Web Filtering Software |
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What's It All About? The news media have painted the internet with many different brushes. It has been called the greatest thing since sliced bread, and in the same breath, the scariest, most-dangerous place on earth. Because many people have no comprehension of what the internet is about, the media play an important role in shaping these people's view of the world wide web. Unfortunately, a large number of people have developed an unhealthy fear of the internet, primarily because of the media's overblown fixation with the few bizarre sites which may be found out there. So let's try to put things into a little more rational perspective at this time. One very simple way to think of the internet is as a giant public-access television station, where everyone on the planet has their own channel. Some people will use their channel to tell the world what they think about Homer Simpson; others will tell the world what they had for breakfast that morning. You can also think of the internet as a giant bookstore. Within that bookstore you will find books covering every conceivable topic imaginable. Whatever your interest, you can likely find a book about it. While browsing through the aisles in a real-world bookstore, you will likely come across titles that you have no interest in, or which may upset you in some manner. If you don't wish to read those particular books, you would leave the books on the shelf. Similarly, the internet will contain websites that you will probably have no desire to visit. However, with the internet, it's much easier to avoid those sites - because you actually have to tell your internet browser to go out and look for a specific website (ie: book title). It won't just jump out onto your computer screen all by itself. If the bookstore were to implement an electronic indexing system, like the kind you find in the local library, then you would be able to search for all of the book titles covering a topic of interest to you. You could also use that index system to find books that you find offensive. What you search for is up to you. Similarly, if you use one of the internet's search programs, you can look for information about practically anything you may wish - or not wish - to find. Again, what you look for is up to you. What's The Problem? In a free society, you have the right to search for whatever material you want. If you have no interest in how automobile bumpers are manufatured, you don't bother looking for it; and if you don't want to look at naked human beings, you don't search for that either. All of the above considered, there is one qualifier - we're assuming that you're an adult, and therefore capable of making an informed decision about what you wish to look at. However, we have a problem when we mention the internet, and children, in the same sentence. Children, being the extremely curious little beings that they are, may accidentally wander into areas that they shouldn't. What's The Solution? Despite the rantings of politicians looking for re-election platforms, and the sensationalism of the press looking for ratings, 'adult content' websites comprise a very small percentage of what's out on the web. Additionally, the majority of those 'adult' sites have also implemented verification systems which require the websurfer to authenticate that they are indeed adults. Unfortunately, the anti-libertarians among us scream the battle cry calling for massive restrictions and censorship of the internet - under the pretense that it's required to protect the children. But there is another option. Those people who are concerned about their children's web-surfing experiences, can implement access controls on their own computers, rather than attempting to control what everyone else can and can't do on the internet. There are a number of companies who produce computer software which can be configured to restrict your (ie: your children's) personal access to the web. Tens of thousands of 'adult content' web sites have registered their sites with these software companies so that it becomes relatively simple to keep your children from accessing those sites. Access Control Software If you are interested in these products, to limit and control your access to the internet, please visit one of the following sites for more information. Please note that this is not an exhausive list - it's merely some of the more popular software currently in use. Additional information about the website ratings system and various filtering software products can be obtained by contacting RSAC - Recreational Software Advisory Council.
Please Note: we do not endorse any of these products - we are simply providing a list of companies who produce this type of software program. If you are aware of other companies who provide similar software products, and wish to see them added to this list, please feel free to send an email to: webmagician@webmagician.com Adult Verification Systems If you would like additional information about 'adult site' age verification systems, please contact any of the following companies.
Please Note: we do not endorse any of these companies' services - we are simply providing a reference list for your benefit/information. If you are aware of other companies who provide similar services, and wish to see them added to this list, please feel free to send an email to: webmagician@webmagician.com  |
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