Tech Shout!

Microsoft has announced that it has selected SafeScreen from PixAlert to support the Family Safety Settings’ parental controls in Microsoft’s newly launched operating system, Windows Vista. Microsoft has continuously been striving to provide the technology and tools to help in the fight against online predators, as well as to help families from unwanted and inappropriate content.

SafeScreen from PixAlert is basically an advanced PC protection and real time image monitoring solution that identifies and clocks pornographic content from any source from appearing on the PC screen. This obscured content includes not only images from the Internet, but also from a host of other devices like DVDs, mobile phones, ESB keys and media players.

In fact, PixAlert the makers of SafeScreen, is one of the only two European vendors to be a part of Microsoft’s family safety efforts.

PixAlert’s SafeScreen uses the most advanced screen interception and audit technology. However, SafeScreen not only protects families from viewing illicit content, but has also been developed especially for corporate environments. SafeScreen allows parents to scan their PCs in order to remove unsuitable material.

Microsoft Windows Vista has been loaded with website blocking technologies, and PixAlert’s SafeScreen only enhances these blocking technologies by intercepting and blurring inappropriate images on the screen in real time.

“We are delighted that Microsoft is taking a strong lead in providing a safer family computing environment,” said John Nolan, CEO at PixAlert. “This initiative dramatically improves family protection by implementing better security measures at the operating system level. SafeScreen works with Windows Vista to prevent families viewing unwanted images that increasingly find their way onto home PCs from multiple sources, including Internet, DVDs and cell phones.”

“Parents want solutions to better protect their families on and offline and this requires a broad industry-wide approach,” said David George, Director, Family Safe Computing at Microsoft. “We are excited about the breadth of support Windows Vista is receiving from our security partners that provide parental controls and safety solutions. Microsoft will continue to push on all fronts towards its long-term goal of providing a safer and more secure environment for its customers and will continue to build on already strong efforts with industry partners.”