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Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
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Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 10:21 PM
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Situation is:-
One Windows laptop with 4 users (all as administrators)
Two children - one abuses it and uses things such as MSN chat, Facespace, etc, etc - simultaneously doing her homework.
The other does his work and uses some of the above - after he has finished his homework.
Is there any method of blocking the bad - but still allowing the good ?
Is there such a thing as a user-specific software firewall (I don't have a software firewall at the moment)?
Before anyone says anything, all users are set-up as admin because it was "easier" and Windows is so bug-ridden anyway.
One Windows laptop with 4 users (all as administrators)
Two children - one abuses it and uses things such as MSN chat, Facespace, etc, etc - simultaneously doing her homework.
The other does his work and uses some of the above - after he has finished his homework.
Is there any method of blocking the bad - but still allowing the good ?
Is there such a thing as a user-specific software firewall (I don't have a software firewall at the moment)?
Before anyone says anything, all users are set-up as admin because it was "easier" and Windows is so bug-ridden anyway.
"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."
5 REPLIES 5
Re: Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 10:43 PM
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I was reading about Windows SteadyState the other day which might do what you want. I'm still researching so haven't installed it yet. Perhaps some forum members have?
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/seeit/athome.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/seeit/athome.mspx
Re: Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 11:04 PM
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I neglected to say that I have a very strong preference in favour of freeware.
So I think that rules out Microsoft for me, anyway.
So I think that rules out Microsoft for me, anyway.
"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."
Re: Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 11:13 PM
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C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
Open the Hosts file with Notepad.
Scroll to the bottom and enter e.g.:
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
close and save changes, now you won't be able to access Facebook from your computer at all!
Repeat as necessary.
Your router should be able to block any sites (if you're using a router).
As you suggest a software firewall should be able to do it too.
Regards,
Neil
Open the Hosts file with Notepad.
Scroll to the bottom and enter e.g.:
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
close and save changes, now you won't be able to access Facebook from your computer at all!
Repeat as necessary.
Your router should be able to block any sites (if you're using a router).
As you suggest a software firewall should be able to do it too.
Regards,
Neil
Re: Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 11:27 PM
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There are several solutions depending how severe you want to be and if its only at certain times or all the time
You can use built in windows group policies to deny access to anything like control panel MSN etc.
One of the best, simplest and Freeware is to use a proxy server from
http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/index.php
Documents here
http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/index.php?page=5
As you can see there is loads of support and forums to help some of the things it can do are
Allow access to the internet at certain times
Allow some users access to some sites
Allow some users access to a selection of sites at specific times.
Allow the import of ban lists to ban based on URL or IP address
Access report: detailing access violations
Detailed log of web sites accessed
Summary report of access by user
Debug report
As you can see it does all you want and the best is that it reports everything so you can then grab the kids and say you went on this site at this time and tried to look at unsuitable material. You can also set it by time so they can only use MSN after there home work for example
You can use built in windows group policies to deny access to anything like control panel MSN etc.
One of the best, simplest and Freeware is to use a proxy server from
http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/index.php
Documents here
http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/index.php?page=5
As you can see there is loads of support and forums to help some of the things it can do are
Allow access to the internet at certain times
Allow some users access to some sites
Allow some users access to a selection of sites at specific times.
Allow the import of ban lists to ban based on URL or IP address
Access report: detailing access violations
Detailed log of web sites accessed
Summary report of access by user
Debug report
As you can see it does all you want and the best is that it reports everything so you can then grab the kids and say you went on this site at this time and tried to look at unsuitable material. You can also set it by time so they can only use MSN after there home work for example
Re: Selectively block access to certain internet programs on Windows XP
24-03-2009 11:55 PM
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Thanks Samuria,
This sounds simple enough for me to use!
I especially like the access logs features.
This sounds simple enough for me to use!
I especially like the access logs features.
"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."
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