Copyright: Copyright ¸ 1997 Net Nanny Software International


HELP!
 Net Nanny Help!

Welcome to Net Nanny, The Best Way To Protect Your Children And Free Speech On The Internet. The purpose of this help file is to offer quick easy access to information that will help you configure, trouble shoot, and learn the ins and outs of the Net Nanny software.

Overview

Introduction

Features

Product Information

Requirements

Release Notes

Software Agreement

Product Support

Using Net Nanny

Trouble Shooting

Technical Support

Copyright © 1994 - 1997 Net Nanny Software International Inc.


 Features

This section gives a definition and a brief technical description of each of Net Nanny's features. Click on one of the selections below for more information on the corresponding topic.

Lists

View Log

Importing/Exporting

Users

Administrator Password

Help Files


 Introduction

Net Nanny for Windows allows you to MONITOR and/or take ACTION on Windows based computer activity.  Net Nanny allows you to set standards for what you decide is "acceptable" behavior while using the computer.  While the Net Nanny for Windows program is running, the activity on the computer  and Internet connection is being monitored and scanned for the Words, Phrases, Web sites, Chat Rooms, FTP sites, E-mail addresses and News groups you have defined in the "List" as unacceptable.  Net Nanny also has ability to limit access to specific internet sites so that ONLY the sites in your Lists are assessable.

NOVICE COMPUTER USERS

This User Guide is designed for the inexperienced computer user and we suggest that you follow the instructions carefully.  For the experienced user this User Guide may contain more information than is necessary.  Net Nanny is easy to install and use and many users have successfully installed and used the software without reference to this Guide.

THE INTERNET

The Internet is fast becoming a part of everyone's life; after all, you are here!  With access becoming easier and easier, the already staggering number of 50 million subscribers is growing exponentially each month.  Soon nearly all people with home computers will be a part of the 'Internet community'.

This has many benefits: sharing of resources and ideas, communicating with people in remote corners of the globe, and huge amounts of readily accessible reference materials.  However like any 'community' it has its darker side.  Hate mail, racist speeches, pornographic material, bomb and drug formulas, and other sensitive and inappropriate information is being sent right into our homes along with everything else.

This is where Net Nanny steps in, by acting as an invisible monitor between the Internet and your family.  Net Nanny operates quietly in the background, carefully screening out user defined 'Words', 'Phrases', and Content that you have determined is inappropriate.

Net Nanny Software International Inc. is at the leading edge of Internet technology with its "Net Nanny" security software.  We invite you to explore our web site, give us feedback, and communicate your ideas.

     http:\\www.netnanny.com\


 Requirements

Net Nanny Requirements :

- Windows 3.xx or Win 95

- 486 or better processor

- 8M Ram

- 4M Hard drive space


 Release notes

    COPYRIGHT

It is against the law to copy the software except as specifically allowed in the software license agreement.  No portion of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Net Nanny Ltd.  The name Net Nanny and the Net Nanny Logo are Registered trademarks of Net Nanny Software International Inc..

    CHANGES

The information in this document is for information only and is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment by Net Nanny Ltd.  While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy, Net Nanny Ltd. assumes no liability as a result of errors or omissions in this document or from any use of the information herein.  Net Nanny Ltd. reserves the right to make changes to the product design without any reservation and without notice to its users.

© 1994 - 1997 Net Nanny Software International Inc.

All rights reserved.

    TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Net Nanny will not provide any technical support for the 30 day trial version. The trial version includes full online documentation, which you can access through the Help menu. You can also access our ONLINE SUPPORT for at www.netnanny.com/support.


 Software Agreement

    LICENSE GRANT:

Net Nanny Ltd. grants you, the end user, the right to use one copy of the enclosed software program (the "SOFTWARE") on a single computer.

