Computer Monitoring Software

Our #1 recommended pick for 2012 is WebWatcher. The WebWatcher parental control application is easy to use and extremely effective in controlling the web content that children are able to access.

WebWatcher Pros

• Free Trial
• Cost: $97 for Basic License
• Records All Computer Activity
• Access Software Over Any Internet Connection
• Easy to Configure and Use
• Records All Keystrokes, Even Passwords and Searches
• Provides Screenshots

WebWatcher is an up-and-coming parental control application that provides the most comprehensive content monitoring solution of all the parental control applications we researched. WebWatcher not only performs all of the functions that other parental control tools perform, WebWatcher records all computer activity on the monitored computer. In addition to web content blocking and monitoring, WebWatcher snaps screenshots of programs that are run on the monitored computer. WebWatcher also includes a Keystroke Logger that keeps track of every single click of a key or mouse. WebWatcher even records passwords used on the monitored computer.

PC Pandora Pros

• Free Trial
• Cost: $69.95 for two computer license ($59.95 with PCMSnet Promo Code)
• Allows for real-time content analysis after subscription
• Blocks any unwanted sites
• Highly resistant to hacking/tampering
• Reveals all actions of the computer via screen-shots
• One of the best User Interfaces on the market

PC Pandora is one of the most comprehensive computer monitoring software titles on the market today. PC Pandora records ALL activity on a computer and gives parents the ability to activate additional parental controls.

Net Nanny Pros

• Cost: $39.99 for one computer license; 3-pack for $59.98
• Real-Time Content Analysis
• Resistant to Hacking, Tampering
• Removes Obscenities from View
• Flags Questionable Instant Messenger Conversations
• Remote Configuration
• Filters Inappropriate Games using ESRB-based technology

Net Nanny is one of the oldest and most respected parental control and content monitoring software on the market. The Net Nanny application is very easy to use and includes many positive attributes, such as the program analyzes content in real-time. This simply means that web content is passed through the Net Nanny filter as it is displayed on the screen. Obscenities are blocked from pages that include valid content with exclamation points.

SniperSpy Pros

• Cost: $79.97
• Records Visited Websites
• Compatible with All Popular Browsers
• Real Time Screen Viewer
• May be Configured as Key Logger
• Bypasses Firewalls to Send Monitoring Data
• Operates in Stealth Mode to Remain Undetected by Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs
• Remote Surveillance of Monitored PCs

SniperSpy is an innovative parental control content monitoring system that enables monitoring from remote locations. To install the SniperSpy application on a computer to be monitored, generate the executable module from the administrative interface. The executable may then be attached to another program, a Microsoft Word document, email attachment or any other application that is opened with a click of the mouse. SniperSpy installs to the monitored computer completely undetected.

Spytech SpyAgent Pros

• Cost: $69.95
• Runs in Stealth Mode by Default With Stealth Installation
• Monitors All Major Internet Messaging Chat Clients
• Keyword Filtering and Blocking

Spytech SpyAgent may be installed via two modes. The first mode is Administrator/Tester mode. When the software is installed via this method, the SpyAgent icon is viewable by all users in the system tray. The program is accessible through the Windows Start menu, and all Help files are visible. The second mode of installation is Stealth mode. When the program is installed via the Stealth method, the software runs on the monitored computer undetectable by anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. In addition, the program is not found with the Windows Task Manager.