Keep your family safe online with Internet Activity Monitoring software

The web is a rich resource, but it can also present a distraction and a danger. From malicious websites ready to deploy spyware, malware and viruses to the dangers of chat rooms - our family, relationships and even entire businesses are under threat.

Monitoring software (which is also know as spy software, remote monitoring software or snooper software) will record the internet activity, chat room conversations, social network updates and downloads of your employees or family members. Sometimes the software present the data collected in report format, where others let you view a users screen in real time.

Here are the key features of any monitoring software that you should look out for:

Type of activities recorded - make sure that the activity you are most interested in can be recorded, be that email, staus updates, IM activity or web surfing. If you are looking to protect your children or spouse online you will most likely be interested in monitoring Instant Message and social network usage, such as Facebook. With employees it is likely to be email and website usage.

Stealth mode - the software should track activity without the users knowledge by running silently in the background, disguised as normal system process. Look out for programs that can be deployed in stealth mode remotely by disguising the install file as an everyday file such as Word document, Excel spreadsheet or Powerpoint presentation.

Remote monitoring - most titles will provide remote monitoring, but there are several different types. Some upload reports via FTP or email, while others provide a web based login. Sometimes you must to install viewing software on the machine you will be using to watch activity. If you are going to use a computer at work, remember that you might not be able to install software and therefore a web based system might be better.

Multiple licences for business - if you are intending to use the software on a small network or in a large business, make sure the program produces reports identifying the machine or user account in question, and that there are bulk discounts for multiple licences.

Help and support - As with all software, sometimes you will require assistance. Whether it's a lost software key or software crash and data loss you should look for a responsive vendor. Online help files or an active user forum are a must. Telephone or live-chat support are also recommended.

Some monitoring software has more advanced features that blur the lines into other categories of PC utility. Look out for:

Counter anti-spyware protection - Anti-spyware programs should try to eliminate monitoring software. Good monitoring programs will protect themselves from being detected and deactivated via regular updates to their protection systems.

Memory erasers, file locks etc - to protect the information you don't want users to find.

This type of software should be used responsibly. Question why you are using it and what you are hoping to find, and whether you really need to know the answer! If you are satisfied you need to use it, find a good comparison site such as the independent Shoutdown (such as the Activity Monitor software comparison here) and then check out the top titles using free trial periods to make sure you are happy with your choice.

Paul Fisher is editor of Shoutdown – a website dedicated to the independent comparison of software programs.