K9 Web Protection

K9 Web Protection is content-control software created by Blue Coat Systems.

Windows/Mac versions

K9 Web Protection for Windows and Mac OS
    Developer(s) Blue Coat Systems
    Stable release 4.4, according to the release notes[1]
    Development status Active
    Operating system Windows and Mac OS
    Type Content-control software
    License Proprietary; free for home use
    Website www.k9webprotection.com
    As of September 2014

    This section describes the Windows and Mac OS versions of the software.

    The software operates without downloading a database to the PC and instead looks to an Internet-based database. This means that the PC only needs a very small piece of code and the user can take advantage of the database being updated constantly. On the other hand, if the computer can't connect to this database for any reason (such as a firewall blocking the connection), all web access will be disabled.

    K9 Web Protection is proprietary software which is free for home use. It is possible to have multiple licenses, and every computer needs a separate license. Its primary purpose is for parental control, but it is possible to use it for protection of their computer against computer viruses or malware, or for self-blocking of pornography (with an accountability partner).

    Strengths

    The software is very difficult to disable or remove without an administrator password. The uninstaller requires the administrator password to run, and if the service or process is stopped all web access is disabled. Similarly, attempts to modify the program from the windows registry or file system will also lead to all web access being disabled.

    Reception

    Ken Cooper from Family WebWatch praised its ease of use and clean interface. Cooper also praised K9 for not bogging down system performance because it uses an Internet-based database.[2]

    On the other hand, Neil J. Rubenking, lead analyst for security for PC Magazine criticized the filter's inability to create custom filtering for individual family members, while praising the fact that he could not find a way for children to disable the filter without also disabling access to the internet.[3]

    Cnet gave it a 4 (out of 5) star rating, and ranks it #8 in Parental Control. Cnet criticizes "the lack of a chatware filter" which "leaves some holes for predation".[4]

    Mobile versions

    K9 Web Protection mobile browser
    Developer(s) Blue Coat Systems
    Development status Active
    Operating system Android and iOS
    Type Content-control software
    Website www.k9webprotection.com
    As of September 2014

    K9 provides it's Web Protection Browser for iOS and Android. On iOS, one can protect an iPhone or iPad by installing the app and disabling Safari browser via Settings > Restrictions.

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ "Release Notes". K9 Web Protection official website. Blue Coat Systems. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
    2. ↑ "Review: K9 Web Protection". Familywebwatch.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
    3. ↑ Rubenking, Neil J. "K9 Web Protection 4.0 Review & Rating". PCMag.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
    4. ↑ "K9 Web Protection - Free download and software reviews". CNET Download.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.

    External links

    This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, November 14, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.