Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
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 resolves password issue.
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All versions:
2.8 starsout of 212 votes
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Current version:
2.1 starsout of 40 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Doesn't Do What it Says"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
Easy to Install
Cons
Equally Easy to discover and disable
Has compatibility issues with IE 9Summary
Installed it but my son discovered it and disabled it. I am not sure if IE9 supports it or not but I could not work with it at all. Installed it on Chrome and my son quickly worked his way around it. As someone suggested, Qustodio from www.qustodio.com works far better and is also free. I've always believed that a parental control program has to be complete and comprehensive and Qustodio is that program.
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"Free and easy!"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
Free, IE 64 support
Cons
Do not have sites time limitation ...
(some parental controls can do that,
e.g. Time Boss - www.niceki.com) -
"Had trouble installing"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
Anything free is great!
Cons
Doesn't block websites, take screen shots and it isn't invisible. My kids are smart they found it!
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"Very easy to get around"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
Free product
Cons
Would only work on the most basic users. Unfortunately most kids know more about computers than their parents.
Summary
Hasn't bee updated in a long time and pretty easy to avoid. If you need something that actually blocks, you may want to fork out a little cash or find another free blocker.
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"Outdated for use on Firefox"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
I like that it's offered for free
Cons
It's over 2 years old and hasn't been updated, can't get it to work on Firefox.
Summary
I'm using BlockSmart and it's fine on Firefox, they also offer it for FREE.
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"Couldn't get it to work"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
I guess I didn't waste any money on it.
Cons
I couldn't get it to work.
Summary
I wasted hours on this thing. I wasn't able to block the sites I wanted to. I'm going to try something else
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"Easy to install"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
haven't found any yet
Cons
Does NOT block any type of site or porn
Summary
Allows Porn sites to load, ALL porn sites. I do not recommend this product, unless there is something I missed, which I doubt.
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"Didn't like it"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
The idea of it
Cons
Hard to use & kept rejecting password
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"Does not work with FireFox"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
FREE, guiess that is a pro
Cons
Could not get it to work with FireFox (v 4.0+),
Summary
Sort of wasted my time here.
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"Excelent Parental control"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
easy to install an work with
Cons
need more configuration