    COPYRIGHT and TRADE SECRET

The SOFTWARE is owned by Net Nanny Ltd. and protected by both United States and Canadian copyright law and by International Treaty provisions and all other applicable national laws. Any copying of the SOFTWARE, other than a single copy for backup purposes, constitutes an infringement of Net Nanny Ltd.'s copyright. This SOFTWARE incorporates Trade Secret materials.

    LIMITED WARRANTY

NO WARRANTY OF THE SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Without limiting the above, Net Nanny Ltd. does not warrant that the operation of the SOFTWARE will be uninterrupted or error-free or that the SOFTWARE will achieve your intended purpose.

Net Nanny Ltd. does provide a limited warranty for the diskettes upon which the SOFTWARE is furnished. The limited warranty is that the diskettes will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one year from the date of delivery as evidenced by a copy of the receipt. Any diskette not meeting Net Nanny Ltd.'s limited warranty will be replaced if returned to Net Nanny Ltd. or authorized Net Nanny Ltd. software Dealer or Distributor with a copy of the receipt. If Net Nanny Ltd. is unable to deliver replacement diskettes which are free of defects in material and workmanship, you may terminate this License by returning the SOFTWARE, as delivered, and you will receive a refund.

    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Your sole remedy against Net Nanny Ltd., and Net Nanny Ltd.'s entire liability regardless of how such liability arises, is limited to replacement of the diskette or a refund in accordance with the above limited diskette warranty. IN NO EVENT WILL Net Nanny Ltd. BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE. Some States and Provinces do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This License will be terminated if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this License. You agree, upon such termination to destroy the SOFTWARE and related documentation. You agree that this License is the complete and sole statement of the agreement between us and this license supersedes representations made by us or your authorized Net Nanny Ltd. software Dealer or distributor or any other Agreement, written or oral, or communications between us or your authorized Net Nanny Ltd. software Dealer or Distributor relating to the subject matter of this License.


 Using Net Nanny

This section will discuss the usage and configuration of the following topics:

Operations

Administration

Frequently Asked Questions and Comparisons


 Trouble Shooting

This section should be your first resource when you encounter a problem related to Net Nanny. Trouble shooting is broken down into the following sections :

Numbered Errors

Common Problems

Possible/Known Conflicts

Frequently Asked Questions

Numbered Errors.

  ERROR------32746    This Error is due to and older Version of a file called "bwcc.dll" being left on the system by.   In order to get ride of the Error, you may search your system and find the oldest version and delete it.  The version you wish to save is 162 Kb in size and Modified Date is 2/28/95 11:14 AM.

Common Problems.

Net Nanny does not Appear to be Screening or blocking on Searches.

You must ensure the ".exe" file of the Browser or other applications are in the "Other Programs to Monitor" List.  This Item is found under the "Options" menu item.  Under the "Options" menu item there is an item called "WEB Browsers to Monitor".  You may copy these names into "Other Programs to Monitor".

Possible/Known Conflicts

There are no known conflicts at this time (February 1997) with any Windows or Windows 95 Applications or with these operating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Does Net Nanny allow parents full discretion over what is blocked?

Net Nanny's screening lists are completely User-defined and allows the Administrator to screen and block any words, phrases, sites and content according to their particular values - not a Software company's arbitrary selection or the Government's arbitrary selection.

2.	Does Net Nanny provide any site lists?

We provide Net Nanny users with site lists, researched by our staff and other 3rd. party children's advocacy groups.  However, unlike other programs,Net Nanny's list are fully editable.  They are always FREE when downloaded from our web site. The site lists are updated every two weeks.

3.	Does Net Nanny screen all Internet activity?

Simply speaking Net Nanny monitors all activity and applications taking place on your PC - everything!   The program monitors all Internet utilities such as; Web browsers, News Groups, FTPs, IRC and e-mail but goes further.  Net Nanny operates with all applications running on the PC, both online or off.  That means it handles programs like Word or WinFax and BBS's that are not part of the Internet, where some of the most inappropriate material resides.  Of all the products introduced in this field, to date, only Net Nanny can monitor, screen and block e-mail content and transmissions, both incoming and outgoing.

