CNET 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.
More Popular Parental Control downloads
- JuniorWatch
2,038 downloads
- Anti-Porn
1,365 downloads
- ParentalControl Bar
1,141 downloads
- K9 Web Protection
1,112 downloads
- KidLogger
876 downloads
-
All versions:
2.8 starsout of 210 votes
-
Current version:
2.1 starsout of 38 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"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!
-
"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.
-
"Outdated for use on Firefox"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.
-
"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
-
"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.
-
"Didn't like it"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
The idea of it
Cons
Hard to use & kept rejecting password
-
"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.
-
"Excelent Parental control"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
easy to install an work with
Cons
need more configuration
-
"It does the job of what it's supposed to do."
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
It locked what it said.
Cons
It like it.
-
"How to remove this awful software"
Version: ParentalControl Bar 5.0.1.457
Pros
There are no pros
Cons
Impossible to remove
Summary
You can get the official instructions along with removal software from WRAAC ParentalControl Bar here http://gsfn.us/t/5hf1
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
