SMARTguard Launches PC Game Management Tool to Protect Kids; Parents Can Monitor Kids' PC Video Game Use to Prevent Violent or Excessive Gameplay

Business Wire, April 5, 2005

PORTLAND, Ore. -- SMARTguard Software(TM) announces WallFly(TM), the first software tool to help parents protect their children from playing computer games that contain violent or sexual content. WallFly enables parents to restrict certain PC games from running and to set limits on game-playing time for their kids.

Utilizing the industry-standard Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) database of game ratings and content descriptors, WallFly provides parents with information about the content of each game installed on their personal computer, indicating whether it contains violence, sex, or other areas of concern to families. Using WallFly, parents create individual profiles for each child, including age, maturity level and allowed content. Each video game is checked against this profile, and only appropriate games are allowed to run for each child. WallFly easily protects children from accessing violence and other game content that parents decide is only appropriate for older siblings or other members of the family.

"We support any tool that helps parents understand and make effective use of the ESRB ratings," said Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB. "While most parents are aware of and use the ratings when buying computer and video games, WallFly provides an additional easy to use resource once they get home to ensure that their children are playing the games that they have determined are appropriate."

WallFly's parental game policies are always active. SMARTguard's game and ratings database is regularly updated automatically to monitor new games as soon as they are released. WallFly effectively protects children even if parents are unaware of what games are on the computer, or if their child installs a new game.

With WallFly, parents can also set limits on when and for how long children may use the computer or play computer games. Computer or game access can also be restricted during study time, mealtime or bedtime by the parental control software.

"Kids' access to violent content in video games has become a serious issue in our society," said Dr. Jerald Block, founder of SMARTguard Software. "WallFly empowers parents to better manage their children's computer use."

System Requirements, Pricing and Availability

WallFly works with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP or Windows(R) 2000 operating systems, and requires an Internet connection. WallFly is currently available directly from SMARTguard Software online. WallFly is available on an annual subscription basis for $39.99. Until April 30, 2005, WallFly is available for the special introductory price of $29.99. To download a free trial, go to www.smartguardsoftware.com.

About Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

The ESRB is a non-profit, self-regulatory body established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). ESRB independently applies ratings, enforces advertising guidelines, and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry.

About SMARTguard

SMARTguard Software was founded by two medical doctors to provide software tools to help parents address the problems associated with inappropriate, illegal and excessive computer use. Based in Portland, Oregon, the company is focused on addressing computer gaming and free peer-to-peer applications. For more information, visit www.smartguardsoftware.com.

SMARTguard Software and WallFly are trademarks of SMARTguard Software, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.