If you're a parent, you'll probably have concerns about how vulnerable your children are to unsuitable internet content. Kidisafe is designed to monitor how your computer is used in your absence by logging instant messaging conversations, tracking which applications have been used and keeping a record of websites visited.

The software is relatively user-friendly; it has a colourful menu with clearly defined sections that allow you to change different settings easily. One of its most useful features is 'keylogging', which allows you to keep a record of every button pressed on the keyboard. Unfortunately, any child with good working knowledge of computers can access this information and change it.

If your children are prone to using instant messaging software, you'll find the instant message logging feature highly useful. However, we tested Kidisafe with a number of popular programs and received rather mixed results. It accurately logged AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) conversations and provided the facility to search for or filter specific words. Despite its claims to the contrary, however, Kidisafe was unable to log conversations in MSN or Yahoo Messenger. This is a major oversight considering the huge popularity of these applications, made worse by the fact that all-in-one messenger programs such as Trillian bypass Kidisafe's checks entirely.

The remainder of the program is fairly effective. It can reliably capture still images of your screen at timed intervals and can store any passwords your children may have entered when signing up to new websites. It will also keep a record of any programs that have been run, so you'll be able to see whether potentially harmful applications such as Kazaa have been used.

Provided your children cannot find a way to disable Kidisafe while they use the computer, it has a number of handy features that could prove useful in monitoring their online activities.

Contact: Kidisafe 01482 611021
www.kidisafe.co.uk