One of the most common questions about computer monitoring and Internet monitoring software (commonly referred to as spyware), is "Is it legal?"

The short answer is: yes, but.

Yes, it's legal, but you may only install software on computers you own. In other words, if you're a parent, and you install the software on your home PC to monitor your child, you're within your legal rights to do so.

Further, if you're an employer, and you install monitoring software on your office PCs to keep an eye on your employees, you, too, are within your legal rights to do so.

Now for the, "but."

In many areas, employers must first notify their employees that you may be monitoring their Internet use.

Most commonly, this is done in an application, employee handbook, or other similar place where the employee signs consent that they understand you may be monitoring what they do on office computers.

Should You Monitor?

When it's time to make the decision about whether or not to monitor a loved one or employee, there are several things to understand first to help you choose the right software:

1. What do you want to monitor on their computer?
   Files? Pictures? Music? Videos? Pornography?
2. What do you want to monitor about their Internet use?
3. Is there a behavior you need to prevent?
4. Are there web sites you're trying to block access to?
5. Is there some other consequence you need to prevent like a child meeting a stranger or giving away private family information?
6. Are you trying to protect company trade secrets?
7. Is there a behavior or action you need to see for yourself?
8. Are you trying to gain access to email or other password protected information?

Understanding what you're trying to accomplish with monitoring software is important to help you choose the best monitoring software for your particular needs.

Because some software is especially good at monitoring but offers no capacity for blocking, while other software is great for blocking but has weak keylogging capabilities, it's important to understand what you're hoping to accomplish so you can select the right tools for the task.