Net Nanny, parental-control software for family computers, has released its latest version and PC Magazine gave the product 4.5 stars and its Editor's Choice Award.

"Net Nanny does everything a parental-control utility should do," say the PC Magazine editors. "It also offers unique features like secure Web-traffic filtering and ESRB-based game control. Balancing privacy and security, it can record IM conversations only if they seem dangerous."

The product, Net Nanny 6.0, sends email alerts to parents at work and allows them to configure or change preferences from work. Net Nanny is also available for Mac computers.

SafeEyes 5.0, CyberPatrol Parent Controls 7.7, and Net Nanny 5.6 were next on PC Magazine's list, each having been awarded four stars. NetNanny and CyberPatrol run about $40, SafeEyes about $50.