Parental Control Suite bundles two applications that can monitor or control online activities: SpyBuddy (also available separately for $69.99), and ChatBlocker (also available separately for $39.99).

SpyBuddy is monitoring software rather than filtering software. It can't filter out objectionable content; it can only keep a record of it. You can install SpyBuddy in one of two modes: Administrator or Stealth. If you choose Administrator mode, then anyone who uses the computer will be aware that the program is there, but shouldn't be able to get around it. If you choose Stealth mode, the program is virtually invisible.

SpyBuddy can log every keystroke, record chat room and web site visits, record instant message conversations, and track incoming and outgoing email. It can also log which applications were used and for how long, a good way to find out if your kids are spending more time playing games than doing homework. SpyBuddy also records all disk-related activities, including creating, renaming, or deleting files or directories.

SpyBuddy is an effective way to find out exactly what your children are doing on the computer, but it may have a chilling effect on family communications. A less objectionable solution for everyone may be to use SpyBuddy's lockdown feature to control when the computer may be used rather than monitor exactly how it is used, although there are less expensive ways to do this.

Web content may sometimes be objectionable, but it's rarely dangerous. Chat rooms and instant messaging applications are usually the biggest cause of parental anxiety. ChatBlocker can effectively prevent kids from participating in chat room or IM conversations during time periods you set, or prevent them from participating in chats or IM conversations at all. You can also set ChatBlocker to record chat or IM conversations during the allowed time periods.

In addition to blocking chats and instant messaging applications, ChatBlocker can also set time limits on access to other applications, such as games. You can set ChatBlocker to be visible or to operate in stealth mode.

A trial version of Parental Control Suite is available for downloading from the ExploreAnywhere Software web site. The demo has a 30-minute per session runtime limitation.


Pros: Easy, if a bit time consuming, to set up. Compatible with most web browsers and instant messaging software.
Cons: Expensive. Limited filtering capabilities.