Consumer Critique: McAfee Family Protection

I've been asked to highlight one of McAfee's products, McAfee Family Protection.

This new product combines a lot of features in one easy-to-use program. You can block websites by category, emails, and programs. You can also monitor what's being posted on social networks and in instant message conversations, or filter YouTube access. My favorite features are the usage reporting and the time limits - they make it really easy to make sure kids don't spend the whole day online.

Unfortunately, it's not available for Mac, which is my primary computer. It requires Windows XP or Vista, and IE 7.0 or later or Firefox 1.5 or later. It really is easy to use, although I didn't get to authentically test it - my child is too young. But I did experiment with various websites and tween-type activities on social networking and things, and was very pleased with the results. Nothing I tried to get to made it through the filters, and the usage reporting was very clear and easy to read.

Through August 31, 2009 you can get $5 off the regular $39.95 price by using the code 5familyprotection. If you have any questions about cyber security, you can contact McAfee's Chief Cyber Security Mom (what a cool title), Tracy Mooney, at McAfee.com/cybermom or by emailing cybermom@mcafee.com.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of McAfee and received a sample to facilitate my candid review.