What is the difference between NetFree and Rimon?

Zipcode

Moderators: I hope I've posted this is the right place -- I was not able to find this information elsewhere.

What is the practical difference between Netfree vs. Rimon?
I want a strict level of base filtering that allows rules to be set to allow needed sites.

I'm a webmaster for several websites and I need to be able to access/administer them through the browser and through ftp.
I'm a graphic artist and at times I'll need access to stock photo websites. The problem in this case is these websites seem to randomly toss in unexpected photos that I deem not-tznius.
At times I will need to search through many screens of photos to find the best image.
I need access to Gmail, Wix, Google fonts, and a few other sites to download shiurim.

Based on this description, what is the Netfree solution?
How is Rimon filtering different for this use case?
I don't have a clear understanding of the features/benefits of each company, so I'm turning to this forum for guidance. And I'm most grateful for the help.

yzahn

@zipcode I can't speak for Rimon.
As far as Netfree goes:
Netfree is whitelist based.

I'm a webmaster for several websites and I need to be able to access/administer them through the browser and through ftp.

Shouldn't be a problem but requires a request to whitelist them if they have not yet been whitelisted.

I'm a graphic artist and at times I'll need access to stock photo websites. The problem in this case is these websites seem to randomly toss in unexpected photos that I deem not-tznius.
At times I will need to search through many screens of photos to find the best image.

As far as kashrus is concerned Netfree is absolutely without doubt the best, each image passes a human inspection. Only images with no women are allowed through.
On the practicality side of things: Be prepared to sacrifice for the sake of kashrus...
The fact that ALL images must undergo human inspection means it takes time for images to come through. (Any previously checked image will not undergo another check so on very popular sites most images will be available immmediately.)
Any images containing women are blocked even if you might deem them ok.

I need access to Gmail, Wix, Google fonts, and a few other sites to download shiurim.

Should all be ok. (As long as the shiurim follow the mainstream charedi outlook).

How is Rimon filtering different for this use case?

Reportedly they cannot filter images very well. Some sites will have even kosher images blocked and other sites will have even unkosher pictures available.
Reportedly the customer service is far less good.

Obviously you can't expect a totally unbiased opinion in the Netfree forum...

A huge difference is that Rimon is a business venture targeting mainly the dati croud whereas Netfree is a charedi non profit venture.

DovidStroh

@yzahn said in What is the difference between NetFree and Rimon?:

On the practicality side of things: Be prepared to sacrifice for the sake of kashrus...
The fact that ALL images must undergo human inspection means it takes time for images to come through. (Any previously checked image will not undergo another check so on very popular sites most images will be available immmediately.)

It is important to note though, for most uses this isn't an issue as image review time is quite quick (you can see the current time on NetFree's homepage - http://netfree.link).

Where it can take longer is for someone like @Zipcode - a graphic artist who needs lots of pictures (many times that were never reviewed before) or for those doing lots of online shopping.

Not that it is impossible or extremely difficult but it may be a sacrifice for some.

Zipcode

@dovidstroh
@yzahn

If I'm on a deadline for a client, I need to shoot through pages of stock photos at times -- I fully understand the delay as images are being reviewed, and bravo for such a feature.

If I'm getting significant delays, can Netfree be turned off so I can continue working?
I have no problem with filtering, but who owns the keys?
Does a user need to petition a va'ad for reshut to put the filter on hold?
How do we uninstall if it's too difficult based on our needs?
Can we even uninstall once we've joined the system?

My wife's usage must also be considered:

She works in the printing and publishing world and needs access to various sites for research. Most often Wikipedia and other Torah sites.
My wife is very clear that she wants to be able to zoom with her workmates -- ie other women. Is this locked out?
My wife wants to be able to watch recorded shiurim given by women. Can the filter be configured to allow sites deemed essential by the user?
My wife has a presence on LinkedIn and she gets new clients in that venue. Is LinkedIn available?

yzahn

@zipcode said in What is the difference between NetFree and Rimon?:

If I'm getting significant delays, can Netfree be turned off so I can continue working?

No!!!

I have no problem with filtering, but who owns the keys?
Does a user need to petition a va'ad for reshut to put the filter on hold?

There is absolutely no such thing as disabling the filter.

How do we uninstall if it's too difficult based on our needs?

There is no installation, and hence no uninstallation. It is a ISP side filter. Change your ISP and you are not filtered anymore.

Wikipedia and other Torah sites

Mostly shouldn't be an issue.

My wife wants to be able to watch recorded shiurim given by women. Can the filter be configured to allow sites deemed essential by the user?

As a matter of policy, only content that is acceptable for everyone (i.e. men & women) is open. Also there is no option to allow content that doesn't pass the baseline policies.

My wife has a presence on LinkedIn and she gets new clients in that venue. Is LinkedIn available?

No (I am not sure why but it Netfree considers linkedin a social networking site)

DovidStroh

@yzahn said in What is the difference between NetFree and Rimon?:

There is no installation, and hence no uninstallation. It is a ISP side filter. Change your ISP and you are not filtered anymore.

There is the optional installation of NetFree's WiFree software to prevent disconnections from the filter such as connecting to a neighbors WiFi etc. which costs 100 NIS to remove.

@yzahn said in What is the difference between NetFree and Rimon?:

No (I am not sure why but it Netfree considers linkedin a social networking site)

LinkedIn is indeed a social networking platform (see here) and it is not restricted to business only (despite that fact that this is it's target) there are also problematic activities going on there (something which LinkedIn - like most social media networks - tries to curb).