Say a child's friend sends some pornographic gif files (Pictures and Photos) via e-mail in an attachment?  Only Net Nanny can catch this.  Also, other programs block access based on file names only - that's only one-way screening.

4.	What if children find other ways into a site?

Net Nanny monitors not only the entry point to a file or address but watches the activity or content taking place inside the site - in real time.

5.	Can Net Nanny block access to only sites I select?

Yes.  Net Nanny now has the option of "CAN GO" Web Site URL screening.  You may limit access to only those sites which you deem suitable for users.

6.	What can Net Nanny do about personal information?

To protect family members from uninvited electronic visitors parents can load personal information such as children's names, home address and telephone numbers.  To keep kids from using credit cards online for various unauthorized transactions the appropriate numbers can be loaded into Net Nanny's screening lists.  At least they won't be using your cards!

7.	Can Net Nanny block more than pornography?

Net Nanny is not limited in terms of type of content.  You may screen and block anything you don't want running on your PC, such as; bomb-making formulas, designer drugs, hate literature, Neo-Nazi teachings, car theft tips.or whatever you may concerned about.  If you can define it Net Nanny can block it!

8.	Will Net Nanny screen incoming material as well?

It's two-way, real-time screening!  If your children do a lot of e-mailing or go into chat rooms within IRC you can still take action.  Say your child's friend e-mails him a pipe bomb recipe.  If "bomb" is in your dictionary Net Nanny goes to work.

9.	How about images?

Net Nanny can block specific image files you select, for example, Playmate.gif.  If a high measure of control is required Net Nanny can block access to all images of a particular type like GIFs or JPGs.  All you would have to do is enter GIF or JPG into one of your Words and Phrases list.

10.	Does Net Nanny only shut down when violations occur?

You can also set up Net Nanny to simply monitor what violations occur and when, without shutting the system down.  This allows the parent to address the situation without "coming down hard" at least to begin with.  Net Nanny's "Audit Trail" logs PC activity including start-up, violations, shut-downs and in what applications they took place in.

11.	What other action options are available?

Net Nanny offers a number of options for your choice when violations occur.  Log, Warn, Mask, Block or Application Shutdown.

12.	Does that mean there are multiple-user passwords?

The administrator can set up multiple user accounts and passwords so each user's activities can be monitored and logged.  A variety of screening properties can also be set up for each user.

13.	What else can Net Nanny do?

There's many violent and adult programs out there.  You can set up Net Nanny to prevent the loading of unauthorized software diskettes and CD-ROMs such as violent games.  Worried about file erasures? Configure Net Nanny to prevent disks and hard drives from being tampered with or manipulated without your knowledge.

14.	Will Net Nanny work with major online services?

Yes. AOL, Compuserve, MSN, Prodigy and others.  If it happens on the PC then Net Nanny may be set up to monitor, screen and block.  TCP/IP Internet screening may not function within the proprietary access programs of some online services.  You must be dialing into your ISP and using NetScape or Internet Explorer as a browser for TCP/IP Internet screening to work.

15.	Is it easy to disable and enable Net Nanny when adults use the PC?

Net Nanny's administration program is very simple to use and manipulate.  If you're a password user, with admin privileges, you simply disable Net Nanny for your session.

16.	Will Net Nanny work with Windows 95?

Net Nanny is a designed to function with Windows 95 and Windows program.  (This Version is not designed for Windows NT 4.0).

17.	How can I figure out what sites to load into the screening lists?

Net Nanny provides free lists of "questionable" sites which users may download from our Internet Web Site and import into their Net Nanny programs.  The List is fully editable and you must make the decision to edit it yourself.  We don't want to be making your value judgments.

