End of Year Filter Guide
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FILTERS
Are there options for your devices?
As the year winds down and we are entering into the High Holidays, we are having an influx of filter related questions. We feel that that there is no one solution for everyone, so therefore we put together an updated synopsis of filtering/ monitoring/reporting options for the common devices.
In the below sections, we will discuss the general options available for:
Before we begin, we just wanted to write some quick points:
ONE: We labeled the filters with “pros” and “cons” however, as stated above “there is no one solution for everyone.” That said, a pro to one person may be a con to someone else or vice verse. We labeled it as pros and cons to be easier to read and based on the feedback we have received.
TWO: As a community service, we provide free filtering advice and installation in our office and via remote support (where applicable.)
THREE: The filters are not listed in any particular order.
FOUR: To view the below recommendations in one PDF, click here:
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PC’s
 In general, computer filters filter the entire computer, and it does not matter which browser you are using. The key to determining the correct fit is to decide what’s most important: who has access to adjust the filter settings, monitoring as well as the ability for different users having different filtering levels on one computer. Read below to see the commonly used filters within PC’s.
K9:
PROS: Free, easy user interface, allows a lot of customization.
CONS: Changes have to be made on the actual machine
COST: Free
LINK: www.getk9.com
Net Nanny:
PROS: Allows different people at the same computer to have different filtering levels, easy user interface, has level customization.
CONS: The price and options offered are not necessarily better than the other filters listed.
COST: Varies based on device and current specials
Norton Online Family:
PROS: Has a free version, changes can be made from any browser, can limit Internet and computer time per user. Paid version emails activity reports as well.
CONS: Sometimes we have found the system not to work properly.
COST: 2 plans. 1 free, 1 is $49.99/yr
VCF:
PROS: Content based filter (previous filters either allow or block a site, VCF looks at each page in live time to determine if should block site, part of site, or allow completely)
CONS: If need to adjust a setting, need to create a support ticket.
COST: $7.99/month/device (can email them for a discounted or free license) plus $11.99 initial setup fee.
Covenant Eyes/WebChaver:
PROS: Sends a biweekly email report with all web activity on the computer, which gets divided between the questionable/bad sites and the good sites (this makes it easy for the “chaver” to read.)
CONS: WebChaver may not work with other filtering programs. WebChaver has their own filtering, but it does not allow for as much customization as some of the other filters listed above.
COST: $4.99/month for monitoring, $1.99/month additional for filtering (can email them for a discounted or free license)
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MAC
 Regarding MAC’s, your OS will determine which options can work for you. Similar to PC’s, the filter works across all browsers on the MAC and determining the proper fit will be based on who the filter is for, are people of different filtering levels sharing the same computer, who will have the password and do you want reporting as well.
K9:
PROS: A free, easy user interface, allows a lot of customization.
CONS: Changes have to be made on the actual machine
COST: Free
LINK: www.getk9.com
Net Nanny:
PROS: Allows different people at the same computer to have different filtering levels, easy user interface, has level customization.
CONS: The price and options offered are not necessarily better than the other filters listed.
COST: Varies based on device and current specials
Norton Online Family:
PROS: Has a free version, changes can be made from any browser, can limit Internet and computer time per user. Paid version emails activity reports as well.
CONS: Sometimes we have found the system not to work properly.
COST: 2 plans. 1 free, 1 is $49.99/yr for all devices
Covenant Eyes/WebChaver:
PROS: Sends a biweekly email report with all web activity on the computer, which gets divided between the questionable/bad sites and the good sites (this makes it easy for the “chaver” to read.)
CONS: WebChaver may not work with other filtering programs. Web Chaver has their own filtering, but it does not allow for as much customization as some of the other filters listed above.)
COST: $4.99/month for monitoring, $1.99/month additional for filtering (can email them for a discounted or free license) |
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BLACKBERRY
 When it comes to BlackBerry, many people are using it solely for the phone, text and email, therefore the GYE app may be good option for many people. Unfortunately there is not a very wide selection of filters available for the BlackBerry. Read below to see what the common BlackBerry recommendations are.
