CyberPatrol 7.5 review

CyberPatrol is everything an internet filtering package aimed at parents should be.

At the same time, it's grown up enough to suit small businesses that desire to control internet access. In short, it's easy to use, broadly reliable and flexible enough to enable all manner of administrator-specified exclusions and overrides.

The installation begins with a clear wizard-based setup that puts the likes of CYBERsitter 9 to shame. CyberPatrol automatically detects existing Windows XP user profiles (if any) and offers create its own profiles based upon these. Alternatively, new or additional profiles can be created, meaning it's possible to create tailored environments for different types of user. For example, most parents would like to afford a teenager broader web access rights than to a young child - and CyberPatrol caters for this well.

It's based around the 'Headquarters' (or 'HQ') screen. From here, individual users can switch between profiles, override a particular block or filter, or close the HQ entirely. However, each of these actions is password-protected, so without the 'master' password you can't to alter the settings.

And what a selection of settings! In addition to straightforward web filtering based on keywords and lists of known 'bad' websites, CyberPatrol allows the administrator to keep tabs on instant-messaging activities, newsgroup postings, time spent online and access to other applications. The latter two options mean that the administrator can exercise an extreme degree of control over the way the whole computer is used. For example, it's possible to specify at which times particular applications can be launched, so a parent could, say, prevent a child from using an instant-messaging application during time allocated for school homework.

Powerful Reporting

CyberPatrol also has some powerful reporting functions. With these, those in possession of the administrator password can view the activities of all other users. Cumulative time limits can also be applied to a user profile, so a user can be allocated a set amount of time each day, but have the freedom to spend it when they choose.

CyberPatrol is also friendly and informative when it comes to the mechanics of blocking. While other applications simply stop websites from appearing and instead show 'Page not found' messages, CyberPatrol's announcements can be customised. By default, the application displays an 'Access Restricted' warning, along with a summary explanation of why a particular website has been blocked. A link is then provided for an 'instant override', for those in possession of the administrator password. Alternatively, the application can be set to operate 'stealthily', so the user doesn't know that they are being monitored.

Finally, CyberPatrol seems adept at thwarting unauthorised attempts to circumvent its blocks and locks. Installing a new web browser didn't work, while endeavours to uninstall or otherwise disable the program without entering the correct password repeatedly failed. We're not suggesting that it's invincible, but it puts up a good fight.