Internet Rating/Content Control ?'s

[CZSteve]

What is the best way to limit access to sexually explicit sites?

I've tried the IE 'Content Advisor' w/in the Internet Options Tool Drop-Down; it seems to be a very poor way of blocking 'R' or 'X' rated sights without severely hampering access to a multitude of other sights.

Any other better options or available software?

[thelostboyscout]

There are about 5 bajillion better ways to do it... google "internet filter" and see what comes up.

Can't name any off the top of my head,  but they are definitly "out there".

[Jason]

http://www.netnanny.com/

[CZSteve]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Let me explain why I'm wanting this and hopefully you'll can elaborate as to whether these software programs will work.

First of all, this is about as 'pathetic' as it gets.

This is to keep my father-in-law from getting on porn sites while visiting @ our house. (I'll not go into detail as to what kind of 'porn' it is)
He's an adult and what he does in his house is his business; but my house, my IP address, MY RULES.
Yes, I have spoken to him about this; twice actually.
And yes, last time they were here I looked and find that he still continues to do it. (yes, I know, very dis-respectful)
And yes, the topic of not allowing them to stay here anymore has come up. I'm willing to do this to keep the peace. Call me crazy.

Questions:
W/ the NetNanny, if I lockout porn rated sites can someone still access sites such as eBay? (their not rated at all, are they?)
I do know one particular site he visits. Can I identify it to prohibit access? Tried this w/ IE content options, didn't work well at all.

Do ya think I can send my FIL the $40.00 bill for the program?

Pretty pathetic, huh?

[Chris Rhines]

Be careful with the internet filtering software.  It can be very hard to remove after you are done with it.  I had to format and rebuild my office machine to get Cybersitter off it.

- Chris

[jefnvk]

Simple solution.  Put a password on your computer.  Problem solved.

If he can't conform to your rules, he shouldn't be allowed to use your computer.

My roommate was told the same thing.  I didn't mind if we shared internet, but it was MY IP with MY name on it, and I would have to pay the fine if it got shut off.  He doesn't download porn or music, he gets free internet.  Otherwise, he pays for his own, because I'll just disconnect him.

EDIT: don't know how computer savy he is, but you may also need to block access to any P2P software (Kazaa, Morpheus, etc)

Another Edit: If you have a router, it can usually block access to certain IP addresses.  If there is a site he goes to regularly, just stick that IP in the router, and it will block access to and from that site.  Won;t help any sites you don't know about though.

[CZSteve]

jfnvk,

Thanks.
We've (wife and I) have discussed just turning on the password and not letting him on the cmputer.

You have to know the man. I/we would almost prefer he be able to use the computer as opposed to interact w/ the rest of the family on a 24/7 basis. His using the computer for eBay (he does sell/buy quite a bit) actually gives the rest of us a break.

The router might be an idea. I hate to spend even $40.00 on a software program that is caused by HIS indescretions and lack of respect.

I had been considering a router anyway; my brother had indicated that a router provides another means of a firewall.
Is this true?

[Jason]

One thing you could do without out buying anything, is move the computer to an area in the house where other people will be abound all the time.

Or you could DL a program like Limewire, and search for an (illegal) copy of NetNanny. Not that I would advocate such a thing.

[cfabe]

I'd just not let him use the computer any more and/or not welcome him to my house. There's all sorts of nasty spyware and viruses that are very often found on some adult websites. I'd definetlya runs ome sort of antivirus or spyware checker on your computer, too.

[Standing Wolf]

Some people never grow up: that's all.

[jamz]

Tell him that you've installed a "firewall" for security purposes.  Ask him what sites he wants to visit, and you can make it happen. (This assumes he won't tell you that he wants to visit sheep*******.com and make your keyboard sticky).

Then,

Tools, Internet Option, Security. Click the "trusted sites" icon, then add those sites he names to the list.  Unclick the "https" option.  Then go to the Internet icon, click the "custom level" button, and start restricting EVERYTHING.  He won't be able to do much. You can also track the sites he does go to and add them to the "restircted sites" list, but I imagine that there are a lot more porn sites than you could type in there.  He'd just find more.

Good luck, sounds like an awkward problem.


Love (not in THAT way), James

[CZSteve]

Wife and  discussed this yesterday. I'm going to look into a router and limit a known site.

I also sent a letter to the MIL asking for her assistance. I hate to have to drag her into this, but unless she wants to suffer as a result of his actions; we need her to intervene.

I told her that if he does this once more; they will not be allowed in our house when we are not here and they will have to stay elsewhere when visiting. We have two children whom we don't want to try to explain to as why grandma/grandpa aren't allowed to visit. How ludicrus is this?