The Net Nanny is a software program that allows you to
control access to Web sites, newsgroups, FTP sites, e-mail, IRC by blocking
out sites that contain innapropriate words or phrases for the intended user.
It also gives you control over access to local PC files and drives, and
it prevents unauthorized diskettes and CD-ROMs or point and click commands.
The Net Nanny is a very extensive and effective tool while remaining easy
to use for even the least experienced users. One if its brilliant features
is the deinstall option that allows you to deinstall and start again should
you run into any difficulty. The software is also password protected to
allow only certain individuals the ability to deinstall the software.
The Net Nanny provides a list of acceptable and unnaceptable sites and you
may obtain this list from the Net Nanny site as well as add your own. The
blocking functions are quite versatile, ranging from forbidding access to
a particular site to blanking out individual words that you would prefer
not be accessible to the user. The screening lists are customizable and
editable at any time and you can download updated lists as often as you
like.
The reason the program is effective is that the Net Nanny monitors all activity
or applications that take place on your system. For example, the Nanny can
monitor, screen and block all e-mail content and incoming and outgoing transmissions.
Net Nanny operates with all applications, such as Word, Excel or Winfax,
etc., whether you are on-line or off.
The Net Nanny now allows you to give access to only the sites you select
as well. The Nanny now has the CAN-GO option. For example, if you create
a CAN-GO list, users will only be able to access the sites on the list and
will be blocked from sites which are not.
HOW TO INSTALL THE NET NANNY
- It is recommended that you create a temporary folder/directory
to download into. (e.g. c:\temp)
- Once this is done simply link to the NetNanny Website
(www.netnanny.com) and select the file download area. Here you will
be offered a choice of downloads. Assuming you require the demo version,
click on the relevant link to initiate the download. Your PC will prompt
you for pathnames:be sure you save it to the directory that you created.
Depending upon the speed of your modem, the process will take between
5 and 15 minutes to complete.
- You should now have a file “WNN31.exe in the directory.
This is a compressed file containing three other files. To unpack them
simply by double click on the filename.
- A DOS screen will appear and list the filenames as they
are expanding. When this is complete close the DOS window and go to
the ‘TEMP’ directory/folder.
- You will find that one of the files is called “setup.exe”
and has a computer shaped icon. To set up your copy of Net Nanny double
click this icon. It is wise to ensure that there are no other applications
running at the time you wish to do this. The set-up procedure will ask
you for various responses: it is recommended that you use defaults in
each case. You may choose to cancel the installation at several points
if you wish.
- On completion of the installation you will have created
a new directory/folder called the “netnanny” and in here will
be various files. There are three text files that may be read using
windows notepad, or printed for future perusal. It may be wise to read
through before continuing with your configuration of NetNanny.
- You will notice that there are two icons with the NetNanny
logo “WNN3.exe” and “Remove.exe” To start Net Nanny
simply double clikc on “WNN3.exe”.
- There is a very comprehensive help system built into
this package including a section on getting started. It is prudent to
read through at least the first few sections before starting to configure
Net Nanny to your specific needs.
- You can either install a trial version of the software
which will allow you to evaluate it for 45 days, or you can purchase
the full version. Go to www.netnanny.com for the price.
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