If you need to control the amount of time your kids spend on your PC, check out WatchDog. This system-tray-based utility lets you configure computer usage times for an unlimited number of people (non-parents). Users who are set up as parents can change any option. Timing periods can be based on either daily, weekly, monthly, or unlimited durations, and the program can keep a user from operating the computer during specific hours. When a user's time is up, several things can happen: an action can occur (such as shutting down or restarting the computer), a user-configurable message can display, a sound can play, or a program can launch. WatchDog also offers some other security features, such as a Web monitor that logs all visited Websites. It allows you to disable individual Control Panel applets, Registry editing, Start menu items, file and print sharing, and more. Other features include complete logging options, multiple passwords, and password encryption.
Reviewed on Jan 02 1998.
System Requirements
Windows 95, 98, or NT
Purchase Information
Shareware: Free to try, $25 if you decide to keep it.
