In my search to find a good internet filtering software to protect my kids while they surf at home, I came across 1st Clicks by SFY. The idea of 1st Clicks is that it hides your computer desktop and replaces it with a new screen which contains lists of websites, programs and games that parents can configure and allow their kids to use.

1st Clicks costs US$19.95, which is priced on the more reasonable side when compared with other similar software. It comes with a 30 day money-back guarantee and the option to download a 14 day trial version of the software.

This sounded like what I was looking for and I decided to download and install the 14 day free trial version of 1st Clicks 1.2 on my Windows XP home computer. Here’s how I got on.

The download and installation was very straight forward. No confusing installation options, basically you only need to agree to the terms of the License Agreement.

Configuration of 1st Clicks can be quite time consuming as you may need to switch between Windows and the new restricted screen to check website addresses and paths to program files. While the process of adding objects to the allowed items is not very complicated it would make the setup so much easier if the 1st Clicks configuration page was accessible directly from Windows.

After the configuration was complete I was ready to start testing. Initially the results were very positive. Kids could only access the items configured on the new desktop screen. However after further testing I noticed a ‘feature’ in web browsing that was not so good.

When an allowed website contains a link that is designed to open a new webpage, it will open in Internet Explorer instead of the restricted browser. Meaning the kids have access to Internet Explorer Favorites, Address bar and Search functions and are back on the web unrestricted.

Pros:

• 30 day money back guarantee
•  Simple Download and Installation.
• Good Control of access to Games & Programs.

Cons:

• Setting up of allowed websites is time consuming.
• Some web links open in Internet Explorer instead of the restricted Internet browser.

(Hopefully this issue will be resolved in a later release of 1st Clicks)

Conclusion:

• I’ll have to give this one a thumbs down.

My search for a reliable web filtering software continues.

Visit the 1st Clicks Website >>

 Before we get started into the review it is important to note that RegGenie is not a free product. You can download the software to scan for problems but in order to fix any of the identified problems you will need to register and purchase the software.

What is RegGenie

RegGenie is an easy to use registry cleaner that scans your computer identifying and fixing the problems that can cause system errors, instability, crashes and slowdowns. The simplicity of RegGenie makes it an attractive option for the novice user. At the same time, it has the functionality required by advanced Windows users.

In addition to easily scanning and fixing your computer problems, you can also use RegGenie to perform many other useful tasks. For instance, you can schedule periodic registry scans, defrag the registry files to ensure that the registry runs efficiently, and manage your Windows startup programs.

Visit the RegGenie Website >>

System Requirements

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Minimum -
•15 MB of free hard disk space
•128 MB of RAM
•Internet access is required to register product and receive product updates

Recommended -
•75 MB of free hard disk space
•256 MB of RAM
•Internet access is required to register product and receive product updates

RegGenie Installation

RegGenie installation is very straight forward and only takes a minute or two to complete.

Visit the website and click on the Download Now link.

At the File Download – Security Warning select Run. Alternately you can download the setup file (RegGenieSetup.exe) to your computer and install the software later by clicking on the ‘Save’ button.

Once the installation file is downloaded a Welcome to the RegGenie Setup Wizard will load and you will be asked to click Next to start the installation.

You will be required to accept the end user license agreement and click Next to continue with the installation.

The default installation folder is C:\Program Files\RegGenie. You can leave this as is or change according to your preference. Click Next to continue.

The next screen will confirm the installation location. Click Install to continue.

Click the Finish button to complete the installation and launch RegGenie.

Continue Reading

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