Internet filters

[Cbarton]

The time has come, I'm afraid. Had "the talk" with my son a couple of weekends ago. So, before he goes where he shouldn't, I need to get an internet filtering program set up to protect my kids.

Can anyone recommend one that I can install that either (1) will not block my access to here or (2) can be set up to allow me to come here?

I use Windows XP home, fully updated, and Firefox as my browser.

 

[MistressValerie1]

I think that most commercial filters come with a password-protected override that would allow you to visit here.

The Texas ISP Association has a very comprehensive guide to filters here, and there is a detailed review of current filters here.

 

[Cbarton]

Thanks, Val. I'll check them out. MDJ and I appreciate the input!

 

[Smade1]

Filter by blocking all sites and allow ones he requests and you have checked are OK.

 

[infojoe]

Filter by blocking all sites and allow ones he requests and you have checked are OK.

I agree, this is a much more effective approach given the current state of filtering technology.

 

[a1532b]

Another effective method is to stand over his shoulder, monitoring his every move. 😀

 

[Cbarton]

I agree, this is a much more effective approach given the current state of filtering technology.

Block them how? I use firefox...but IE is loaded on here as well

 

[Smade1]

Make sure that any filtering device you install allows sites to be "whitelisted" as well as "blacklisted". Any program worth it's salt should allow you to either filter by blocking all sites unless whitelisted or allowing all sites unless blacklisted.
The first is called "Default Deny" and is the best way of protecting your children against undesirables.
If you go with the second policy, "Default Allow" you would be relying on the program's database of sites or it's capacity to rate and filter a site on the fly. This is likely to fail as how well would it deal with foreign language sites or anonymous proxy servers which spring up on a daily basis?

The web browser used shouldn't matter to properly written software as it should block any request from any program to a restricted site.

Note: anonymous proxy servers will allow you to request Internet pages with them acting as an intermediary - you go to "myanonproxy.com" and request the front page of sex.com. To your filtering software you have just requested another page from "myanonproxy.com" so it will probably allow it.

 

[FT Genikit]

I hate to ask this, because it may sound stupid, but...what's a filter?

 

[Smade1]

A filter is a device that allows some things through and blocks others. If you brew tea from tea leaves you pour the liquid through a tea-strainer to pass the water through but filter out the tea leaves - the strainer is a filter.

In Internet terms we are talking about allowing some sites to display on a computer but stopping others.