GYE APP:
PROS: A free app which blocks browser, app world, Facebook, and Twitter. To unblock a selection, you need to call GYE to generate a new code for each time. (This works for many people since they can download their bank and yellow page apps and block the Internet.)
CONS: Does not work on BB10.
COST: Free
Jnet:
PROS: Filters the Internet before it reaches the BlackBerry.
CONS: Filter requires an enterprise server plan to function, as well as a monthly fee.
COST: $9.99/month plus $40 signup fee
MobiFlock:
PROS: Filters the Internet.
CONS: Slows entire device down.
COST: $3.95/month or $24.95/yr
Mobile-Spy:
PROS: Monitors and tracks almost every detail which goes through device
CONS: Very detailed report (does not seperate the good from the bad.)
COST: $99.97/yr
BlackBerry 10:
We have not tested filtering with BlackBerry 10, but the current options are to use the Safe Browser or parental controls.
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ANDROID
 Android users have the ability to choose between filtering, monitoring and app locking. While the monitoring is restricted somewhat, there are several filtering options as well as the ability to lock any app on the device. Read below to see what we generally recommend.
Net Nanny:
PROS: Automatically blocks all other browsers.
CONS: Requires filter password to access Android phone settings
COST: $12.99/yr (on sale today for $9.74)
Norton Online Family:
PROS: Able to adjust filter settings from parent’s phone
CONS: Does not work properly with all Android operating systems
COST: 2 plans. 1 is free, 1 is $49.99/yr for all devices
Mobicip:
PROS: Two versions. Free: Allows 3 basic levels to choose from. Paid: Allows user to customize filter, including white and black listing and ability to email web activity reports. Both: Has a built in app locker, which allows you to lock down any apps on the device (such as Google Play and the default browser.)
CONS: If allow Google Play, then user can download additional browsers.
COST: Free or $9.99/device/yr
K9:
PROS: Free, no customization, so no decisions to make!
CONS: No customization, therefore people generally are not happy with it.
COST: Free
LINK: www.getk9.com
Mobile-Spy:
PROS: Monitors and tracks almost every detail which goes through device
CONS: Very detailed report (does not seperate the good from the bad.)
COST: $99.97/yr
Covenant Eyes/ Web Chaver:
PROS: Sends web activity reports to “chaver” in a nice and easy format to read.
CONS: Only monitors the main browser.
COST: Requires monthly subscription.
Smart App Protector:
PROS: Ability to lock any apps on device
CONS: Does not filter or monitor device.
COST: Free
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iOS
(iPhone, iPod, iPad)
Apple is very restrictive with regard to what developers can do. Therefore most of the options below will only filter or monitor within that particular app. After the desired filter is installed, it is recommended to go into General – Restrictions – Block desired apps and settings. VCF is the exception to the rule and it filters the entire device.
Mobicip:
PROS: Two versions. Free: Allows 3 basic levels to choose from. Paid: Allows user to customize filter, including white and black listing
CONS: If allow App Store, then user can download additional browsers.
COST: Free or $9.99/device/yr
K9:
PROS: Free, no customization, so no decisions to make!
CONS: No customization, therefore people generally are not happy with it.
COST: Free
LINK: www.getk9.com
Mobile-Spy: PROS: Monitors and tracks almost every detail which goes through device
CONS: Need to root device. Very detailed report (does not seperate the good from the bad.)
COST: $99.97/yr
Covenant Eyes/ WebChaver:
PROS: Filters and sends web activity reports to “chaver” in a nice and easy format to read.
CONS: Only filters and monitors the Web Chaver browser.
COST: Requires monthly subscription (goes with computer plan.)
VCF:
PROS: Filters the entire device. It is a content based filter (previous filters either allow or block a site, VCF looks at each page in live time to determine if should block site, part of site, or allow completely)
CONS: Need to bring to a technician to install. If need to adjust a setting, need to create a support ticket.
COST: $7.99/month/device (can email them for a discounted or free license) plus $60 initial setup and customization fee.
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