If not for instability issues, this system-monitoring application would be a boon for parents looking to safeguard Internet usage. Responsible Surfing's logically designed interface is almost wizard-like in its execution. Executing this installer file downloads a 9MB demo that auto-installs. That's the last aspect of this application that operates without a glitch. First, the bad news is that Responsible Surfing used 50 percent of our test system CPU cycles and 100K of memory. Second, there is no good news, just more bad functionality, as the program's administrative interface consistently froze during editing.

Responsible Surfing includes a highly configurable set of options. You can easily set Web sites to allow or block, block P2P programs with a click, and build filter keyword lists. Most of the options can be easily set to operate during a select block of time. More flexible is the full-featured calendar option to create multiple allowed or blocked time periods for accessing the Internet. Monitoring is easily set to be visible to your children or hidden from easy discovery. This utility creates extensive reports of system usage, with full featured lists of Web sites visited, programs started, and screenshots.

You can easily subscribe to a list of blocked Web sites, implement a system history washer, and selectively search and delete images. This program includes many easily implemented options for parents looking to lock down their systems, but using it may cause stability problems. You'll have a 14-day trial period to see how it behaves on your PC.