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A Review of McGruff SafeGuard Internet Monitoring Software

September 1, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

I’m not too pleased with this one. It messed up my computer! That’s too bad, because I think it is, overall, a very effective program when it works correctly.

A discussion by young mothers on Twitter caused me to look into Internet filtering software again (see my brief review of Blue Coat K-9 software). Their kids are just beginning to stretch their wings and go on the computers. There’s a lot more to be concerned about today, than when my kids were just starting out on computers, even 10 years ago. Back then, the filth wasn’t in one’s face… today, a LOT has changed.

So I wanted to test out a free Internet monitoring software program that I’d heard about, McGruff SafeGuard. I signed up for an account and downloaded the program.

From there, it was about two hours of screaming at the computer as it rebooted and rebooted and rebooted. It was possessed. I still don’t know what happened!

OK, back to the beginning: I installed McGruff SafeGuard, using all the “recommended” configuration choices. One little window among dozens popped up, saying that McGruff SafeGuard might experience problems because the computer had Vista Service Pack 2. I had the option to stop the installation, or continue. Well, I’ve dealt with programs that have had all sorts of problems with Vista! If the SafeGuard software seemed buggy, I’d just uninstall it. So I clicked “Next.”

Whoa. Bad move. The thing went bananas. It wanted to uninstall all sorts of stuff from the operating system, including my NVIDIA App Filter. The thing rebooted, and Windows went wonky. Data Execution app closed, a number of other online programs (IM, web browser, anti-virus) closed, and then Windows said it was restarting in one minute. And it kept restarting, again and again! I tried to get into Safe Mode to uninstall McGriff SafeGuard, or at least do a System Restore.. nope! I was livid– I couldn’t even get into Safe Mode?!

Now, I understand that it must be difficult for software vendors keep up with ALL the Windows operating systems, updates, and service packs. And it doesn’t help that *some* software makers intentionally make it very difficult to install and maintain monitoring software (not to mention, a wholesome computer environment). So it must be tough for McGruff and others to constantly be changing their software. But for heaven’s sake, PLEASE mention this on the website or something! I scoured the website for mention of fatal errors and problems with Vista the program… nothing. The only slightest heads up I had was with the “you may experience some problems with Vista Service Pack 2″ while I was installing it. :-p It said I may have “problems.” Didn’t mention that the program would kill my computer!

I finally dumped the software. Windows only gave me one minute to do anything before it shut down and restarted again, so as soon as it booted up, I typed very quickly to uninstall McGruff SafeGuard. It took me 6 tries (the computer is kind of slow, lol). In the end, I wasn’t able to fully uninstall the program in one minute’s time, but I uninstalled enough files to force McGruff SafeGuard to abort itself. This allowed me to go into System Restore and roll back the computer files.

Whew!

I again searched for any mention of such problems (any problems) on the McGruff website. Not a peep. Too bad. There’s no telephone support, either. I had to email my urgent message. I got an email response in about 2 hours, but by then, I had figured out a way to disable the program.

I hear good things about McGruff SafeGuard among Windows XP users. But if you have Vista, beware. Who uses XP anymore?!

Posted in computers, crime, free programs, surveillance. Tags: bad review, children, monitoring software, spyware. Comments Off »

Everybody Can Be a .007

September 1, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

About a week ago, a buzzword amongst some of the Twitter moms was filtering and monitoring software for the kids. You really can’t be too careful. The Internet is a wonderful place, but holy cow is it full of trash. What a shame. Like television– what a wonderful tool for ministry and education– but rather for enriching people’s lives, it makes them poorer by filling their thoughts and hearts with evil, degenerate trash (most of the time). I certainly hate to see the Internet becoming this way!

Anyway, there are some very good reasons for installing filtering and monitoring software on the computer. The word “keylogger” has negative connotations, but for keeping an eye on kids and keeping an eye on wayward employees, monitoring and filtering software is a good idea. I’ve tried out a few freebies in my time. I haven’t been terribly happy with any of them. They are either lacking something, too bloated, or so buggy that I wind up fixing my computer! I am heartily in favor of purchasing software of this nature. You have more leverage with the company, should something go wrong, and free software makers rarely offer any kind of meaningful support. SpyAgent or SentryPC look like something good for children’s computers– it’s a simple program that blocks unsuitable Internet content, logs activity, and notifies parents. I’d really like to see a very sophisticated filter that would, say, allow kids to view good YouTube videos but block bad YouTube videos. I know that’s probably too specific for any software. Only a good parent/child relationship can do that. But still, I HATE it when my kids accidentally stumble onto disgusting images and videos!! Grr!!

Remember, in some cases it is illegal to install spyware on a computer. For parents and business owners, it is a good idea– just make sure you inform the computer user of the software.

