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New BadSubtract(TM) Protects Kids From Web Dangers the Right Way -- Without Parental Spying

InterMute, Inc. Software Protects Kids by Enabling Parents to Filter Content; Product Offers 52 Filter Categories, 'Allowance' Feature that Limits Hours, Amount of Use

BRAINTREE, Mass., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- InterMute, Inc., makers of PC protection and content filtering software that allow you to surf The Web Your Way(TM), today announced the debut of BadSubtract(TM), the most accurate, customizable way yet to protect youngsters and teens from undesirable web content. Unlike other products that 'spy' on kids' web surfing activities, BadSubtract allows parents to respect -- yet control -- their children's web choices by filtering out content according to 52 categories, from nudity and pornography to racism, tobacco, firearms, and many other sensitive topics.

"The Internet has millions of useful, educational, and entertaining Web sites. Unfortunately it's loaded with bad stuff too," said Ed English, chief executive officer of InterMute, Inc. "BadSubtract takes a whole new approach to child protection by enabling parents to determine exactly what types of Internet web sites are blocked. BadSubtract is an essential addition to any household in which the web is an important part of family life."

BadSubtract's 52 filtering categories can be used in any combination to match the parents' preferences; for preschool or elementary-age kids, a "Sandbox protection" option limits the child's web use to a list of Web sites pre-approved by the parents. For older kids, parents have the option of prohibiting specific categories like drugs and pornography, while allowing more latitude in other areas.

Regardless of the level, BadSubtract's filtering technology provides unparalleled protection from inappropriate content. Unlike competing products, BadSubtract uses Dynamic Real-Time Site Rating to determine the category of the website and whether the website should be displayed, based on the parents' settings.

PC, Internet, Chat Limits

In today's busy families, having a parent always present when children use the Internet is not a practical option. Parents need to be concerned about both the quality and quantity of Internet usage in their homes. With BadSubtract, the amount of time spent surfing the web, Instant Messaging with friends, or simply using PC applications can be decided and controlled by parents.

BadSubtract also extends parents' ability to control PC use through its unique 'allowance' feature. Now parents can set limits for Internet and computer use on a child-by-child basis. Options exist for type of use (chat room, web surfing, PC access) and number of hours. Give your oldest child unlimited access while your youngest is restricted to an hour a day. It's your choice.

"In many schools, PCs have become an important part of the homework picture," noted English. "Sometimes it's difficult to restrict or eliminate PC access when assignments are due that require Internet research or word processing. With BadSubtract, parents can award or take away 'privileges', such as chat, while leaving other PC uses available for schoolwork."

BadSubtract can manage Web, Instant Message, or PC use through limits on number of hours per day, as desired by the parent. Yet BadSubtract respects kids even with the 'allowance' feature: as the end of the child's allotted time approaches, alerts come onscreen so the child can budget their remaining time.

Pricing and Availability

BadSubtract is priced at $29.95 (MSRP) and is immediately available at InterMute's Web site. The product is also expected to reach shelves at major computer, home electronics, educational, and warehouse retailers after October 15, 2004. For more information, or to purchase BadSubtract, visit http://www.intermute.com .

About InterMute

InterMute, Inc., based in Braintree, Massachusetts, develops leading Internet security and content filtering solutions for consumers and businesses. Founded in 1999, the company's mission is to bring security, productivity and privacy to the Internet. For further information, visit http://www.intermute.com .

InterMute, BadSubtract, Search Guardian, and The Web Your Way are trademarks or registered trademarks of InterMute, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: InterMute, Inc.