Net Nanny

Net Nanny

The Net Nanny interface.
Developer(s)	ContentWatch, Inc.
Stable release	6.5 (PC) 2.0 (Mac)
Operating system	Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X
Type	Content Control
License	Proprietary EULA
Website	Net Nanny Homepage

Net Nanny is a brand of content-control software marketed primarily at parents as a way to control a child's computer activity. The flagship product allows a computer owner to block and filter Internet content, place time limits on use, and block desktop PC games.^[1]

History

The original version of Net Nanny was released in 1995. In January 2007, it was purchased by ContentWatch, Inc.^[2]

Features

There are Net Nanny products compatible with Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS X systems, and certain smartphones^{[citation needed]}. Among the available features are the ability to restrict file sharing, block and filter websites and social networking, and restrict usage to preset limits. There are also features only for owners/administrators such as: activity reports, remote management, monitoring of instant-messages, and the sending of text-messages to a cell phone detailing a user's activity. Additionally, on the smartphone version, there are features to monitor and report phone calls and text messages.^{[citation needed]} Net Nanny can also keep passwords entered on specific user profiles of any kind on file and accessible to the administrator.

Flaws

NetNanny will block websites with social media widgets as social networking websites, therefore blocking many websites that aren't meant to be blocked.^{[citation needed]} In earlier versions, a back door system existed. The child need only enter ~frontdoor in these versions to disable NetNanny, therefore making it useless if the child finds this backdoor system.

See also

• List of content-control software
• Cyclope-Series

References

1. ^ "Internet Safety with Net Nanny Content Filtering Software". http://www.netnanny.com/products/netnanny. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
2. ^ Rubenking, Neil (2-1-2008). "11 Critical Security Apps - Net Nanny". Ziff Davis, Inc.. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2254798,00.asp. Retrieved 2008-10-27.