Posted in computers, surveillance. Tags: children, software, spyware. Comments Off »

A Money Box for the Little Tech in the Family

April 22, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

Have you got a little tech tyke in the family? I’ve got some neat news for you: there’s a new product out to encourage your kids to save their money: the Ekomini interactive money box. This is really nifty! Ekomini is a unique little gadget that connects to your computer via USB. The child creates an account at the Ekomini website (registration is free, and the website directs the child to register with the assistance of the parent) where he can monitor his money that is placed into the Ekomini money box. It’s very, very cute, and incredibly useful! Here’s a video about the Ekomini money box:

The concept is extremely impressive. Through the cartoon characters at Ekominiville, your child learns how to save money, spend money wisely, invest, and give to charity. The website allows parents to follow and customize their child’s progress– it’s really a terrific tool for parents and children. Plus, Ekomini has special partnerships with various charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Ekomini money box is being launched in North America, and is available at the Ekomini website. Cost is very affordable: $40 and it includes free shipping. This is a great way to teach children about saving, and since children love to play games on the computer, it’s enjoyable for the child, as well. Check out the website, there’s a lot to see about Ekomini and how it was developed. This is just perfect for homeschools, schools, and even as thoughtful gifts for the holiday. I hope this toy really takes off in the United States; I wish the company success for creating such a terrific and helpful tool. Great job!

This post is sponsored by the wonderful folks at Ekomini, who asked me to review their website and product. All opinions are completely mine! See my About Page for more information about my blog policy.

Posted in educational programs. Tags: children, education, finances. Comments Off »

Educational Flashcards for Promoting Reading

October 23, 2008 — Mrs. Mecomber

I’ve got another educational website for you, at BrillKids.com. It’s a downloadable early learning software that teaches reading to very young children. I believe children as young as two and three can be taught to read (I was a very early reader). The site has a tutorial video and offers a free trial.

Here’s a press release about this new developmental software:

October 23, 2008 – BrillKids Inc. announces the launch of Little Reader HOME BASIC, a downloadable software tool for parents and educators who wish to teach children to read in an easy, fun and efficient way. Suitable for children aged four months and up, Little Reader enables users to easily create flash cards, using the computer as a powerful platform with which to educate very young children. Incorporating methods developed over several decades by experts in the early learning field in their product’s functionality and design, BrillKids’ Little Reader is able to take advantage of the right-brain learning capabilities of children during the critical early years.

Following the success of their online community, BrillKids provides an answer to the needs of parents worldwide for a more convenient program with which to teach their young ones. Even with the burgeoning children’s product market filled with available educational videos, laminated flash cards, and pre-made slideshow presentations, none come close to providing complete customizable solutions for parents who want to teach their children in a more personalized way. “Little Reader is a groundbreaking program from BrillKids,” said KL Wong, CEO of BrillKids Inc. “Not only is it our very first software product to be made commercially available, it is also the project closest to my heart, having created it specifically for parents like me who could not find convenient ways with which I could create and personalize my little daughter’s flash card lessons. To know that Little Reader can put smiles on children’s faces when they see their parents’ pictures on the screen while being taught their first words about family is simply amazing.”

Helping Parents Teach Their Children to Read
Many parents have already witnessed the benefits of using the Little Reader program during the span of its three-month beta testing period. “I have thoroughly enjoyed using Little Reader – I thought I knew a lot about teaching reading to people of all ages – and particularly since I was a follower of Glenn Doman methods 40ish years ago,” said Amanda, a parent from Brazil. “That said – I have found Little Reader totally inspiring – it is very addictive, and it encourages the user to not only make use of the material provided in the program – but to create their own.”

“My kids really love Little Reader,” adds Paola from California. “This software gives my children lessons they can relate to – their own body/family/toys/pets. And the fact that people from all over the world using any language – even dialects – can come together, share concerns and experiences, give one another support, and contribute to the whole is absolutely amazing. I can honestly say that I don’t know of any other software that is as versatile, meaningful and enjoyable as Little Reader.”

Making it Easy for the Busy Parent
BrillKids also offers hundreds of free additional learning library files which Little Reader users can simply download through their online community – a balm for parents who do not have the time to create their own content.

“In my very busy schedule as a working mother, I found Little Reader to be perfect teaching tool,” says Jane from South Carolina. “This program saves me so much time in preparing my teaching materials because it’s just so easy to use, turning ‘lesson time’ into ‘bonding time’ for my little Alyssa. The free additional library files are also fantastic – it’s so convenient to just download what I want, when I want them.”

Created by Parents for Parents
An overwhelming number of requests from parents worldwide spurred the creation of Little Reader, and BrillKids made it a point to take the development of this software closer to the hearts of those who inspired it to fruition through its customer-oriented forefront throughout the three-month beta testing period. The company took all suggestions and comments from an international pool of beta testers and integrated functions to satisfy what real parents need from an educational software program for young children.

Little Reader’s release brings the company closer to their aims of enhancing the quality of life for parents and parents-to-be, helping them give their child the gift of early literacy.

About BrillKids Inc
Founded in 2008, BrillKids Inc. is a privately held company and is part of the Kreative Land Group, which has its head office in Hong Kong. BrillKids Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets software solutions and services that make early childhood education as effortless and as fun-filled as possible. Information on BrillKids Inc. and its products and services is available at http://www.brillkids.com/little-reader/.