No matter what you say or do, your kids will chat and use IM (instant messengers) over the internet. That's a given. But since you have the obligation to protect your children, be aware that there are parent-friendly software tools that can assist you.

Chat Watch

Chat Watch logs both sides of instant messages on AOL, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo. Chat Watch features parental controls, chat scheduling, a chat acronym translator, and more. Chat logs can be automatically e-mailed to you, copied to a network computer, or uploaded to a remote server. Chat Watch is password protected and can run hidden in stealth mode and accessible by a hot key. Chat Watch allows you to monitor and be in control of your child's instant messaging.

Features:

* Log both sides of instant messages on AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger.

* Chat Watch can automatically e-mail you the chat logs at a pre-set time.

* The chat logs can be copied to a network computer.

* The Content Monitor quickly highlights chats that may contain offensive words. Parents can add custom words to the content monitor watch list.

* Parents can set scheduling options that determine when chatting is allowed and when it is not allowed.

* Chat Watch can run in complete Stealth mode hidden to the user.

* Task Manager can be disabled while Chat Watch is running.

* Advanced Hot Key allows for the hot key to be a combination of three hot keys for maximum security.

* Access to the chat logs is password protected.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/chatwatch.htm

IamBigBrother

IamBigBrother records all of the internet activity for many programs including America Online, MSN, Outlook Express and more. And it logs all keystrokes typed in EVERY program along with screen shots. So basically IamBigBrother monitors EVERYTHING on your computer.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/iambigbrotherspy.htm

SpyTech SpyAgent

SpyAgent gives you the power to log all websites visited, windows viewed, applications ran, internet connections made, passwords entered, documents printed, AIM/AOL/ICQ/Yahoo/MSN conversations made, documents opened, emails sent/received, and even capture screenshots of the user's activities. SpyAgent can be run on Windows startup in active monitoring mode with an optional splash warning screen. This allows you to have the option to let others using your workstation that they are being monitored (or not). A built in stealth mode is available to keep users from task-ending or knowing about SpyAgent.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/spytechspyagent.htm

John Deprice owns and operates Deprice.Com. He reviews family friendly software at http://www.deprice.com/utilities.htm