SafeSurf Help
SafeSurf is a voluntary rating system designed to give parents control over
the types of Web sites their family views. The following information will help
explain the rating system as well as show you how to set up your browser.
SafeSurf rating system
Setting up Netscape Communicator
Setting up Internet Explorer 4.0
Setting up Internet Explorer 5.0
SafeSurf Rating System
When a site uses a rating level of 1 or 2 to identify an adult theme, it should
be declaring that the presentation of that adult theme is done in the most subtle
form possible, or implied more than blatantly presented. For example, nudity
could be implied as a silhouette or as shapes outlined through clothing.
Level three is reserved for pure information services like reference databases,
dictionaries, CNN News or an AIDS awareness site. For example, sites publishing
homosexuality references, such as discussions of psychological issues of coping
and/or providing pride awareness could be rated with a level three.
The content that contains more explicit adult themes identified may begin at
level four. Levels four and five are for artistic presentations of the adult
theme. A movie like the "Godfather" would clearly be rated a four or a five.
A Playboy magazine artistic portrayal of a topless female is a level five,
and a level six for full frontal nudity.
Level seven is for more graphic presentations of adult material. Magazines
such as Hustler would fit into this group. Artistic value is minor or non-existent
in the levels 7 and higher with the main purpose of the content meant to appeal
to prurient interests. Adult sexual actions portrayed at a reasonable distance,
so that the penetration is not graphically depicted as a close-up are a level
seven.
Levels eight and nine are for sites that may bring the viewer into a simulated
participatory position either through the use of shock value, very close-up
detailed images of sexual contact, or "live" connections. The nature of the
content or its presentation involves adult sexual actions graphically portrayed
or is actively and graphically enabling adult sexual action.
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Setting up Netscape Communicator
- Click on "Help" in the Netscape browser window. Choose "NetWatch."
- Click on "Click to set up NetWatch."
- Click on the "New User" button. When the Java security box pops
up, click the "Grant" button.
- In section 1, check the "Recognize SafeSurf Ratings" box.
- Select an age level to set overall standards for content filtering. To further
control content, set the levels for individual themes. Choose "Block All"
for the greatest protection, 9 for the least protection. Choose "Any level
is acceptable" to not filter for that category.
- In section 2, you will be asked to provide a password. This password will
allow you to lock the settings.
- In section 3, make sure the "NetWatch ON" button is highlighted.
If you want to block all sites not rated by this system, uncheck the box marked,
"Allow users to see unrated sites." It is recommended you do this
if you are trying to protect smaller children.
- Click "Save Changes" to complete the setup.
- If you want to check your settings, try clicking on this link: Playboy
Home Page. If you were not blocked, check your settings again.
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Setting Up Internet Explorer 4.0
- For Internet Explorer 4.0, first download the SafeSurf Rating File called
SafeSurf.rat by clicking on this
hyperlink and saving the SafeSurf.rat file in your computer's Windows/System
Folder. (If for some reason the file does not save to your computer, use the
right mouse button to click on the SafeSurf.rat file. Then choose Save Target
As..).
- After you download this file, under the View menu choose Internet Options.
- Select the Content section and click on the Settings button in the Content
advisor area.
- Enter your Password and click on OK.
- Select the Advanced section and click on Ratings Systems.
- Choose Add to add a new rating system.
- Select the SafeSurf Ratings file and click on Open.
- Click on OK to complete the install.
- Select the Ratings Section and adjust the levels to suit your needs. Be
sure to adjust the Age Range. Then click on the Apply button.
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Setting Up Internet Explorer 5.0
- For Internet Explorer 5.0, first download the SafeSurf Rating File called
SafeSurf.rat by clicking on this
hyperlink and saving the SafeSurf.rat file in your computer's Windows/System
Folder. (If for some reason the file does not save to your computer, use the
right mouse button to click on the SafeSurf.rat file. Then choose Save Target
As..).
- After you download this file, under the Tools menu choose Internet Options.
- Select the Content section and click on "Enable."
- Under the General tab, click on "Rating Systems."
- Choose Add to add a new rating system.
- Select the SafeSurf Ratings file and click on Open.
- Click on OK to complete the install.
- Select the Ratings Section and adjust the levels to suit your needs. Be
sure to adjust the Age Range. Then click on the Apply button.
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