Security Zero Takes a Look at OneCare Family Safety

Alessandro Perilli over at Security Zero proposed two scenarios for the evaluation of OneCare Family Safety. Admitting that the tests are only superficial in nature, Perilli looked at the parental controls introduced by the Redmond Company under the Windows Live umbrella brand. Windows Live ID accounts are prerequisites for the functionality of Windows Live OneCare Family Safety, and each member has to posses. While the Microsoft parental control initiative is still in beta phase, enrolling in the testing program is also necessary, prior to downloading the OFS. Following the installation of OneCare Family Safety, its settings are accessible online via the OFS Settings Manager.

Perilli tested OFS's response as the filters were customized for a 20-year old boy and a 13-year old girl. In the first case, the settings allowed for the maximum freedom level, and involved only issuing alerts for pornographic content. The girl required just the opposite, a maximum protection level, and additionally blocking of websites considered potential harmful such as MySpace.com. Perilli had no objection to the accuracy of the Microsoft parental control filters, he only addressed the speed issue; but, as OneCare Family Safety is still in beta stage, this aspect will undoubtedly be remedied.