Best of all, these Lists are free.  There are no monthly subscriptions and we update it approximately every two weeks.  Also, you may import any ASCII text based list or database of sites which are increasingly available from a wide range of 3rd party organizations.  Choose one that fits your values.

18.	Are there other products in the works?

Net Nanny for corporate LAN applications is in development.  Also, watch for another program in our stable.  It's called- BioPassword®, which will bring "keystroke dynamics" and biometric technology into personal password protection.

netnanny@netnanny.com

© 1994-1997 Net Nanny Software International Inc.


 Technical Support

    TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Net Nanny will not provide any technical support for the 30 day trial version. The trial version includes full online documentation, which you can access through the Help menu. You can also access our ONLINE SUPPORT for at www.netnanny.com/support.

If you find any errors or have suggestions we would appreciate if you would contact us.  We strive to give you the best and easiest software to use.


 Lists (Definition)

See Also:	List Usage

Editing Lists

List Properties

Lists are the basis of how Net Nanny functions.  Net Nanny will utilize the data contained in the lists  (Anything from your address to a web site).  Net Nanny will monitor for any occurrence of that data being sent, received, or displayed on the system.

There are 5 types of lists.  Each list is used to monitor a specific communications medium.

List of Words and Phrases

List of Internet News Groups

Personal Information

List of IRC chat lines

List of Internet sites

List of Words and Phrases :

This List is used to monitor all data presented to the user.  This allows Net Nanny to monitor all applications on or off the Net.  All editable text that is viewed is captured and matched against the entries in this List.

List of Internet News Groups :

This List is used to block access to the News Groups contained in the list

Personal Information :

By placing your important personal information here, Net Nanny will make sure this data is monitored and transmission will be interrupted if entered.  This means no one outside your computer can have easy access to information such as name, address, phone number, credit card #, .. etc.

List of IRC Chat Lines :

This List contains names of chat rooms on IRC (Internet Relay Chat).  All Chat rooms contained in the list are "off-limits".

List of Internet Sites :

This List is Web site specific. Net Nanny will block access to all web sites contained in the List.  This List is also configurable to allow access only to web sites in the List.

All Lists have their own properties so that you can configure the level of accessibility and monitoring.  These Lists combined with the User database provide a highly configurable blocking/monitoring tool for all on-line and off-line applications.


Administrator Password
 Admin. Password

See Also : 	Changing Admin Password

Net Nanny is equipped with a Administration Password. This is to ensure that only the program administrator(s) has access to the program. The first time you run Net Nanny you will be prompted for a user name and password. Once you have entered a name and password you will require this to gain access to Net Nanny in all future attempts. The program administrator(s) should be sure not to make the password available to general users to ensure no unauthorized "changes" are made.

NOTE : Your password is the only way you can access Net Nanny. Make sure you don't misplace or forget your password. This same password allows you to over ride application shutdowns and to restart an application that has already shutdown.  This Password is also required when you run the REMOVE Net Nanny. Program.


Importing / Exporting

See Also : 	Editing Lists

List Functions

Net Nanny has the ability to import and export its dictionaries for easy backup and restoration.  This makes using Net Nanny's pre-definded dictionaries a snap.  This function is particularly helpful for installing Net Nanny on a number of computers, a LAN environment is a good example of this.  Text file lists of "bad" Internet sites are common on the Internet, for this reason Net Nanny also has the ability to import and utilize these files.


LOGS
View Log

This function is used to review the events of Net Nanny.  The View log box lists important events in chronological order.  The window is split into 5 columns ; Record Number, Date, Record Type, Msg/List item and Program/User as shown in the diagram below.

Each log entry contains information on one of any of the following events.  Events are listed in the record type column :

-Hit Logged

Displays the date and time that a Net Nanny violation occurred.  The entry that caused the violation is listed in the msg/list item column, the program associated with the violation (if any) is listed in the program/user column ( for example, NETSCAPE would appear in the program/user column if the violation occurred in Netscape).

