Block Internet access at work

paddypaws101

I work in a small business and staff are out of control using the internet during working hours.
Is it possible to somehow block internet access while still allowing access to work emails? Or only allowing access to senior staff with a password?
We have Windows 7 and IE

eamon

Yes. There are many solutions available according to your network arrangements (assuming that is what you have) and management policies. At my place of work we have a filter that screens for "inappropriate" content from memory these are words (and components of words) that can be or construed to be pornographic, violence, military? etc. For example searching for Bruce Springsteen is blocked as the word "teen" is deemed as suspect. It does occasionally cause moments of !!!!!! when I'm researching new products and it blocks access to a silicon gun supplier for example.
Experts will be along shortly with more help etc.

Im_just_careful

Open DNS would be a simple start and relatively simple to introduce.

You can block categories of sites.

paddypaws101

Thanks eamon, we don't really have a network set up, it's just a single lap top and we don not want staff to be able to browse at all if possible.

eamon

So its just a solo machine. Just remove the ethernet cable/wireless dongle/modem and commence disciplinary proceedings against any future transgressors.

Figment

How is the laptop connected to the internet?

What does it use for email?

How would you prevent them from using their own device(s) to surf instead?

Does the company have an internet usage policy?

Figment

eamon wrote: »

So its just a solo machine. Just remove the ethernet cable/wireless dongle/modem and commence disciplinary proceedings against any future transgressors.

That wouldn't allow access to emails

McKneff

Tell them, in writing as a notice on the wall and a note in their paypacket that internet use in working hours will end up as a disciplinary matter which could ultimately end in their dismissal.

And follow it through

I bet its cut to one tenth immediately.

paddypaws101

Figment wrote: »

How is the laptop connected to the internet?
Wireless modem
What does it use for email?
erm, not sure! It's BT connect, what are the options and I will check. IE?

How would you prevent them from using their own device(s) to surf instead?
We are also planning to ban use of personal mobiles during working hours, I think they will get the message not to turn up with their own lap top!

Does the company have an internet usage policy?
Not up until now, it was left to their discretion, but has got absolutely ridiculous recently. New policy will be NO access for non-work related stuff

Hope this info helps

Figment

paddypaws101 wrote: »

Figment wrote:

How is the laptop connected to the internet?
Wireless modem
What does it use for email?
erm, not sure! It's BT connect, what are the options and I will check. IE?

How would you prevent them from using their own device(s) to surf instead?
We are also planning to ban use of personal mobiles during working hours, I think they will get the message not to turn up with their own lap top!

Does the company have an internet usage policy?
Not up until now, it was left to their discretion, but has got absolutely ridiculous recently. New policy will be NO access for non-work related stuff
Hope this info helps

Do you log onto a web page to end/receive emails, or something client like Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird etc.

Do the staff need internet access for work-related stuff?

Jamie_Cortez

C:/Windows/System32/drivers/etc/hosts
Open with notepad

Locate the line 127.0.0.1 localhost
To block the website google.com for example, just add this text under

127.0.0.1 localhost:
127.0.0.1 google.com
127.0.0.1 https://www.google.com

All you need to do is use the history tab and enter the website address with the IP prefix above to block that website on the machine.
It will require a reboot after you save the notepad file.

It will allow you to visit sites you need too as they will not be in the block filter, but you'll be able to block the non work sites easily..and it's unlikely your general staff will be able to figure out how your doing it