[1MeanLady]

I agreed with my roommates to allow them access to my PC for limited purposes when I'm away, and I leave it on and available for that purpose. I'm pretty sure someone is using it to access the internet in ways I haven't approved, but I don't know who or exactly what sites they're visiting. Standard means of checking - looking at cookies, recent files, history, etc., don't work, because those files are invariably deleted and the recycle bin emptied before I return.

I'd like to install a keylogger or similar program to track use, so I'll know what's been going on before I start making accusations, and possibly ruin some otherwise great relationships. Any ideas what's available? I'd prefer something that shows a list of websites visited and email drafts, but I'll take a keylogger if it's the only option. Thanks.

[mphenterprises]

Hi again ML. :D





Okay, your situation is more common than you may think. However, I do not believe a keylogger is in your best interest also, we really cannot provide assistance with such applications because, as you can imagine, the usage of such applications.

As alternatives, you can either use applications that restrict internet access to certain times of the day and certain sites or you can just create another User Account and restrict online access on that User Account.

Neither of these alternative are secret; however, the alternative is something that we really cannot address here. If you would like more information about either option I poised, please post and we can continue. Also, I am sure other members will chime in with other alternatives.

[piyushsingh]

As far as keylogging is concerned , is not reliable as you are not sure whether the logged info is going to be with you only or passed somewhere . Most keyloggers are potential spies and hence not recommended.

i will support what mph said that it will be better to limit or provide less access rather than monitoing.

btw , you didnt specify your OS . If you have vista installed , then the inbuilt parental control will take all your worries away. You can monitor and restrict both in that.

[1MeanLady]

I was afraid I didn't have many options. To be more specific, I want to trust someone not to communicate with an abusive ex and possibly reveal her location. Trust is a huge part of reestablishing confidence in herself and relationships, so accusing - or restricting access - might make things worse. But, for everyone else's safety, I need to know what's up.

I see a marketing opportunity here for somebody...

Thanks anyway!

[smax013]

1MeanLady said:

I was afraid I didn't have many options. To be more specific, I want to trust someone not to communicate with an abusive ex and possibly reveal her location. Trust is a huge part of reestablishing confidence in herself and relationships, so accusing - or restricting access - might make things worse. But, for everyone else's safety, I need to know what's up.

I see a marketing opportunity here for somebody...


Thanks anyway!

Sounds like a tough situation.



Another thing to think about, however, in the keyloagger area is that EVEN if we could or would help you down that path, you might be putting yourself in legal jeopardy. Some states/jurisdictions have provisions that could potentially put you in trouble by secretly monitoring someone. In the work world, it is a perfectly acceptable thing to monitor employees' activities, BUT generally speaking it is required that you notify the employees that you are doing so. It is possible that similar type rules might apply in your situation as well. If so, you could either face potential problems if you monitor without telling them you might be monitoring them and they find out and complain to the authorities (not to mention the damage that would happen due to the shown lack of trust) OR you end up in a situation where you are in essence accusing and thus, as you put it, maybe making things worse.

[1MeanLady]

Probably so. Credit J.D. Rockefeller: Every right implies a responsibility...

Ain't it the truth?

[smax013]

1MeanLady said:

Probably so. Credit J.D. Rockefeller: Every right implies a responsibility...

Ain't it the truth?

No body said life was easy! Or at least no one every told me that! ;)