NetIntelligence

Netintelligence enables one person to monitor, record and analyse how other people have been using a PC or other computers attached to it by a network.

One of the main attractions of is that it is a web-based service, which means the information can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet with a username and password. Parents that work in offices during the day may find this useful if teenagers are home alone during the holidays.

The 2Mb download takes just a few minutes, even on a dial-up connection. The program then searches the PC for recognised Windows XP user accounts so it can record who is responsible for PC activity. A guide to setting up accounts is included.

Once installed, boundaries for each user can be set and access to certain types of websites blocked, such as those containing references to sexual content or drugs. Internet access can also be forbidden at certain times of the day and the administrator can create a list of banned websites. Conversely, a list of suitable sites can also be created for each
user.

The strength of this product is its recording feature, which provides reports for each user, showing where they have visited and how long they have spent using specific applications, although it groups lesser-known applications under the unhelpful category of 'other'. It also keeps a record of what has been typed in instant messaging applications, such as AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger. But it is possible to grant users some privacy by adding approved chat friends to a list so the administrator can't view their conversations.

NetIntelligence is powerful and easy to use but as with all control tools, restrictions should be discussed. A free trial is available and the full subscription package includes Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal.

Also consider:
Cyberpatrol