Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Few things worry parents like the Internet. Kids need it for their studies (sometimes it's required) yet it often seems like they're walking to the library through the red-light district. Software programs promise to protect children from online predators, scam artists, and "adult" sites, but they're often too complicated to be effective and end up failing both to protect kids and to allow adults normal, unrestricted access. BlockSmart may be the answer to many parents' pleas. This free tool uses online resources to help parents block broad categories of sites such as gambling and pornography. It automatically applies updates as new threats appear, much like an antivirus program. Parents can customize BlockSmart to block or allow specific sites, too.
You'll need a free BlockSmart account to set up the software, but you can do that quickly during the process and sign in as soon as BlockSmart is installed. Most parents will want to start with the default data set, which blocks a wide range of sites. When it's enabled, BlockSmart stays in the system tray, out of sight until it's needed. The system tray icon lets you disable or exit the program as well as access the settings. Naturally, you'll need to enter your password to disable or change BlockSmart. The program's secure, Web-based interface gave us easy access to its settings and documentation (and Help file).
It didn't take much effort to test BlockSmart's effectiveness; just a quick-and-dirty (so to speak) Google search for the sort of site that the program certainly should block. Clicking on the site took us instantly to a STOP page with fields for entering our user name and password to allow access. Entering our data unblocked the site and added it to the Allowed sites list. The confirmation message noted that we might have to reload the site a few times for the change to take effect, and after two or three attempts we accessed the site. To disable BlockSmart, we merely had to enter our password in a tiny pop-up window. Since the program automatically adds sites enabled under protection to the Allowed list, be sure to re-block any sites you don't want the little darlings returning to later. Adults should simply disable BlockSmart for their sessions.
Parents can't protect their kids every minute of the day, but they sure can take action to keep online threats and unsuitable material away from their own kids in their own home, and BlockSmart is one option.
Publisher's Description
From Awareness Technologies:
Our Mission is clear. To safeguard your children from the dangers of the Internet by giving you both simple, and powerful tools. Our children are our greatest assets, and of course we do all we can to see that they're kept safe. Of course we would never think of exposing them to things such as pornography, hate crimes, or sexual predator, but that's exactly the dangers they face without controlling the websites they can access. Awareness Technologies has been developing sophisticated, yet easy to use, security and safety tools since 2002. Our products are currently used by many branches of the U.S. government, banks, law enforcement agencies and schools to name a few. We're now proud to offer our BlockSmart software free to the public, enabling parents to expertly safeguard their children from the dangers of the Internet.
What's new in this version: Version 1.0.2.8 features minor bug fixes and website blocking updates.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 15 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-8 of 8
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"Works good"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
free and it works
Cons
Not 100% effective
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"Only works on some browsers"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
Works effectively on Internet Explorer-- 5 stars for that one.
Cons
Does not work with Firefox or Chrome. I was told by their online chat help that they discontinued support for that. Dismiss the two most popular browsers, 70% of all users? Go figure...
ZERO stars for working with these browsers.Summary
If all you have installed is Internet Explorer, this would do quite fine and I'd recommend it. It is easily customizable for many different categories to be blocked and allows specific sites to be either blocked or allowed and you can quickly turn it on or off with password access.
On the other hand, if you don't have only IE -- and other browsers are easily downloaded -- then you need to look elsewhere for this kind of online protection. -
"Blocksmart works great! Finally something that works!!"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
Blocks specific sites such as porn, chatroulette etc. I have a very curious 12 year old son, so this has been extremely helpful! It even came pre-filtered and was organized into specific categories. It was easy enough to download directly onto his laptop and even though it's right on there I don't think he's even noticed yet because he hasn't mentioned anything or asked how to turn it off.
Cons
Would love to put it on his iphone.
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"Waste of time"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
This software promises a lot. But nothing delivered. It does not provide anything useful. All the promised features can be found in other free software in this category. At least others deliver.
Cons
This company hired many people to write 5 star reviews to itself and 1 star reviews to its competitors. Lawsuit is going on. Stay away from this unethical company and junk software.
Summary
Do not be fooled by the 5 start reviews which were provided by the company itself. They are fake reviews. I agree with the other reviewer that this software is a scam. Please stay away from it. There are many free alternative in this category and they are at least useful and honest.
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"Works like a product should work!"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
It does exactly what it says it does. I just downloaded it a week ago and I couldn't be more happy with what it is able to block and monitor. I'm able to see every website visited and can also block certain sites, which is really helpful for me because I have a teenager and a 9 year old.
Cons
Haven't seen any yet-but will keep you posted.
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"Works Great!"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
I haven't had a single problem with this program! I've tried a few other free software monitoring tools and had issues installing each and everyone of them. This one was a quick and easy install and has been running smoothly ever since.
Cons
I also have a mac and had to find something else for this computer.
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"Looking to create a custom block? This is perfect."
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
Easy to block specific websites.
Cons
None, for me, since I don't really care about blocking categories. It does a fine job of blocking certain sites when customized.
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"Utterly Utterly Rubish"
Version: BlockSmart 1.0.2.8
Pros
Block few most famous x-rated sites only in IE and Google Chrome and that's it.
Cons
List of Cons.. and I have no idea where to start from. It doesn't work on most of the versions of Firefoxe especially new ones and doesn't work on Opera at all. I spoke to their customer service and they admited it. It does work on IE and Chrome but there tens and tens of the x-rated websites don't get blocked at all. I am amazed to see how they claim that it even works because it doesnt work on all of the websites at all.
I tried my level best to do everything to make it work even I spoke to the customer service but NO, I has to uninstall it but luickly found far better solution called K9 Web Protection which simply works.Summary
If you realy are looking for some serious solution which should always work without any flaw simply don't consider this rubbish Blocksmart. There can be many other solution but best so far which I found is K9 Web Protection which is honestly flawless and have each and every feature you can think of.
Results 1-8 of 8
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