Direct Internet Access and Parental Controls

While some families and institutions access the Internet through an online service, others connect directly to the Internet using an Internet access provider. Internet access providers, like NETCOM, generally don't control access to content. As a result, parental control features must run on the user's own computer rather than on the access provider's computers. A variety of parental control software tools are available to those who use direct access services. Several of these products also work in conjunction with the commercial online services.

NETCOM offers customers a reduced rate subscription to Surfwatch content blocking software. In addition, NETCOM offers its customers with the Internet Explorer browser from Microsoft which comes complete with a filtering technology that the user must activate. NETCOM urges its customers who build web pages to rate their pages with the Safe Surf rating system as part of the building process. NETCOM provides Web links to educational sites, such as Project OPEN, and to producers of blocking and filtering software so that customers may easily find more information.

Listed below are some of the available products:

Cyber Patrol -- Microsystems Software, Inc.-- 508/879-9000

CYBERsitter -- Solid Oak Software, Inc.-- 800/388-2761

Net Nanny -- Net Nanny Ltd.-- 800/340-7177

Net Shepherd -- Net Shepherd Inc.-- 403/250-5310

Specs for Kids -- NewView -- 415/299-9016

SurfWatch -- SurfWatch Software, Inc.-- 800/458-6600

The Internet Filter

Triple Exposure -- Innovative Protection Solutions -- 888/533-3354

Time's Up! -- The Fresh Software Company -- 305/444-7745

Update August 5, 1996