System Surveillance Pro 5.5

Publisher's description of System Surveillance Pro

view larger

SSPro is an all-in-one computer monitoring solution. An essential tool for parents concerned with online activity and network administrators wishing to monitor their employee's computer usage. SSPro records keystrokes entered, programs run, websites visited, instant messages, or screenshots. Configure SSPro's email features to send logged data and screen snapshots offsite for remote viewing. SSPro's built-in pornographic keyword features allow users to block and/or be notified when objectionable content is encountered. Want to define your own keywords? No problem, SSPro allows for that too. SSPro also includes website blocking, monitor scheduling, reports, usage limits, or multi-machine networked configurations. SSPro supports most programs including AIM, AOL, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ, GoogleTalk, IE, Netscape and Firefox.

Version 5.5 adds image storage, log file password protection, log file scheduling options, image expiration, and pause feature when PC is idle.

See more CNET content tagged:

log file,

screenshot,

control panel,

monitor,

monitoring

Editor's review of System Surveillance Pro

This snooping utility provides almost all the features essential for monitoring a PC, but we were especially impressed with its stealthiness. System Surveillance Pro logs keystrokes, IM chats, applications used, and Web sites visited, and can capture screenshots at user-defined periodic intervals.

The interface makes it easy to locate any log file you need to access. System Surveillance Pro can block Web sites via URLs or detected keywords, and includes a scheduler in case you don't need to monitor PC usage at all times. Like most respectable spying applications, it will send you e-mail reports so you can keep an eye on your computer from a remote location. We doubt even the cleverest users will be able to detect the program while it's running or uninstall it.

To open its control panel, you must use the Start menu's Run command, and even if someone finds the application, they'll still need your password to disable it. The utility can't be stopped via the Task Manager, nor uninstalled through the Control Panel or the Program Files folder. Installation is very touchy, and all non-essential programs--even those running in the background--must be shut down for the installation to work. Also, the seven-day trial period is too short for our tastes, but since System Surveillance Pro provides effective protection against even savvy folks, we still think it's a good find.

User reviews of System Surveillance Pro

• Average user rating: out of 77 votes
• Your rating: Write your own review

This software version | All versions

• [+] Expand review

  System Surveillance Pro

  Excellent combination of monitoring features

  by: kononox on 17-Feb-2008 12:53:41 PM

  Pros: VERY simple to use and does the job as advertised. All monitoring features worked flawlessly and as expected. Browser blocking based on my own words was very flexible and website blocking through the "blocked" and "not blocked" lists covered everything else.

  Log viewing areas were well organized which made it a breeze to view the data. Keystroke, instant message and program tracking all worked well. Snapshot feature has a ton of options including pausing when the computer is idle and adjusting the image quality to save diskspace. Never encountered any annoying pop-ups to register during the trial period other than the standard one that is displayed AFTER logging into the program.

  Overall very satisfied. Good tool for the experienced computer user and novices like myself.

  Three FYIs

  The image limit is set to 20 megs but you will want to increase it to at least 100 megs.

  Viewing data in ranges of more than a couple of months can take time so best to view on a daily, weekly or single month period.

  As with most of these programs I tried, make sure you configure with any anti-spyware or AV program your using.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (2 of 3 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  System Surveillance Pro

  Stable, Reliable, Great Asset.

  by: MasterStreamFisher on 27-Apr-2008 06:56:39 PM

  Pros: I currently use this version and the previous 4.8 and it keeps getting better. I run 2 small book stores and have this running all the time. I'd rather have my people working then surfing online all day long (although some surfing is allowed). Very smooth setup and configuration only takes a minute or two. All the information is emailed to me at home so I can see exactly what websites they are going to. The support people are very friendly and prompt with their replies, even on the weekends which is why I took the time to write this. Would definitely recommend.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (3 of 3 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  System Surveillance Pro

  Works with IE7 but not with Firefox. Crtls time & computer use & internet fine.

  by: southernowened on 16-Jan-2008 09:51:01 PM

  Pros: It is very good at what it does. Have tested it on a few sites and seems to block what needs to be blocked.

  Cons: Did not work with the FireFox browser.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (3 of 3 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (1 reply)

• [+] Expand review

  System Surveillance Pro

  Very effective software - Keeps me informed.

  by: Ally-Rod on 22-Apr-2008 05:07:22 AM

  Pros: This program saved my family! Without going into too much detail, just knowing what was going on has really opened my eyes. "Trust but Verify"... If you want a rock solid, easy to use program to watch what your kids are doing online then this is the one. I only wish we had this years ago when we got our first computer.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (2 of 2 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  System Surveillance Pro

  expensive confusing and buggy?

  by: alicia.swales on 24-Mar-2008 09:19:22 AM

  Cons: at 49.95 this is very expensive, i do believe in the old saying'you get what you pay for' this time it does not ring true. even at 49.99 this is a very confusing and buggy monitoring solution which seemed at also install some sort of spyware or adware on my system. when i ran spybot it picked up something called gator?

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (2 of 2 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (1 reply)

Submit your review for System Surveillance Pro:

You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.

All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.

CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.