I subscribe to the Daily Candy, a regular email that points out interesting “things” which might otherwise be overlooked. Today’s email had an item called the SnoopStick, which immediately caught my eye…

SnoopStick

Supposedly you can use this thing to monitor up to three computers: every IM, the sender and recipient of every email, every web site visited, you name it. These aren’t just screen shots either. This is a means of monitoring the other person’s computer which occurs in real time, and up to 12 months of “activity logs” can be stored on the stick. The SnoopStick site says that “You can even log the user off, disable internet access, set time restrictions or even turn the computer off.” It looks like all you need is 60 seconds of access to one of the target computer’s USB ports to upload the program, and then you’re in business.

What a great new hobby for that paranoid spouse or parent. :rolleyes_tb:

Am I the only one who thinks that resorting to something like this means it is time to admit that there are huge trust issues in the relationship, and that maybe it is time to re-evaluate everything? Plus, as the saying goes, if you go looking for trouble, you just might find it.

But if you find nothing…and the person being snooped on ever finds out that you did it? What will you have accomplished, other than to destroy another’s faith and trust in you?

According to the SnoopStick site:

SnoopStick is a USB flash drive type device that allows you to monitor what your kids, employees, or anyone using your computer is doing while on the Internet. And, you can monitor them live, in real time, from anywhere in the world. Simply plug the SnoopStick into the computer you want to monitor. Then run the setup program to install the SnoopStick monitoring components on the computer. The whole process takes less than 60 seconds.

The SnoopStick monitoring components are completely hidden, and there are no telltale signs that the computer is being monitored.

You can then unplug the SnoopStick and take it with you anywhere you go. No bigger than your thumb and less than 1/4″ thick, you can carry it in your pocket, purse, or on your keychain.

Any time you want to see what web sites your kids or employees are visiting, who they are chatting with, and what they are chatting about, simply plug in your SnoopStick to any Windows based computer with an Internet connection and a USB port. SnoopStick will automatically connect to the target computer.

Monitor both sides of IM conversations in real time or tell SnoopStick to display recent activity. Check the sender and recipient of every email sent or received. You can even log the user off, disable internet access, set time restrictions or even turn the computer off. All using your SnoopStick from any computer.

EASY TO USE! There are no commands to remember, no passwords to remember, just plug it in.

Here is more information on the SnoopStick, also courtesy of the site:

  • New – View and save an instant screen snapshot of the computer being monitored, any time.
  • Monitor all web site access.
  • Works with all browsers and web enabled programs.
  • Monitor both sides of all “instant messenger” communications.
  • Works with all popular IM programs.
  • Monitor all email access (SMTP, POP3, IMAP) to see who and when emails were received from and sent to.
  • Monitor activities in real time, or retrieve activity logs from recent activity. SnoopStick records everything, whether you are monitoring in real time or not.
  • Store up to 12 months of activity logs directly on your SnoopStick.
  • All program modules are updated completely automatically so you always have the latest version.
  • Send the user a pop up message alert. A good way to tell them they’re busted!
  • Turn off/on Internet access with the SnoopStick locally or remotely.
  • Set allowable times for Internet access.
  • Prevent users from using certain types of Internet programs.
  • Block access to specified ports.
  • Block access to web sites.
  • One click “Block Social Networking” option instantly blocks access to sites like MySpace.com.
  • Completely secure. Only your SnoopStick can access your computer or change the settings you have chosen.
  • Works with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, and is Vista ready.
  • New – Now also available on standard, name brand, high capacity USB flash drives

    • So what do you think…Is it ever a good idea to “monitor” the one you love so closely? What does it say about you, if you would consider doing something like this? :ponder_tb:

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