Web Zinger for Kids

Reviewed by Cindy Caldwell
Published by Imaginon

Age Group: Adults
Type: Computer Toolbox
Price: $44.95

PC version requires:
Windows 95/98, Pentium 100MHz, 640X480 with 256-color display, 32 MB RAM, 5 MB HD, 14,4 modem and internet access

Mac version requires:
Mac OS 8.1,Power PC at 22o MHz, 48 MB RAM, 640X480 with 256-color display, 10 MB HD, 14.4 modem and Internet access

Description:

WebZinger for Kidsis a unique personal search engine which allows children to search and view information on the web in a controlled and user-friendly environment. Even the youngest web surfer can point and click on their way to visit the wonderful World Wide Web.

Before the children can start, you (the parent) must do a little work to set up the restrictions in the Parental Control section. You can add filters/words you feel to be inappropriate and limit the search to areas you feel will have content appropriate for your child. Select the "Settings" button and set the number of how many sites you would like to record, what size the photos will be and how long you would like it to search.

Now the children are ready to start their search. Type in text related to your search request in the box and select the "Record" button. WebZinger will search three separate search engines simultaneously and you will not be bombarded with tons of repetitive sites; WebZinger eliminates any multiples from the same web site. When it is done, press the "Play" button, you will then be presented with a slideshow of several web sites including the web site title, a short paragraph of text describing the web site and a photo. You can set the speed at which the slideshow is presented, or pause at a site that looks interesting. Found a site you wish to visit? Select the large "GO" button and you are whisked of to the live web site using Web Zinger's personal browser.

Note: There is no access to chat rooms, other search engines or e-mail. Web Zinger is designed for protection from all the undesirable stuff out there on the web.

Features:

  • Parental Control; accessed by a password
  • On-line Gallery with constant updates
  • Settings: Limit the length of search, size of photos and number of URL's
  • Ease of use even by preschoolers
  • Lots of help provided with the CD and more at the home page

Technical Aspects:

Web ZingerLoaded easily to my computer, but it ran rather slowly. The minimum requirements are 100MHz processor--I have 200 MHz and I expected it to run faster. They do have a patch at the home page available to download which should enhance performance.

Report and Conclusions:

My first reaction was "what a neat idea for kids to search the net with limited access!" After I used it for a while, though, I just got frustrated. You will need to either select the smallest photos, or expect it to slow down to a crawl, and it seems to take for ever to come up with a few URL's. It does do what it claims to, but too slowly for my liking. Imaginon also offers a 30-day trail demo you can download located at the home page. (filesize: 3288KB)