Review Number 2 - CSWeb

Internet Safety Software

by All Things Good Marketplace

The manufacturer has brought some very welcome additions into play with CSWeb.  Its console is web based (accessible from the Internet only) which has opened the door to more control for the busy parent.  Due to the web based console the parent or program manager can view usage from any other computer that has internet access, even if that computer is at the workplace! In addition parents can increase restrictions, even block accessibility from another computer when violations occur or more control is needed.  If there is a violation or if you have another concern the console manager (parent) can disable all Internet access, chat and Instant Message (IM) ability, web based email use and Peer to Peer applications.

Types of sites that you decide are unsafe for your child can also be blocked including sites containing; drugs, alcohol, gambling, games, music entertainment, shopping, personals and webmail.  Of course it is at the parents' discretion what they choose to block but it is nice to have the flexibility of a wide array of options and parental choice. Each can be set to allow, warn or block content but even if allowed screen shots will be captured based upon your settings.  Every website visited will also be logged. Any content, including use of webmail services like Yahoo and others can be blocked completely if you choose.

  review by All Things Good Marketplace

If your child likes to use Instant Messaging (IM) and or chat rooms CSWeb provides increased results that are based upon the built-in word library and any of your own words. Again, the word list can be very sensitive so choose your words carefully.  The reports and logs of chat and IM usage includes the user, date, time, who the message was from and who it was sent to, the chat text and the application that was used for chat or IM messaging. 

Interesting features of CSWeb

A great benefit of CSWeb is that settings can be set differently for different users of the same computer. In our house we have three or four people on one computer.  Settings can be completely modified allowing you to manage younger or restricted users, while allowing more to completely unrestricted for other users.  Another helpful feature is that parents can delete an individual web log, chat logs or captures of a screen shot while still saving others.  Of course there is the time saving ability to delete an entire log if it contained no violations.

CSWeb offers much more extensive management of your own library of words and your own library of websites. The following is how console managers can discover and block individual websites.  Whether setting the console to allow, warn or block for particular types of sites, all sites visited will still be logged under CSWeb's Web logs feature. The parent clicks on Web Logs for that particular child and can then see all sites they have visited.  If a parent discovers one or more sites that pop up on the child's computer or that the child or youth has been visiting regularly parents can copy and paste that website into the Blocked Site Library for that user. All access to that site will now be blocked.  Of course this can work in reverse to add to safe sites for sites that your child may have to refer to that are otherwise blocked.  For instance our child need to do reports for Health for school but the site is blocked due to sexual references.

review by All Things Good Marketplace

Parents can add words or websites to;
Disabled Word Library (Words to overlook)
Blocked Word Library (Words to block or capture)
Allowed Sites Library (Sites for the filter to overlook)
Blocked Sites Library (Sites to block)
Allow Only Site Library (Only allow these sites to be visited)

Key selectable options for CSWeb;
Active or stealth mode
Capture, warn and or close after violations
Set-up & display family policy
Pornographic library (settings for more or less restrictive)
Child predator library (Built in words and add your own!)
Time Management settings (Block Internet access during any time of day (24 hour clock))
Email notifications of violations can be sent to 2 email addresses with 1 or more captures per email

CSWeb also offers a full 30 day money back guarantee!

Summary of CSWeb

CSWeb is a well thought out program for Internet safety that provides real time access to your child's computer through the Internet.  In other words, you don't have to wait until you have access to the offending computer because you can access the captures using the web based CSWeb console!  This is a great feature if you get an email of an offense while at work or is you prefer to catch someone in the act.  CSWeb's ability to be set-up on a per user basis allows freedom for older youth, or adults while keeping a tighter reign on children, youth or suspected offenders of family policies. 

Due to the increased controls parents can get real knowledge of what your child or youth is doing online and react appropriately.  This allows you the luxury of reacting to knowledge of their habits rather than acting based upon worries or suspicions.

It is important to note that webmail will be scanned for violations but only the violated portions of web based emails will be captured.  Entire emails can not be captured with CSWeb. If you want this ability you would have to choose one of the programs we will review next.

CSWeb is definitely a few steps in a more protective direction than its predecessor, Cyber Sentinel.  We love the ability to monitor from another computer and the ability to customize the set-up for different users on the same computer. Then of course there is the 30 day money back guarantee! CSWeb lacks the ability to log complete emails but that is something you, as the parent, are going to have to decide if you desire.  Some parents want their children to have their privacy while others want the extra security that email features can bring them. After a lengthy trial period we are quite satisfied and ranked CSWeb with a strong four smiley rating!

All Things Good rating is (4 of 5 smiley's!)   

Thank you to C SWeb and Keep It Simple Solutions at giveitakissDOTcom for guidance, assistance and permission to share this information to help keep our children and youth safe online.

review by All Things Good Marketplace

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