ComputerCOP available free to parents

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Seized funds were used to buy 5,000 copies of a computer software program that helps parents protect their children from inappropriate material while they use home computers.

The Travis County Sheriff's Office purchased ComputerCOP, a program that scans for potentially objectionable images and text, drawing on its database of nearly 4,000 red-flagged words and phrases associated with pornography, drugs, violence, hate crimes and gambling. ComputerCOP also scans files that have been deleted.

The program will:

• Search temporary files, caches and cookies.
• Display all images and graphics files stored on the computer
• Define words and phrases and contains a delete function so parents can eliminate inappropriate material
• Is compatible with every Windows operating system, but will not run on Macintosh systems

There are two ways to get the sofware free of charge:

• Pick one up at one of four Travis County Sheriff's offices:
• 3800 Hudson Bend Road
• 7811 Burleson-Manor Road
• 5555 Airport Blvd.
• 509 West 11th St.

A copy of the software can also be checked out at any neighborhood public library to take home and use. The program cannot be installed, but must be run from the software CD.

For more information about ComputerCop or to get a copy, contact Deputy James Kitchens, 512-854-8413.