I have a gig that includes maintaining a computer lab that kids use after school. I need a product that provides blocking by topic area (nudity, language, etc.) and for URLS that I specify.
I'm currently using IE's native Content Advisor. It seems though to apply the limitations I've set up globally. Is there a work-around so I can apply limitations only to the kids' account? The tutors need to be able to access sites like their webmail without having to enter a Supervisor password.
Failing that, do you have any recommendations for third-party products that would fit my needs?
We have four stand-alone (not networked) computers in the lab running XP and IE (6, I think)
Thanks so much for your help.
Diana
I'm currently using IE's native Content Advisor. It seems though to apply the limitations I've set up globally. Is there a work-around so I can apply limitations only to the kids' account? The tutors need to be able to access sites like their webmail without having to enter a Supervisor password.
Failing that, do you have any recommendations for third-party products that would fit my needs?
We have four stand-alone (not networked) computers in the lab running XP and IE (6, I think)
Thanks so much for your help.
Diana
posted by:
|
SF Bay Area
|
-
Re: Website Blocking & Parental Controls
Tue, December 11, 2007 - 8:06 PMPS: Ideally I hold the only admin account on the boxes in question. I'd like to set up the tutor and student accounts as guests.
-
Re: Website Blocking & Parental Controls
Tue, December 11, 2007 - 8:10 PMIf you were in a true networked environment it would be easier, since you can do a lot of what you're talking about using Group Policy.
This is designed more for home use but might be helpful, its really good software:
www1.k9webprotection.com/
They make a great hardware appliance, but its probably outside your budget.
I would say that for what you're trying to do, being able to force them through the system is ideal. You can do this with an appliance (Something elaborate like the bluecoat, or simpler like the functions built into SOHO firewalls), or by setting up a proxy server (Like Squid on Linux or ISA on Windows).
Most of the software that I've used (Like McAffee internet security), requires putting in a password to determine what level of access the user has.
-
Re: Website Blocking & Parental Controls
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 4:51 PMYou might try Dan's Guardian, dansguardian.org/
Would require a separate machine, but it wouldn't have to be too beefy or break the bank.
Here is a howto on setting it up under Ubuntu (mileage may vary) www.pilpi.net/journal/item-985.php
I have used it, but it was built into a Clarke Connect gateway (another pretty good tool) and I didn't have to do much other than tweak a few settings via a web gui.
Good luck in your searching.