-Shutdown, no restart

Net Nanny shuts down an application and no restart allowed  Application that is shut down, due to a violation, may only be restarted by rebooting the operating system.

-Shutdown, restart OK

Net Nanny shuts down an application but a restart is allowed.  If the User has "restarting privileges" assigned to them, (This requires a Password) then they may restart an application without rebooting the operating system.

-User Override

An application shutdown was overridden by a user.  The user is listed in the program/user column.

-NN OFF Admin Override

An application shutdown was overridden by the administrator.  Net Nanny will remain off until the computer is rebooted or until the Administrator turns Net Nanny  "Off" and then back "On" by using the Administration Program.

-NN ON at boot up

Computer Startup, Net Nanny was active at computer startup.

-NN OFF at boot up

Computer Startup, Net Nanny was not active at computer startup.

-Start Admin Prog

The Net Nanny administration program was started.

-Login to Admin

The Net Nanny Administration program was started and password verification was successful.

-NN OFF by Admin

Net Nanny was disabled via the Administration program.

-NN ON by Admin

Net Nanny was enabled via the Administration program.

-List edit by Admin

The contents or properties of a list were edited by the Administration program.

-Close Admin Prog

Administration program session closed.


 Lists  (Usage)

See Also 	Lists definition.

Editing Lists

List Properties

NEW

Clicking this button will create a new list.  Before you can begin entering data into the list, you are prompted for the type of list (see the list definition at the top).  Select the type of list you wish to create then you can begin to enter data and configure the list properties.

OPEN

Clicking this button will bring up a list of lists currently available to Net Nanny.  Select the list you wish to edit and click ok.  This list will be loaded and you can begin editing it.

CLOSE

This button is only available when you have a list loaded on the screen.  Clicking it will save any changes to the list then close it and return you to the main screen.  All saved changes are updated as soon as the list is closed, there is no need to reboot the system .

IMPORT LIST

This button is only available when a list is loaded.  When you click on it, a file selection window will appear.  All Net Nanny lists are saved with the extension .rat.  Select the list you wish to import and click OK.  The imported list will be inserted into the current list at the cursor position.

EXPORT LIST

This button is only available when a list is loaded.  When you click on it, a file selection window will appear.  Enter the name you wish to give this file, or select a file to replace from your disk and click OK.  The file will be exported and saved.  All Net Nanny lists are saved with the extension .rat.

IMPORT TEXT FILE

This button is only available when a list is loaded.  When you click on it, a file selection window will appear.  Select the text file you wish to import and click OK.  The imported text file will be inserted into the current list at the cursor position.

DELETE LIST

No button exists for this function but can be found under |File| on the menu bar.  It will completely delete a list with no way to recover it afterwards.  This function should only be used by the Administrator.


 Help Files

Net Nanny now offers online help files. These help files are designed to help novice users learn and understand how Net Nanny works so that they may provide the best possible protection for their users. The information contained includes descriptions of features, trouble shooting guides, and contact information.


 Operations

Select one of the following topics :

Lists

View Log

Turn ON / Turn OFF

Main screen


 Administration

Select of the following topics:

User database

Administration Password

Configuration


 Editing Lists

See Also :	List Definition

List Usage

List Properties

Shown above is the data window for a particular list, in this case the List of Internet Sites #1. Each entry should occupy a separate line with no separating character.  This Example shows a Can Go List.

Data can be entered into the list like a regular text editor or word processor. Net Nanny has made all the standard Windows editing tools available to make working with list an easier task. Common tools include Undo, Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete.  Cut, Copy and Paste allow you to move data between lists and import data from other programs using the Windows clipboard.

Lists can become large and possibly have duplicate entries.  Net Nanny has a Sort and Remove function which can be found under the edit menu. This function will examine a list for duplicate entries and remove them.


 List Properties

See Also:	List Definition

List Usage

Editing Lists

Logs

Shown below is the List Properties window.

