Gfi Webmonitor Review – A Comprehensive Analysis of Web Monitoring Software

In today’s digital age, web monitoring has become essential for businesses and organizations to ensure productivity, security, and compliance. Gfi WebMonitor is a powerful web monitoring software that provides comprehensive features to efficiently manage and secure web access for users. This review will delve into the various aspects of Gfi WebMonitor, including its core features, pricing, review ratings, what I like and dislike about the software, areas for improvement, how to use it, alternatives, and frequently asked questions.

Video Tutorial:

What does Gfi WebMonitor do?

Gfi WebMonitor is a robust web monitoring software that allows organizations to gain complete control over web browsing activities. By monitoring web access and filtering content, Gfi WebMonitor enables businesses to enhance productivity, protect against security threats, and enforce compliance with regulatory requirements. Let’s explore its core features in detail:

Web Filtering and Content Control: Gfi WebMonitor offers advanced web filtering capabilities that allow administrators to control and manage web access for users. With customizable policies and categories, organizations can block or allow specific websites or web content, ensuring a safe and productive browsing environment.

Real-time Monitoring and Reporting: With Gfi WebMonitor, administrators can monitor web activity in real-time. It provides detailed reports and analytics on web usage patterns, enabling organizations to identify potential risks, track user behavior, and make informed decisions to optimize network performance.

Bandwidth Management: Gfi WebMonitor helps organizations optimize bandwidth utilization by offering bandwidth management features. Administrators can allocate bandwidth resources based on user roles, restrict access to bandwidth-intensive applications, and prioritize critical business activities.

Threat Protection: Gfi WebMonitor incorporates advanced threat protection mechanisms to safeguard networks from malware, viruses, and malicious websites. It uses real-time scanning and URL filtering to identify and block potential threats, thereby ensuring a secure browsing experience for users.

PRICE

Below is the pricing information for Gfi WebMonitor:

EditionPricing
Essential Edition$16 per user/year
Advanced Edition$25 per user/year
Elite Edition$35 per user/year

Review Ratings

Here is a breakdown of the review ratings for Gfi WebMonitor:

ItemsRatings
Effectiveness
EASE-OF-USE
Support
Service
Quality
VALUE FOR MONEY
  • Effectiveness: Gfi WebMonitor offers a wide range of features that effectively manage and secure web access.
  • EASE-OF-USE: The software has a user-friendly interface that simplifies web monitoring and content control.
  • Support: Gfi provides excellent customer support, promptly addressing any queries or issues.
  • Service: Gfi WebMonitor delivers reliable performance with minimal disruptions.
  • Quality: The software is well-designed and reliable, ensuring efficient web monitoring and filtering.
  • VALUE FOR MONEY: Gfi WebMonitor offers an excellent value proposition with its rich features and competitive pricing.

What I Like

I have been using Gfi WebMonitor for several months now, and there are a few aspects that I particularly like about the software. Firstly, the web filtering and content control features are incredibly powerful and customizable. The ability to block or allow specific websites and web content based on categories or policies has allowed me to enforce internet usage policies effectively.

Secondly, the real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities of Gfi WebMonitor have been invaluable. The detailed reports and analytics provide insights into web usage patterns and user behavior, enabling me to identify potential risks and make informed decisions to optimize network performance.

Finally, the threat protection mechanisms of Gfi WebMonitor have exceeded my expectations. The software actively scans and filters URLs, ensuring that my organization stays protected from malware, viruses, and malicious websites. It provides peace of mind knowing that our network is secured against online threats.

What I Don’t Like

While Gfi WebMonitor is an impressive web monitoring software, there are a few areas that could be improved. One aspect that I found slightly cumbersome is the initial setup process. It requires a bit of technical knowledge to configure the software properly, and some users might find it challenging, especially those without a background in IT.

Additionally, while the reports provided by Gfi WebMonitor are comprehensive and insightful, the customization options for these reports are somewhat limited. It would be beneficial to have more flexibility in customizing report formats and choosing specific data elements to be included in the reports.

