Password Protect IE

Greensprout

Hey all,

I have a mate who runs a small company and they have a few PC's networked.

He wants to password protect internet usage so contractors can't access it.

Is there anything out there for free which can do this?

Cat695

well if its using a router then just password that

Greensprout

Is there not any software to block the icon use without a password or something..

I can't imagine him knowing how to change router settings

Cat695

well if its a wireless network then very easy to do.....

fwor

IMO it doesn't really make sense to try and constrain the contractors' PCs, because if they are any good they will find a way around anything local to them (e.g. a different browser on a pendrive).

One solution would be to insert a Proxy Server/Firewall at his external connection to the internet. There are a few hardened Linux distributions which are designed for that purpose, and they will run on any spare PC that he's probably got lying around.

FWIW, my own experience of employing contractors suggests that you get better value out of them if they have access to the Internet, because they can use it to solve problems for you. I much prefer to tell them up front that a small amount of personal use is acceptable - as long as it doesn't interfere with what I'm paying them for.

[edit: plus tell them up front anything specific you don't want them to access, such as obscene material, and tell them that if they do it will be considered a sackable offence).

Greensprout

I'll pass on the advice.. Thanks!

wacko911

You could maybe use OPENDNS on the router/computers. Very esay to setup, you can then block a whole host of different sites from !!!!!! to auction sites while still leaving legitimate sites available. It will also log all sites visited and then if there is an offending site you can add that to your personal block list.

Okay so there are ways round it, but at least its a start and its free.