Each type of list has its own set of properties.  Not all lists will have all the options seen above.

List Status

Use the switch boxes to indicated whether you want this list to be active or not. If the list is set to be NOT active then the list will not be used by Net Nanny.

Web Site- Options

Use the switch boxes to indicate weather the list is a Can Go or Can't Go list. Can Go tells Net Nanny that the sites in this list should be the only ones allowed to be accessed, and no others.  A Can't Go list tells Net Nanny that all sites on the Internet are assessable with the exception of the sites in this list.

Action After Hit - Options

Use the check boxes to indicate what should happen after a violation occurs.  Net Nanny can perform any of these actions in any combination.  Options are;  log the hit, give a warning, block access or shutdown the application.


On / Off
 On \ Off

The Off and On buttons are used to enable and disable Net Nanny on the fly.  You will notice that only one is available at a time.  Off can only be clicked when Net Nanny is on.  On  can only be clicked when Net Nanny is off.    (On is in Black and Off is in Gray when Net Nanny is Off.)


 Main Screen

Shown below is the Current Status window on the Net Nanny Main Administration Screen.

Current Status

In this section there are three status indicator lights with the associated description

Net Nanny is installed ok.

 means that Net Nanny is A OK.

 means that Net Nanny's has not been properly

     installed or its drivers and files have been tampered with.

Administrator PW is setup

 means that the Administrator's password is set up and active.

     (Make sure you don't forget the password).

 means that there is no Administrator's password in place and

     there is open access to the Net Nanny Administration program.

Net Nanny is Turned ON

 means Net Nanny is ON active and screening.

 means that Net Nanny is OFF or not working.

Hit Lists

Here the Lists available to Net Nanny are displayed.  Preceding the list name is a check box.  A "√" in the box means that the List is Active and Net Nanny is using it.  No "√" means that particular List is In-Active.


Administration Password (usage)
 Admin. Password

The Net Nanny administrator password can be changed at any time by the program administrator. The process can be initiated by selecting Change Administrator Password... from the Security menu from the menu bar. Once clicked this dialog box will appear.

The process is fairly straight forward, enter the old password, new password and then the new password again. Click OK to change the password, CANCEL to exit from the process. Net Nanny will indicate whether the password has successfully been changed or not.

NOTE : Your password is the only way you can access Net Nanny. Make sure you don't misplace or forget your password.


 Configuration

To change the Net Nanny configuration select Configuration from the Options menu in the main menu bar. Once selected this dialog box will appear.

The only option is to  Enable Net Nanny at Windows Startup. The check mark in front of the text means Net Nanny will always be active every time you startup Windows. No check mark mean Net Nanny will not be active unless you activate Net Nanny yourself using the Turn On button. Click OK when finished


 Users

See Also: 	User Database

When user configuration is selected the edit users window will appear, as shown below.  Here you can Add a New User, Edit an existing user or Delete a user simply by clicking one of the corresponding buttons in the lower right hand side of the window.  To Edit or Delete a user highlight the desired user by clicking once, then select Edit or Delete.  Clicking OK will bring you back to the main program, clicking Help will bring you here.

New User/Editing a user

If you have chosen to create a New User or to Edit an existing user you will see this, Define User window.

Once here you can enter/correct the users name and password in the corresponding text box.  Under the shutdown options section there are two switch boxes one labeled allow restarting application,the other labeled allow over riding shutdown.  To activate/deactivate these options click on the box in front of your choice.

When Net Nanny encounters a violation the user, if they choose to do so, can enter their password.  The entered password will allow the user to over ride a shutdown in progress or to restart an application already shutdown.  This will depend on the shutdown options associated with that users password.


User Database

See Also: 	Users

The user database is used to configure Net Nanny for discriminate use with multiple users.  Each user can have their own access password each with its own properties determining the level of privileges the specified user can have.

User Passwords are assigned to allow either Overrides on a violation or the right to restart an application.