Snappy Internet Control 1.1.0.758

Overview

Snappy Internet Control is an internet filter that attempts to provide a solution that is applicable to both home and business environments. It is able to restrict access to online content based on settings that can be configured according to the requirements of the administrator.

Installation

The software supports both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7. Installing it couldn't be easier, and the most important part to keep an eye out for would be the prompt to configure your administrator password that should pop up when you first launch the software.

Bear in mind that this password will be required to configure the software and gain access to it later on.

Some of the features present in this filter may take a while to set up, such as the schedule as well as the lists of allowed and blocked websites.

Interface

Along the left of the Snappy Internet Control interface is the navigation menu where you can set up your filter settings. This includes the Allowed Websites, Allowed Programs, Allowed Services, Allowed IP Addresses, Blocked Websites and Time Management sections.

Above all of that is a drop-down menu where you can choose whether or not the settings that you're selecting apply to all users or just certain users, and beside it is a button that is used to toggle the internet filter on or off.

On the whole the interface is clean and all of its elements are clearly marked out so you should be able to find what you're looking for with ease.

Pros

With options to restrict and allow access to certain websites, programs, services and IP addresses - Snappy Internet Control is certainly effective at filtering out undesirable content and eliminating abuse of internet access while still being flexible.

One of its most interesting features is the schedule that allows the administrator to set up a timetable for when these restrictions apply.

Also worth mentioning is the documentation that is to the point and clearly guides first time users through the process of setting up the filter. It includes helpful pointers on how to configure the filter to work around certain issues such as enabling access to secure websites.

Cons

The truth is that as a parental control option Snappy Internet Control may leave a little to be desired. It does not have some of the features present in similar software such as the ability to monitor a child's activity or automatically block access to adult websites and other undesirable content.

While it is true that the filter can be configured to block access to all websites except specific ones that are listed individually - that will curtail the ability to freely surf the internet.

Alternatives

Nowadays there are many different internet filters out there. On the parental control front the most notable is probably Net Nanny or Safe Eyes while businesses may find the K9 Web Protection more to their speed.

Conclusion

Despite not being the best in its class, Snappy Internet Protection is still an easy to use, affordable, and very effective internet filter - for both home and business environments. Once configured, it should perform its task flawlessly.