Internet Safety

Action Alert is a comprehensive internet safety program.  It is available in two versions:  a free version which provides pre-set safety features in a quick download, and a paid version ($29.99) which provides completely customizable maximum internet protection.  The internet can be very dangerous when not monitored and supervised.  It is not only dangerous for children, but also for adults.  There have been many times when I or my husband have typed in a web address incorrectly and been directed to a very objectionable website.  Action Alert can help prevent both accidental and intentional visits to objectionable web content.  With the paid version I was able to test for the purpose of this review, I found parents can set up alerts, timers, blocks, and even can remotely shut down a computer if activity is questionable.  This program is an updated version of the PGKey product I reviewed last year.  I think it is a good program; however, there are a few bugs that need to be worked out of the program.  For some reason, after installation of Action Alert I had trouble with the computer freezing and running slow. I have had this problem with filter programs before and I am not sure if anything can be done about it.  I know that some filter/protection programs can conflict with other software.  I have not found any conflicts listed on the Action Alert website, but I did notice some conflicts on my computer.  I think if Action Alert were installed and then computer settings were adjusted by someone who actually knows what they are doing the problem would be solved.  I am just not enough of a computer person to know what to do.  The concept behind Action Alert is great.  Families should use some type of monitoring on their internet.  I think it could be used effectively but there will be a learning curve with it and computer adjustments to be made.  Try out the free version first, before you commit to the paid version.  That way, if you have any computer issues, you will know that the program may not work with your current computer configuration.  Both the free and the paid version of Action Alert are available on the Action Alert website.  To read other reviews of Action Alert, visit the main crew blog here. 

**I have received no compensation from TOS or Action Alert in exchange for this review.**