So even though my boys are young, I still worry that one day I will have to really monitor what they do on the computer. Now luckily my husband is a IT professional so nothing can really get passed him and I am no computer beginner either, but still you can never be too safe. I am always trying to learn all the new tricks and programs too because once you stop learning computers, it is hard to go back.
So anyways, thanks to Mom Central I was offered the chance to test drive the new McAfee Family Protection software. The first thing I noticed is that it is not for Mac users, so I decided to try it out on my moms computer, which she can then monitor my siblings usage. Basically McAfee Family Protection protects children from exposure to inappropriate content, social networking risks, strangers, and other possible threats.
- Blocks up to 35 categories of objectionable websites and filters inappropriate content.
- Blocks unknown email addresses so your children will not be emailing strangers.
- Blocks access to applications that you feel is inappropriate.
- Records posting of personal or confidential information on social networking sites to help prevent risky interactions.
- Monitors and records instant message conversations so you can review it.
- You can set time limits for Internet usage.
- Receive email and or text alerts when access to objectionanle material is attempted.
- Provides you with complete view of all Internet and IM activity.
- You can set up key word filtering to prevent unacceptable video watching.
- Prevents sharing of confidential information and keeps PC safe from security threats commonly found in peer-to-peer file sharing.
Okay so yes McAfee basically locks down your computer like Fort Knox and allows parents to really see what their kids are doing. When I set this up, I was amazed at how easy everything was and how detailed the reports were. Another great feature of this program is that you can adjust settings and check in on Internet activity even when you are not at home but the kids are! Have kids that are different ages and want to set different limits up? No problem, you can set up a separate account for each kid and tailor it to their ages and social needs.
You can purchase McAfee for $39.99 for up to 3 PCs and it works in combination with McAfee VirusScan Plus, McAfee Internet Securty, and McAfee Total Protection as well as other company’s security products. I mean for $39.99 it seems like a great piece of mind to me. Just be careful not to limit too much that you force your child to find other ways to access the information they want!
Have a question you want answered by an expert, McAfee’s Chief Cyber Security Mom, Tracy Mooney is available at [email protected] or at www.mcafee.com/cybermom. Oh and remember this is not an anti-virus software, it is basically another application program for your computer.
Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of McAfee and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, McAfee sent me a blanket and care package to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
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