Smoothwall Corporate Guardian 5: Effective
Content Filtering
Smoothwall Corporate Guardian is a web access and content
filtering solution, implemented in software and designed to protect networks with an
existing firewall.
However, rather than simply filter URLs and check against
blacklists, the software also uses a technology called Dynamic Content Analysis to
categorize content on-the-fly.
It does not just block objectionable material, it can also
screen out viruses, spyware and other malicious code.
Once installed, remote browser-based management is the
order of the day with a fairly intuitive, if busy, interface to be mastered. It is worth
noting that there is quite a bit to do for users to take advantage of all the Smoothwall
software has to offer. Plus, customers may also have to make client changes.
By following the quick-start guide, we had a working web
proxy blocking access to adult, gambling and a range of other sites in about 10 minutes.
We were able to assign the blocking rules to specific
groups, authenticating users and controlling access via their network log-on.
Also new in this edition are controls to screen out active
code, such as Java and ActiveX applets, and scan for viruses using either a built-in
ClamAV engine or other ICAP-compatible scanner.
Time-based controls have also been added, plus rules to
manage HTTP access to, for example, block Skype and phishing sites that use this protocol,
as well as secure socket layer proxy sites designed to bypass web filters.
USP: Easy to install with minimal hardware requirements
Available: Now
Distributor: www.smoothwall.net
Further reading: www.channelweb.co.uk/2163435
PCTools Spyware Doctor 4: Spyware Killer
Spyware Doctor 4 is a stand-alone anti-spyware product,
rather than the current vogue for all-in-one suites.
It has a clear control console from which to launch system
scans and configure real-time protection. Users can customize the method and depth of
scanning, but novices are shielded from the intricacies of identifying, quarantining and
removing spyware through use of pre-configured settings.
Onguard, a background scanning technology, prevents spyware
from ever infecting the computer in the first place.
The software helps to counter internet browsing troubles:
malicious ActiveX objects, homepage hijacking, tracking cookies and pop-up blocking.
However, most of these hassles can comfortably be avoided simply by switching browsers
from Internet Explorer to Firefox.
There is a clever categorization of spyware to alert users
to the threat level posed by whatever is found on a computer.
The Smart Update feature allows users to download and
incorporate new tools into the console. The tools available at time of review - Malware
Detective and Spyware Doctor Network - enhanced the program's diagnostic capabilities.
USP: Easy to use and highly customizable
Available: Now
Distributor: www.pctools.com
Further reading: www.channelweb.co.uk/2163207
Ability TurboBackup: Makes Backups Simple
TurboBackup is designed for small business and home users,
so it comes with settings to back up music, internet favorites, contacts, emails, photos
and other common files.
It also comes with a handy feature that copies the 'system
state', which covers all the basic Windows settings.
It works quickly, and can back up files in addition to
those listed above. There are various options, such as backing files up to a compressed
(Zip) file, or just making straight copies.
By default, it is set to make Zip files of all the backups,
which could be a problem as these are more easily corrupted and are not as easy to access
as straight copies. It will also back up to external or internal hard disks, USB keys or
CDs and DVDs.
Restoring files from backups is painless, and installation
is also easy.
USP: Easy to use with a range of backup options
Available: Now
Distributors: ASL, Gem, Interactive Ideas, Light Computer Systems, Microtec99, Netcom,
South Coast
Further reading: www.channelweb.co.uk/2163369
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