5 Best Computer Monitoring and Control Software

Hybrid and remote work have become an integral part of our everyday lives after the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of people using this kind of setup grows rapidly, so does the demand for computer monitoring software for tracking users’ computer activities and productivity levels during work hours. Therefore, it's essential to have tools that can help you monitor and control your computer usage effectively.

Whether you're a parent wanting to keep an eye on your child's online activities, an employer seeking to monitor employee productivity, or simply someone looking to manage your own computer usage, computer monitoring and control software can be invaluable. However, despite having been created for the same purpose, software solutions under this category are highly variable in terms of core capabilities, access levels, integrated tools, and, of course, operational cost.

In this article, I will introduce you to five of the best computer monitoring and control software options available, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons. These tools have been specially designed to give you comprehensive insights into a user’s computer activities. They are particularly helpful for employers who wish to maintain, enhance and reward the productivity of company employees at the team and individual levels.

Before that, let’s take a look at some valid concerns regarding the use of these tools by people, especially employers.

Concerns regarding the use of computer monitoring and control software

We discovered that one in every five companies has installed employee monitoring tools in the computers and even mobile devices that their employees use for work. However, despite the fast growth of technology that allows companies to monitor their employees (especially remote workers) closely, there’s much concern regarding its negative impact on employee morale.

A recent study found that the implementation of employee monitoring technologies seems to have contributed to the increase in the resignation rate. Two main reasons behind this phenomenon are a decrease in job satisfaction and employees’ frustration that arises from the knowledge that they are continuously under the scanner.

Considering the level of access and control that employers can have, employees' privacy concerns are undoubtedly reasonable. Monitoring tools help companies gain access to the device’s location and keystrokes and remotely record audio and video. Moreover, there are many cases where companies have used stealth monitoring platforms to keep track of their employees’ computer activities without the latter’s knowledge.

Although there are companies that do this only to protect business interests, it can still lead to employees losing their trust and, eventually, their motivation to work and productivity. As a result, implementing corporate surveillance and protecting employer-employee relationships can be quite tricky. Fortunately, the best computer monitoring software can help you balance these two aspects of remote work.

Top 5 Computer Monitoring and Control Software

Let us now go through my picks for the five best computer monitoring and control software available today.

1. Teramind

Teramind is a comprehensive computer monitoring and insider threat prevention solution. It offers real-time monitoring of user activities, including keystrokes, website visits, application usage, and more. Teramind also includes advanced features such as behavior analytics, which can detect and alert you to suspicious behavior patterns. Additionally, Teramind allows you to set up rules and policies to block or limit certain activities automatically.

Pros:

• Advanced behavior analytics for detecting insider threats.
• Real-time monitoring of user activities.
• Customizable rules and policies for automated actions.

Cons:

• Can be expensive for larger organizations.
• Some features may be overly complex for basic monitoring needs.

2. Veriato

Veriato is another powerful employee monitoring solution that offers a wide range of features for tracking and controlling user activities. It provides detailed reports on user behavior, including websites visited, applications used, and more. Veriato also offers real-time alerts for suspicious activities and can capture screenshots of user desktops at regular intervals.

Pros:

• Detailed reports and real-time alerts for monitoring user activities.
• Screen capture feature for monitoring desktop usage.
• Easy-to-use interface for managing monitoring policies.

Cons:

• It may be seen as intrusive by some employees.
• Some features may require additional licensing fees.

3. ActivTrak

ActivTrak is a cloud-based employee monitoring software that offers a range of features for tracking and managing user activities. It provides detailed insights into user behavior, including websites visited, applications used, and more. ActivTrak also offers productivity analysis tools, which can help you identify areas where employees may be spending too much time.

Pros:

• Cloud-based solution for easy deployment and management.
• Detailed insights into user behavior for monitoring productivity.
• Free version available for small teams.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to other monitoring solutions.
• Some users may find the interface confusing.

4. Insightful

Insightful, formerly Workpuls, is a comprehensive computer monitoring, employee analytics and time-tracking software that offers a range of features for monitoring and managing user activities. It provides detailed reports on user behavior, including websites visited, applications used, and more. Insightful also offers automated time-tracking features, which can help you monitor employee productivity more effectively.

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring and time tracking features.
• Automated time tracking for more accurate productivity monitoring.
• Easy-to-use interface for managing monitoring policies.

Cons:

• Some features may be redundant for basic monitoring needs.
• Pricing plans may be expensive for organizations with plenty of employees.

5. Net Nanny

Net Nanny is one of the best parental control software that offers a range of features for monitoring and controlling children's online activities. It allows you to block access to inappropriate websites, set time limits for internet usage, and monitor social media activities. Net Nanny also offers real-time alerts for suspicious activities and can generate detailed reports on children's online behavior.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use parental control features for monitoring and controlling online activities.
• Real-time alerts for suspicious activities.
• Detailed reports on children's online behavior.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to employee monitoring solutions.
• May not be suitable for monitoring older children or teenagers.

Remarks

Computer monitoring and control software can be a valuable tool for monitoring and managing user activities. Whether you're looking to monitor employee productivity, track children's online activities, or manage your own computer usage, there are several options available to suit your needs.

The five software options I’ve highlighted in this article offer a range of features for monitoring and controlling user activities, so you can choose the one that best fits your requirements. However, if you’re an employer planning to use these tools to monitor your employees’ work, don’t forget to keep the aforementioned concerns regarding the same in mind.