Is it possible to block specific web sites?

xxdeebeexx

Is it possible to put a block on specific web sites. My boys need access to the internet for Home work but sneak onto a games site if I'm not keeping a close eye on things.:shocked:
I would like to have more control on which sites they can visit.
Any ideas?
TIA
D

Moneymaker

It's technically possible but your boys will quickly find a workaround. Better to build up a trusting relationship so they don't misbehave.

wonka

There are lots of ways of doing this.

If you have Windows XP, the quickest way is to open (or create) a file on the C: Drive, in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (use notepad).

Add a line in this file for each web site you need to block, as follows:
127.0.0.1 https://www.gamesite.com
127.0.0.1 https://www.gamesrus.com
127.0.0.1 https://www.mygames.co.uk

...and so on...

What this does is, when requests are made to access those sites specified, the request is redirected to your home PC, fooling Internet Explorer. To undo this, simply open the file again, and delete those lines you added.

This is also a good technique for "blocking" adverts in your browser. For more info, click here

sra

If you use a router you can check if it has the capability of blocking urls. Mine does (netgear) and if they don't know the password to the router then it's much harder to figure out and change back than the host files.

GreenNotM

Another method, if you use IE just use the restricted sites. Tools menu >> Internet Options >> Security Tab >> Restricted Sites >> Sites (button) >> add the sites to the list.

Ensure that the security level is set as high as possible for "Restricted Sites" or use custom and set all to "Disable"

May lessen the damage to ensure their accounts are non admin - but they will be able to change these - so add in the 1000's from the SpyBot Immunize(sic) feature to hide the game sites amongst them.

xxdeebeexx

Moneymaker wrote:

It's technically possible but your boys will quickly find a workaround. Better to build up a trusting relationship so they don't misbehave.

Yes I agree with you 100%. Up until these past few months life was simple.
My older boy has just started Secondary School and it seems that I'm bringing home a stranger every night instead of my own beautiful boy :eek:
D

GreenNotM

xxdeebeexx wrote:

My older boy has just started Secondary School and it seems that I'm bringing home a stranger every night instead of my own beautiful boy :eek:
D

You are collecting your son from secondary school ? :eek:

Doesn't he know the way ? I guess trust has to be earnt ....... :rolleyes:

Swan_2

xxdeebeexx,
I can vouch for wonka's method posted above

I used it to great effect when my daughter developed an unhealthy obsession with ebay :rolleyes:

she obviously knew I'd done something, but never did manage to figure out what it was

Idiophreak

The way suggested above on the router is the best way to go about it.

I (life having gone full circle) have used this at home to block my mum's access to the australian Neighbours sites.

That's what she gets for messing with me

edit: this method also gives you a lot more control over what they can access when. You can ban certain computers from accessing the net between certain hours for instance. This should make getting them to bed that much easier.

As long as you keep the password for the router secure there's not a whole lot can be done about it (unless you've sent him to some leet hacking school )

GreenNotM

Idiophreak wrote:

That's what she gets for messing with me

Did your mum go on collecting you from Uni then ?

Idiophreak

GreenNotM wrote:

Did your mum go on collecting you from Uni then ?

well someone had to do the washing