SOFTWARE BLOCKS NET PORN; PRODUCTS DO TASK GOVERNMENT WON'T.

Byline: David E. Kalish Associated Press 

What's a parent to do?

The nation's highest court just rejected a government drive to shield kids from Internet smut. Kids surfing the Web these days never know what they'll find.

For example, type in the word ``toy'' on the popular AltaVista site-search engine and the second choice that blinks up isn't GI Joe or Barbie. It's the ``Nice 'N Naughty's Adult Toy'' store, hawking the Felicia Fantasy Doll, the Testicular Stimulator and the Precision Power Pump.

The blocking software generally costs between $20 and $40 and is relatively easy to install. Some options:

Cyber Patrol is made by Microsystems Software Inc. of Framingham, Mass. It employs about a dozen parents and teachers who act as censors by plying the Web and assembling lists of sites they feel are good or bad for kids.

Net Nanny is made by Net Nanny Software International Inc. based in Vancouver. It enables parents to block sites based on words they enter - for example, sites that use the words sex, pornography, Playboy, Hustler and any foul language.

Surfwatch from Spyglass Inc. of Naperville, Ill.

Cybersitter from Solid Oak Software Inc. of Santa Barbara.

Then there's the obvious: Just keeping a close watch on your children's on-line activities.

Even President Clinton seems to be leaning toward a technological solution.

He said Thursday he'll meet with industry leaders, parents and teachers to develop a solution ``as powerful for the computer as the V-chip will be for the television and that protects children in ways that are consistent with America's free-speech values.''

CAPTION(S):

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Box: (Color) Smut blockers

Associated Press