SafeEyes Review

Good

Monitors behavior on social media sites, highly configurable, many advanced features.

Bad

Web based email accounts cannot be blocked.

Overall

McAfee Safe Eyes has all the filter and restriction capabilities to ensure safe Internet use for children.

Editor's Ratings

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McAfee is a trusted source of anti-virus and other security software and has been in the software business almost since the first personal computers started to come out. Here they enter the parental control software arena and lets see if their software is up to the task.

Versions of Safe Eyes

Safe Eyes can be bought for Windows or Mac, and initially comes with a license for 3 PC installations. Additional licenses can also be bought later.

The Windows version is only stated for use up to Windows 7. It can be downloaded at the point of purchase, however it only comes with a 1 year subscription. Since the buy out, the software can also be bought as a bundle with the McAfee Anti-virus and Malware protective software too.

Differences Between Windows & Mac Versions

There are some fundamental differences to the features available on the Windows versus the Mac version, most likely due to the different ways that each operating system permits applications to operate in their environment. For instance, with the Mac, it is not possible to enable the safe-search feature across all web browsers, nor can streaming TV content be restricted by rating, and explicit content cannot be blocked in iTunes. So Mac users will want to consider the different feature list on the Mac which is consistently the loser here, before making a purchase.

Mobile Versions

Presently there is an iOS version that is confirmed by the company to run on the iPhone and iPod Touch (which probably also runs on the iPad). However, the FAQ states that there is no Android version (and presumably no WindowsPhone version either) at this time, though the matter is presently under review.

Basic Features

Filtering is the major aspect of this parental software with web site filtering, YouTube individual clip blocking, P2P & media player blocking, and blocking of explicit content from iTunes.

Social networking sites and Instant Messaging can be monitored, with logs of IMs sent and when sensitive information is provided on social networking sites.

Online games can be blocked altogether or just specific gaming domains. Email can also be controlled down to the individuals mailed to or removing access to web based email altogether.

Scheduling & Restrictions

It is possible to restrict internet access to certain times of the day or to setup a weekly schedule so the weekend is treated differently from the weekday. Total time spent online can also be restricted.

Reporting and Alerts

Real-time reporting and alerts can be sent out when access attempts are made to banned sites. Daily and weekly access summaries can also be automatically sent to email accounts.

Support

With SafeEyes Support, the most common questions are shown in a left panel. These include account activation, installation issues, error message, technical issues and other general operational notes.

It is fair to say that other providers of parental control software offer far more extensive support. These often include videos, extensive FAQs and more. Indeed, a contact number is given for phone calls as a toll-free number, but no email address or contact form is provided on the site, which are glaring omissions. Therefore, support was disappointing, especially for a package that's now under McAfee's wing.

General Information

  • Special Features  : Many
  • Supported OS(es)  : 2

Parental Control Features

  • Internet Filter  : Yes
  • Block Pornography  : Yes
  • Time Management  : Yes
  • Mask Profanity  : Yes
  • Social Monitoring  : Advanced
  • Alerts  : Email
  • Remote Admin  : Yes
  • User Profiles  : No
  • Search filtering  : Advanced
  • Chat & IM Control  : Yes
  • Reports  : Yes
Merchant Price  
Official Website $49.95 View Website

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