Blocking Websites

[glitch]

I've been tasked with blocking websites, such as Facebook and twitter, on an office computer-its OS is XP. The web browsers we're using are Firefox and Explorer

I've tried using some methods on this websites:http://www.delete-computer-history.c...a-website.html

particularly these two methods:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

How to block a Website using Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer version 5 and later offer the ability for heighten security and privacy. You can block a site by following the directions below:
1. Load your Internet explorer
2. Click Tools
3. Click Internet Options
4. Click the Privacy tab
5. Under the Privacy window, Click Sites
6. Type in the site address that you want to Block and Click OK. Remember this technique only blocks on one site at a time. Parental control software will allow you to block multiple sites and categories.



How to Restrict a Website using Firefox
Firefox requires an add-on to restrict sites. You can find many good ones at Mozilla.org. The best one is BlockSite.

Here is How:
1. In Firefox, click Tools
2. Click Add-ons
3. Click Get Add-ons
4. Choose Browse All Add-ons.
5. Type blocksite in the search bar.After installing the add-on you will be able to block sites with just a few clicks.

I noticed over the weekend that someone got around these two methods, so I've moved on to command prompt option. I'm just worried that someone might get wise and go around this method too. Any advice?

[The Hedge Knight]

I would see if my router had a capacity to block websites and do it through that remembering to set a secure password on it.

[Bolkonsky]

OpenDNS or BlueCoat K9 Protection

[Ybbon]

You need to do this at the router/server level and not at the users browser. For start they could simply download another browser and bypass any controls you've put in a browser. So what kind of router are you using? Most of them will have a fairly simple interface you can use to block all sorts of stuff like this, and OpenDNS, as Bolkonsky says, is great from a personal use. Not sure what their costs would be for (I assume) a small business. Their sales pitch says it can block domains/sites for acceptable use policy sounds like what you are after?

[glitch]

I'm not sure if going to router path is the best idea. It a somewhat complicated set-up (router connected to another router connecting to office equipment)

I'm trying a combination of methods- k9, command prompt, and add-on settings. Hope it works

I just had one more question: is there a way to have an authorization password to install/uninstall programs?. It would be really helpful. Any other suggestions would be appreciated

[Nietzsche]

I'm not sure if going to router path is the best idea. It a somewhat complicated set-up (router connected to another router connecting to office equipment)

I'm trying a combination of methods- k9, command prompt, and add-on settings. Hope it works

I just had one more question: is there a way to have an authorization password to install/uninstall programs?. It would be really helpful. Any other suggestions would be appreciated

Policy settings and permissions can be adjusted based on user ID to disallow access to anything on a box. If you are a small business each box will have to be adjusted individually, but if you use the console you can export/import settings to make it a bit easier on yourself.

[GrnEyedDvl]

Is there a server with Active Directory involved here?

[Ishan]

Ok here is what you do i tested it on Win 7 and it works as i used it on Win XP so wasn't aware that it still worked.

You go to this C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
And there will be a file named hosts there are two files with that name the one without the extension is what we want that is hosts & hosts.msn. We want the red one.

You then open it with notepad and at the bottom you will find something like this:-

127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

So say you wanna block TWC so you do this change and save it (you can only do this if you have admin rights to edit the file).

127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
127.0.0.1				xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
127.0.0.1				www.twcenter.net

After saving the changes you restart your PC and then voila it doesn't opens in any browser.

Hope this helps.