Google. Some maintain a log of the sites visited that have raised a red flag, so attempts to visit sites can be reviewed later. A n

umber of products exist which provide an alternative browser specifically geared toward children. They feature access restriction to only pre-approved websites and allow parental modification of the acceptable site list. Some include a safe email system so your kids can safely email their friends, and again the list of acceptable contac

ts can be controlled by the parent.

Information Source: http://www.internet-filters.net/info.html; http://www.parental-control.org/faq.html