Friday, March 23, 2012

TOS Review: Action Alert


Over the last few weeks we have been trying out a new Internet protection service, Action Alert!  I have 4 young children, 2 of which are old enough to use the computer.  I want that computer experience to be fun, clean, and safe.  So, when we were asked if we would like to try a computer program designed to do just that-I was so excited to try!

What is Action Alert?

Action Alert creates a kid safe PC with web site blocking and filtering.  It allows control of computer use with comprehensive time controls, protects against Sexual Predators, Over sharing, Sexting, Gaming addictions, Inappropriate Videos and Pictures, control over Internet searches and MUCH more.




Action Alert is the ONLY Internet Safety solution endorsed by the Child Safety network.


It was the winner of Disney's iParenting Award.


And was featured on the Today Show.

So, yeah, it came very highly recommended and I couldn't wait to try it out!!  

I downloaded Action Alert and had a lot of fun playing around with its many options.  I love that you can designate times when the computer can be 'off.'  I have a 6 year old that loves to sneak down at the CRACK OF DAWN and turn on the computer.  I could use Action Alert to keep the computer from coming on at all.  

The next feature I love is that Action Alert will actually DVR the activity on a computer for as long as there is time left on the log (clean it off occasionally).  I was able to watch what the kids had done for the morning and see what sites they accessed.  

Unfortunately, it was as I was watching the playback on the computer that I realized it wasn't going to work on their computer *sigh.*  We let them use an older computer that doesn't have a lot of RAM.  The Action Alert software was taxing the computer so much that it couldn't load their beloved action packed, sound filled, moving picture websites.  It did just fine on searches and email, but that's not what my kids do with the computer at this time in their life.  I also found that it would not allow my computer to wake back up from sleep mode when I wasn't using it.  A little frustrating because I would have to reboot the computer to get it work again.  

So, I have mixed emotions on Action Alert.  I love what it can do, and what I saw it do, but I didn't like the side effects.  I would check out the specs to verify it will work on your computer before purchasing the Maximum Protection.

Action Alert offers two options.  Their FREE option {free is always good!} is everything you need to set up a kid-friendly computer in minutes.  For $29.99 you can add great features such as: multi-user protection, fully customizable features, and full social networking monitoring.  

Give it a try, the price is certainly right!  If you would like to hear what other families have to saw about Action Alert, check out the TOS Crew Blog.

God Bless!!

Disclaimer:  I received a free download of Action Alert Maximum Protection in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

No comments: