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How do I block certain websites from being accessed through a browser?

How do I block certain websites from being accessed through a browser?

A friend of mine (who is not a geek) asks me how to stop her little brother from playing web games on her computer. She is currently using Chrome and IE, and I have never done that before, even on FF.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 262
Total answers/comments: 5
bert [Entry]

"If you know the names of the sites, edit the hosts file (c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts) and put

127.0.0.1 www.site.com
127.0.0.1 site.com

This should stop him from visiting the sites.

That aside, there are many plugins available, but they would be easy to get around. I know if you use OpenDNS as your DNS provider (may need to change a setting on your pc or the router), If you sign up for a (free) account, I believe that you can filter games."
bert [Entry]

"Proxomitron is one of the most efficient web filtering applications under the sun.

on Siski's website you'll find well maintained configuration files.

Proxomitron is freeware and works for any browser."
bert [Entry]

Most linksys routers have an access restrictions settings. This is a easy and simple way to limit access to websites. It's also surprising the level of control you can set for each restriction. It may require a more technical person to set up, but it doesn't require any extra software as long as you have a router.
bert [Entry]

Untangle for Windows might be an interesting solution to this. I've not used it (I do, however, use Untangle's "normal" firewall and love it) but it looks reasonably simple to setup.
bert [Entry]

"I don't see an operating system mentioned. One possibility is to create a separate account for Little Brother either in Windows, MacOS, or Linux, and in that account use the various child-protection applications mentioned in other answers. That way Big Sister isn't affected and can do what she wants. Of course she'll have to change her own password and not tell Little Brother.

Unfortunately this solution isn't compatible with editing the Hosts file, since that affects all accounts."