CompuServe Seattle, previously known as Spry Inc., has released a new version of its popular Internet in a Box software (Ibox) and plans a special version for 8-to-14-year-old users to be released by the end of the year.
In Ibox version 2.0, the e-mailer now sports a spell-checker and allows you to work offline, and the newsreader permits easy decoding and downloading of binary files. Not surprisingly, Ibox 2.0 defaults to Interserv, CompuServe’s Internet access provider, but you can choose any other provider that supports SLIP or PPP. But the newsreader still does not have kill files to help ignore unwanted message topics, and the new version of the Spry Mosaic Web browser does not yet support HTML 3.0.
CompuServe also announced Internet in a Box for Kids, which includes software (code-named ‘Crossing Guard’) that allows adults to filter ‘inappropriate content.’ You also can set controls for when and how long children can access the Net. Ibox for Kids is scheduled to include e-mail software, a Web browser, Internet Wizard (which allows users to establish accounts with most Internet access providers), and a connection to KidNet, which the company describes as “an exclusive online children’s Web community.” Ibox users can use KidNet to “chat, shop, and play interactive games,” according to the company, and the site will be monitored to ensure that content is appropriate for children. Kids also will be able to create their own home pages. for more information, write to [email protected] or call (800) 777-9638.