- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista/NT
- Date added: October 05, 2009
- Total Downloads: 684,150
- Downloads last week: 3,829
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 193 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Parental control filters have a reputation for charging a lot and giving back very little in return. Sometimes, they literally don't give enough back, and have been known to block completely clean sites.
ParentalControl Bar isn't perfect--like its cousins, it blocks some sites that shouldn't be obstructed, and occasionally allows sites that should be blocked. However, the price is right--it costs nothing. Not only does it not extort parents for its services, it allows parents to approve sites both on the fly and via a "Blocked history" list.
The app is small, just over 1MB. The toolbar interface allows parents one-click switching from Parent to Child mode by clicking a button, which changes from red to green. To switch back--or to use any of its nonblocking functions or view a blocked site--a password is required.
Despite claims to the contrary, the program doesn't support Firefox 2, although it does work fine on Internet Explorer 7. For parents looking for a cost-effective tool to help give their children a bit of controlled freedom on the Internet, ParentalControl Bar is a safe way to go.
Publisher's description
From WRAAC :The ParentalControl Bar is a free public service that helps concerned parents prevent their children from accessing adult-oriented Web sites. Complete our simple, three-step installation process below and start controlling your family's online activity.
What's new in this version:
Version 5.0.1.457 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 2.8 stars out of 193 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 16 user reviewsSee all 16 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
"ok if you dont need to use internet"
Pros: yea blocked everything
Cons: every web site needed to be allowed manually
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Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
"CAN'T UNINSTALL! REQUIRES A Pass that I did not choose"
Pros: Blocks Everything. Easier to just cancel your Internet.
Cons: I tried this out on the computer of a friend who has kids. It blocks EVERYTHING! So I tried to uninstall. The uninstall requires a different password than the one used for the parent! I can't get rid of this.
Avoid at all costs. -
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
"I had no problems initially. MS updates caused problems"
Pros: Works with IE and Foxfire, User friendly (after installation)
Cons: Will not load with IE8 or Foxfire 3.5. The password to remove the software and switch modes were not synced. Could not remove.
Summary: All of my problems started after upgrading to IE8. I could not switch between parent and child mode logged in a regular user, had to be an admin. I could not remove the program. The password was out of sync. I reinstalled the software without removi... read more >>
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Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros: Easy to use and set up.
Cons: Tends to block a lot of unnecessary sites.
The one big issue is once a webpage is accepted and loaded, it blinks two or three times.Summary: Has potential, but just too wonky for my liking.
I have installed "K9 Web Protection 4.0.288" and this is a fantastic software. Far above others I have tried. -
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
"Horrible--avoid at all costs"
Pros: Nothing at all.
Cons: Can't uninstall!! Thanks for heads up on Revo. It was the only thing that got this off my machine. Stupid toolbar blocks everything. Even when I approve a site (Lego.com). It only approved the homepage, not all secondary pages. Worthless.
- See all 16 user reviews Write review
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