This Story Posted:
June 11th, 1999

 
 

[2:39 PM]
Home Networking App Allows Parents To Control Time Of Day/Amount Of Time On Net
Vicomsoft has released the latest version of their popular networking tool, SurfDoubler, under the moniker of SurfDoubler Plus. SurfDoubler Plus allows multiple computers to share a single connection to the Internet, though only two computers can actually use the connection simultaneously. This new version includes firewall capabilities, Network settings, and can even allow parents to control access time of day and amount of time that their kids can spend accessing the Internet. According to Vicomsoft:

Vicomsoft, the Internet connectivity specialist, today announced the release of SurfDoubler Plus, their software solution for home users wishing to connect more than one computer to the Internet while protecting their children from undesirable sites. Specifically designed for home networks, SurfDoubler Plus allows two computers to share an Internet connection simultaneously. Parents can use its content filtering and timed access settings to control Internet access by their children. It is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers.

SurfDoubler Plus includes an easy to understand auto-setup wizard that allows non-technical parents to be up and surfing the Net in minutes. It can also automatically adjust the network settings for up to three additional computers. Mobile users in particular will appreciate no longer having to manually change their laptop's network settings when connecting to their home network.

Parents may limit both the time of day and number of minutes per day that Internet connection is allowed. Denial of child access to inappropriate Internet sites is made possible by the weekly updated 'CyberNOT' filtering list. The list is maintained by a trained team that evaluates sites using predefined objective criteria, ensuring consistent results. Parents can also allow or deny access to specific sites of their choice. The filter and other controls are password protected and cannot be circumvented by children, enabling parents to have peace of mind when allowing unsupervised Internet browsing.

SurfDoubler Plus offers great flexibility by allowing a home network to access the Internet using any connection method including modem, cable modem, DSL or ISDN. It works with all Internet applications, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, e-mail and FTP. For dial-up Internet access, SurfDoubler Plus automatically dials and connects when any Internet application, such as a browser is used. On home networks with more than two computers, connection to the Internet is granted on a first come, first served basis, allowing any two computers to use the Internet at any one time.

SurfDoubler Plus is available now for only $74 on both MacOS and Windows 95/98/NT platforms. It is also available as an upgrade from SurfDoubler for $34. More information can be found on Vicomsoft's web site.

The Mac Observer Spin: SurfDoubler Plus can certainly make it easier for small home networks to access the Internet, but the ability for parents to control time of access for their kids could be invaluable. We have not tested this product yet, but with Vicomsoft's proven history in the networking market, not to mention the popularity of SurfDoubler, this product is sure to be a hit.

Vicomsoft