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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