Lastly, the user interface of Gfi WebMonitor, while functional, could benefit from a more modern and intuitive design. A visually appealing and user-friendly interface would enhance the overall user experience and make it easier to navigate through the software’s various features.

What Could Be Better

Here are three suggestions for areas of improvement in Gfi WebMonitor:

1. Enhanced Mobile Support: In today’s mobile-driven world, it is essential for web monitoring software to provide robust mobile support. Gfi WebMonitor should develop dedicated mobile applications or optimize its interface for mobile devices to ensure seamless monitoring and filtering on the go.

2. Integration with Cloud Services: As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based services, it would be beneficial for Gfi WebMonitor to offer integration with popular cloud platforms. This would allow organizations to extend web monitoring and content control to cloud applications and services used by their employees.

3. Machine Learning and AI Capabilities: Incorporating machine learning and AI technologies into Gfi WebMonitor could significantly enhance its threat detection and prevention capabilities. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the software could proactively identify and block emerging threats, ensuring a higher level of security for organizations.

How to Use Gfi WebMonitor?

Using Gfi WebMonitor is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Install Gfi WebMonitor on the designated server or gateway.

Step 2: Configure the web filtering policies and categories based on your organization’s requirements.

Step 3: Define user roles and access levels for web monitoring and content control.

Step 4: Set up real-time monitoring and reporting parameters to track web activity and generate relevant reports for analysis.

Step 5: Test the configuration and ensure that web filtering and content control policies are enforced correctly.

Step 6: Monitor the reports and analytics regularly to identify any potential risks or anomalies in web usage.

Step 7: Fine-tune the web filtering and content control policies as required based on the insights gained from the reports.

Alternatives to Gfi WebMonitor

While Gfi WebMonitor is a robust web monitoring software, there are several alternatives available in the market. Here are three notable alternatives:

1. Net Nanny: Net Nanny is a widely-used web monitoring and parental control software that offers comprehensive filtering and reporting features. It allows customizable web filtering, time management, and remote administration. Download Link

2. Norton Family: Norton Family provides powerful web monitoring and parental control features to ensure safe and responsible browsing for children. It offers web content filtering, time supervision, activity reporting, and social network monitoring. Download Link

3. Kaspersky Safe Kids: Kaspersky Safe Kids is a popular web monitoring and parental control software that offers a range of features, including web content filtering, app usage control, location tracking, and screen time management. Download Link

5 FAQs about Gfi WebMonitor:

Q1: Is Gfi WebMonitor compatible with all operating systems?

A1: Yes, Gfi WebMonitor is compatible with Windows operating systems, including Windows Server, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Q2: Can Gfi WebMonitor be deployed in a multi-site environment?

A2: Yes, Gfi WebMonitor supports multi-site deployments, allowing organizations with multiple locations to centrally manage and monitor web access policies.

Q3: Can Gfi WebMonitor support HTTPS filtering?

A3: Yes, Gfi WebMonitor offers HTTPS filtering capabilities, ensuring that encrypted web traffic is thoroughly monitored and controlled.

Q4: Does Gfi WebMonitor provide user activity tracking?

A4: Yes, Gfi WebMonitor tracks user web activity in real-time, providing comprehensive reports and analytics to monitor and analyze user behavior.

Q5: Can Gfi WebMonitor be integrated with Active Directory?

A5: Yes, Gfi WebMonitor seamlessly integrates with Active Directory, simplifying user management and authentication processes.

Final Words

Gfi WebMonitor is an outstanding web monitoring software that enables organizations to effectively manage web access, enhance productivity, and ensure security and compliance. With its advanced features such as web filtering, real-time monitoring, and threat protection, Gfi WebMonitor provides a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes. While there are a few areas that could be improved, the overall performance, support, and value for money make Gfi WebMonitor an excellent choice for organizations looking to optimize web usage and mitigate online risks.