The Bottom Line
Pros
- Simple installation and configuration
- Comprehensive reports delivered via email
- Changes can be made to remote system via email / web
- Captures both sides of IM conversations
Cons
- Price?
Description
- Monitor email, instant messaging, Web sites, and other computer activity on remote systems
- Software can be installed in stealth mode so that computer user does not know it is there
- Receive email, instant messaging chats, and keyword alerts in real-time.
- Receive detailed reports delivered via email on a schedule determined by you
- Change eBlaster settings and configuration remotely via the Web with a simple click on the email report
- Block access to shady or suspicious sites and applications with a click of the mouse
Guide Review - eBlaster 6.0
Your kids may be very mature and responsible, and you may have the utmost faith in their judgment. But, that is no guarantee. The Internet has a dark side and you can cross into it with the click of a mouse and possibly not even realize it. Would you give your kids the keys to your car without having some idea of where they were going, what they were doing, and when they plan to return?
The answer for you may be "yes", and that is your prerogative as a parent. There are certainly varying opinions and I don't claim to have a monopoly on the "right" way to parent- not by a long shot. I will say this though, I prefer the 'trust but verify' philosophy.
I trust that my kids are responsible and exercise good judgment online. But, I have eBlaster 6.0 installed and monitoring just in case. If certain keywords are used (profanity, violence, sexual terminology, drugs and alcohol, etc), I will be notified immediately.
I have activity reports to refer to if anything suspicious happens. I don't generally review them, because I do respect my child's privacy and individuality. But, if my child gives me reason to be suspicious, or ends up missing, I will have detailed reports of every email, every instant messaging session, every keystroke typed, every application run, and every web site visited- including every search done on the web. I have a treasure trove of information at my fingertips...if I need it.
The only product that comes close to eBlaster 6.0 is SpectorSoft's other consumer-level monitoring product, SpectorPro 6.0. I like eBlaster more though because of the emailed reports. That means no matter where I am in the world, I will still receive the real-time alerts and daily activity reports.
The $100 price tag isn't small, but I consider eBlaster, and my peace of mind, to be worth every penny.