MindStein Travels Kid Safe Browser for Windows

This child-friendly software provides a safe online environment while surfing the Net, but lacks the security features found on similar apps.

You'll need to register the program with your name, e-mail, address, and phone number to create parental and kids accounts. MindStein Travels Kid Safe Browser has a skinnable, easy-to-use interface with a Microsoft Agent as your guide. Although you'll find numerous Web sites for gaming, arts and crafts, and education listed in the program, parents can create their own Allowed/Restricted list. We also liked the program's pop-up blocker, search tools, and e-mail services.

The program worked fairly well, but it took a while to load most Web sites, and caused some system slowdown. Unfortunately, the program doesn't offer a scheduler to limit usage and it doesn't block access to other Web browsers. Kids can easily exit MindStein or terminate it using the Task Manager, then launch any other Web browser to access perilous materials on the Internet. Although safety within this browser is good, you'll need to take more pronounced steps to block Web content.