Q: Why have you named this filter Naomi?

A: See the program's manual: "I dedicate this program to a dear friend's baby girl; her name, naturally, is Naomi."

Q: What about updates?

A: Naomi is capable of recognizing new material automatically, since it does not rely on a list of banned sites; instead, it examines all data that are transmitted or received from the internet. For this reason there are no block-files to download for updating the filter. However, new versions of the filter will be released on this site whenever the recognition engine gets updated, when an issue (bug) gets fixed, or when the program gets improved. When a new version is available, it is a good idea to download and install it, after a complete uninstall of the previous version (see user manual).

Q: Is it possible to add a "404 error page" or a "permission denied" instead of closing the browser?

A: No, because Naomi is not specifically a web filter. It analyzes internet traffic and blocks the offending application, be it a web browser or another kind of application.

Q: Is it possible to hide Naomi's icon completely? I don't want the icon to show up at all in the tray area.

A: Starting from version 2.4 it is possible. If you have an older version (for instance, 2.3), uninstall it and download the new version first. Then, download the no tray icon plugin (click the text to download the plugin for versions 2.5.5 and above). Once you have downloaded the plugin, install it, then restart your computer. Naomi's icon should not reappear in the tray area anymore. To access Naomi's interface, you'll have to go to the Start menu, then choose Run, write naointerface and press Ok. If you want to go back to the standard version, just reinstall Naomi without the plugin.

Q: When I install the filter, the flower shaped icon appears next to the clock, but if I shut down and restart my pc, the icon doesn't reappear. Is this correct?

A: No. Either there is a problem that is preventing Naomi from starting (e.g. a particular software, such as a registry monitor), or if you are running Windows XP, simply Naomi's icon may be hidden in the tray area near the clock (there is an arrow you can click to show all the hidden icons). If Naomi is running, you can also install the no tray plugin so that you can use the naointerface command (see above).

Q: When installing, I get the following message: "An error occurred while trying to replace the existing file: DeleteFile failed..."

A: This message appears when a previous version of the filter is already installed and running. You must uninstall the previous version before installing a new one. To uninstall, just click on the program's icon, enter your password and click on the "Uninstall" button (see user manual).

Q: When I am logged in as a limited user in Windows XP, I can't install the filter and/or I get the following message: "Error: You need administrators privileges to run this program".

A: To use the program you need to have enough user rights (not limited) on the local pc. This is required to let the program analyze any software activity on the computer. A version which does not need administrator rights is planned but not actively developed.

Q: Under Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed, Naomi does not run.

A: The filter employes advanced process manipulation techniques that are not compatible with DEP (data execution prevention). You must lower your DEP settings, or disable the DEP as explained on this site: http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t307102.html (if you want to disable DEP completely, see here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875352).

Q: I can't remember my password. I need help to crack the password and remove the filter.

A: Sorry, the password is under your care. For security reasons, such requests will not receive any reply.

Q: When I try to type my password to access the filter's panel, nothing appears.

A: In the dialog window, click the white edit box and enter your password.

Q: I installed a new version but I didn't uninstall the previous one. Now I cannot open the program, or my password is rejected.

A: Just reboot your pc. The program should be able to fix the problem automatically.

Q: I use the software Deep Freeze and Naomi doesn't work because the current user doesn't have administator privileges. How can I fix this?

A: To run Naomi you need administrators privileges. I'm sorry, but at this time I don't have the time to write a service application to avoid the problem.

Q: Instead of blocking certain sites or content, I want to allow my computer to only to few pre-selected sites. Can your software do that?

A: No. Naomi is a content filter.

Q: Does the usage of the filter interfere with a particular software?

A: The Open Component Control function in Outpost Firewall Pro may block network access when the filter is running; Outpost users are therefore advised to disable the Open Process Control function. Problems may be caused by WinMX, MSN Messenger, and Hotmail (advertising and inappropriate messages may activate the filter).

Q: A harmless site is erroneously blocked.

A: Several sites use ICRA labels to self-define their content type. Some of them (a few sports and business sites, and a widely used chat program's site, among the others) use ICRA flags that are used to define violent or explicit content, even if in reality the page is harmless.
Besides, the filter is designed to be safe for kids in particular. For this reason, some sites that are "partly safe" are blocked by the program. For example, one site that is currently blocked contains artistic works - mainly of the fantasy genre - produced by different surfers. Among those works, there are some themes who are not safe for kids (i.e. homosexual erotism, tendency to pedophilia). The site is blocked to prevent access to such images. If you are sure that a blocked site is safe for kids, please use the report module (see below).

Q: Any chance that you would consider adding trusted and blocked site lists functionality in a next version?

A: It is possible, but at this moment I don't want to add user-lists functionality, mainly because the filter is not based on the concept of "lists" and is not just a filter for web browsers. Besides, I prefer that users let me know about the sites that are not blocked or that are erroneously blocked, so that I can modify the filter and all users may benefit from the new versions.

Q: Google Images pages often do not seem to be blocked.

A: The filter cannot "see" images, it can only analyze phrases, words, file names, server addresses, tags, links, etc. So if a search engine shows a picture named "001.jpg", probably the filter will not block it. However, if the user tries to view other pictures associated to that image, google should redirect the user on the original gallery/site, and the filter should be able to block it.

Q: Your product seems to update very often. How will I know when I should get the program?

A: Recently I have added support (semantic and heuristic detection) for more foreign languages, and I'm still receiving suggestions by different users. That's why the filter gets updated so often. Starting from version 2.3.0 the filter is accurate enough for installing even without updating often. However, I would advise to update the filter once in a few months or whenever a major version change occurs (i.e. if you have 2.3.0, it's a good idea to update when 2.4.0 gets released, to have better accuracy/stability/features etc).

Q: My computer crashes (access violation) when I'm running the filter, or I get an error in "iexplore.exe", or the filter does not work.

A: Contact me using the report form. Please specify your Windows version (i.e. 98, 2000, XP), available memory (128, 256 MB), processor (Pentium 3, Athlon, etc.) and resident software that is running on your pc (Norton antivirus, etc.) You can find other free filters on this site. Anyway, if Naomi does not work for you, a short report is appreciated.

Q: I have a personal website, may I put a link to the filter's setup file on your site?

A: Sorry, my web host does not allow direct downloads from other sites; please link the main page only. Thanks.

Q: Please kindly advise: 1) Can I distribute your software? 2) Can I give my customer a copy and charge the cost of the media/time? 3) Can I install it for my customers and charge for my time installing it?

A: 1) Like any other freeware product, you are allowed to distribute Naomi for free, as long as you follow the license (you can read it online or in the program's manual).
2) You can ONLY charge the cost of the media (1 cd or 1 floppy).
3) You are NOT allowed to charge for your time installing Naomi. The product is simple enough to be installed by anyone. It only requires pressing "Next", "Ok", and choosing a password. If they are not able to install it, I am offering free user support.

Q: I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ.

A: You can contact me using the report form on this page.