Sentry Total Family Protection 40.0.0021

• Quick specs
• Price: Free to try (7-day trial); $2.99 to buy (Buy it now)
• Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP
• Date added: May 10, 2009
• Total Downloads: 1,498
• Downloads last week: 8
• See full specifications

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CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET staff on January 22, 2009

Jumping through the preinstall registration hurdles may turn off some users, but those extra steps demonstrate this user-monitoring utility's attention to detail.

Sentry Total Family Protection is a client-server based application for filtering and monitoring PC use--ostensibly to protect children and other family members from visiting inappropriate sites or making inappropriate connections through IM and other methods. All settings and logs are accessible through the developer's Web-based control panel. The application's link requires you to register before you even download the executable, and installation is a multistep process involving a system reboot, so many users may get exasperated before the application is even viable on their systems. But once the utility is up and running, configuring its settings and using its features are very easy to master, for its online interface is designed with clarity and easy navigation in mind.

Sentry performed very well in our tests. We liked how simple it was to set up the profiles for system users and the real-time details provided in system-use logs, which were categorized among applications, browsers, and IM packages. Setting up black lists and managing access for users was also easy to accomplish, and we liked the simplicity offered for switching to and from stealth mode. Scheduling and restricting use time also was easy to manage. In all facets of our tests, the application responded quickly and satisfactorily.

The trial limit is rather brief, but the monthly charge is reasonable. This monitoring software will appeal to anyone wanting a simple, easy-to-use filtering system to protect their children from the web's less savory elements.

Publisher's description

Keep your kids safer with Sentry Total Family Protection. Filter, block, control, restrict, & monitor their online activities. Sentry Total Family Protection is more than the average parental control product, offering parents full control to restrict, block, filter, & monitor their child's Internet and computer activity. With Sentry parents can specify the hours, days, and or total time usage time for every aspect of the computer. Key features include: View every instant message (IM) conversation and Web site visited, View all applications used, Complete Time Management, Website and Chat Scheduling Blocking, Filtering, and Monitoring, All Activity Reports, Sends Activity Logs and instant violation alerts via Email and Text Messaging, Firewall Friendly, Easy and secure remote-access feature that enables you to conveniently access email, files, programs and to chat with your child from any other computer, Advanced surveillance screen snapshot and recorder features let you see everything.

Version 40.0.0021 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

CNET Editor's Note: You need to obtain trial serial number from the developer's Web site in order to install the software.

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