How to block inappropriate websites at home?
How can I block inappropriate websites on my home network? I have a son who is 14, and surprise, surprise, he is going to websites that I don't approve of. I could tell him not to, but let's be real - he's a 14 year old boy. How can I block these types of sites? I can restrict access to individual sites through my router, but I can't do that for every seedy site on the internet. Suggestions?
Answers
To block certain websites on your PC, here' s the trick (for Windows):
Step 1: Click the Start button and select Run. Now copy and paste the following text in that Run box:
c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Choose “Notepad” to open it.
Step 2: Go to the last line of the file, hit the enter key and type in the following format:
127.0.0.1 xxxx.com
Eg: If you want to block facebook.com and myspace.com
127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 myspace.com
Step 3: Save the modified file
That’s it. None of the above sites can be visited on your computer.
One per line if you want to add more web sites.
In this way you can only block website one by one, if you want to block websites in large scale, you can use a professional web filter which will help you easily block websites by keywords or URL.
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I use DNS settings at the router level to act as a web filter for all browsers, whether it's a computer, laptop, iPod, or smartphone -- no need for software or app downloads, no lag, etc.
I use to have Norton Online Family combined with Windows Parental Controls. The only prob was that I have 2 laptops & 1 computer with WinXP, Vista, and Win7. Then the kids got iPods for Xmas, and so it was a pain to ensure they weren't looking at inappropriate sites/vides on those things too. Norton was problematic on Firefox & didn't even work with Opera, so I tried using Microsoft Live Family Safety with Windows Parental Controls instead. Unfortunately, the app blocker on it either didn't work or just sucked overall, not to mention that the iPods were still being left out.
Now I've removed all of it except the built-in parental controls, and I just block inappropriate sites via DNS. This works on their iPods because the block is at the router level, but the catch is that it means you too, are blocked from those same sites, and so is anyone else who uses your wifi/internet. That's not a big deal for me, but if you're one to watch adult stuff or humor that may be adult in nature, you might find this cumbersome. (You can always use your smartphone's data plan if you really need this feature. LOL The kids' cellphones have data blocked via cell service provider.)
IN my router's DNS settings, I use 208.67.222.123 (others use 208.67.222.123 - 208.67.220.123). Then I tested it by trying to access RedTube & search for porn on one of the iPods, and the setting worked great. Maybe this is more of what you're looking for..? No laggy installs that need to be set up on each individual PC, no need to buy or download apps to monitor iPods, etc. I use it in conjunction with parental controls, because I still want the computer/laptop to boot the kids off or not let them log in when it's outside of the range I have set (like after bedtime on weekdays).
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You can try parental control option:
Windows 7
The current Windows operating system has a simple process for controlling what children see online. Go to Start > Control Panel > User
Accounts then Family Safety > Set up Parental Controls. Choose whether to set restrictions for one user or all. More at the address below...
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Perhaps the best solution is to not allow him unrestricted access to the Internet. That way you'd know which sites he is visiting since he'd only be allowed to use it when you were home with him.