Internet filter for inappropriate content

foxy06 · 12-03-2014 8:06pm #1

Hi, can anyone let me know what programmes you use for blocking inappropriate content? I have been using K9 up until now and it seems to slow all devices. I don't mind paying for one but it will be for 3 laptops 3 tablets and an ipod touch. Any recommendations welcome.

Darren 83 · 12-03-2014 8:15pm

foxy06 wrote: »

Hi, can anyone let me know what programmes you use for blocking inappropriate content? I have been using K9 up until now and it seems to slow all devices. I don't mind paying for one but it will be for 3 laptops 3 tablets and an ipod touch. Any recommendations welcome.

www.mobicip.com

Moonbeam · 12-03-2014 8:35pm

You would need to filter at network level, Netnanny is pretty good but it can take a little bit of tech knowledge to set up.

foxy06 · 12-03-2014 8:44pm

Moonbeam wrote: »

You would need to filter at network level, Netnanny is pretty good but it can take a little bit of tech knowledge to set up.

That's the problem I'm facing. I have a bit of tech knowledge but even mobicip was a little complicated. Surely there is a user friendly option on the market?

Moonbeam · 12-03-2014 9:10pm

Net Nanny is probably as easy as it gets.
The issue is that with that many devices the only way to filter properly is at network level.

dockleaf · 12-03-2014 9:41pm

We use net nanny, find it very good, sets time limits and won't allow children on anything but allowed sites. Sends info to us if they try to get onto other sites ( still doesnt allow them obviously). Ours are at the stage of using certain sites for school work, mangahigh and the likes so it is great to not to have to hang over their shoulder constantly.

foxy06 · 12-03-2014 9:49pm

dockleaf wrote: »

We use net nanny, find it very good, sets time limits and won't allow children on anything but allowed sites. Sends info to us if they try to get onto other sites ( still doesnt allow them obviously). Ours are at the stage of using certain sites for school work, mangahigh and the likes so it is great to not to have to hang over their shoulder constantly.

Is it possible to have different settings for different devices? What is the cost and is it yearly or one off?

Moonbeam · 12-03-2014 10:12pm

http://www.netnanny.com/ has the info

knarkypants · 13-03-2014 3:48pm

We use K9 internet security. I would highly recommend it and it's free too.

http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

Holsten · 13-03-2014 3:51pm

Use opendns family filter on your router.

That will filter out any inappropriate sites on all devices.

13-03-2014 3:53pm

I second opendns, you can apply it from your router which will control your whole network..

nuckeythompson · 13-03-2014 3:58pm

Kids will get around more user friendly options. Do this at network level or use a content filter.
You could network all these tablets/laptop and that way you can moniter what they use. This has always been a problem with filtering for parents as they best advise is a pc in a general room down stairs. thats the best advice as when they take these laptops to their room god knows what they will get into.
My 15 year old uses a proxy now (eircom) to get around the torrents ban - when they cant get around certain things google becomes their freind - answer to all problems.
Best advice is to monitor what they access and be a parent and discuss why they are logging on to certain sites. net nanny etc does not solve any problems - its like a parent hiring a nanny so they dont have to bring them up or deal with the problems.
depending on your isp look at doing this on a network level. It really depends on what type of sites you want blocked. alot of software are not great at blocking some sites - porn - gambling - some social networking.

Some people here Im sure could help you set your network settings. not as diffiuclt as it seems.

nuckeythompson · 13-03-2014 3:59pm

NoDrama wrote: »

I second opendns, you can apply it from your router which will control your whole network..

This great but again you will need to monitor the kids laptops to see if they have tried to get around the settings. Like everything tghe answer and solution to get around this is 3 mins on google

CrazyRabbit · 14-03-2014 3:19am

There are sites that provide easy methods to bypass just about any type of filter. Nothing beats supervised access & educating your children on what to do when they find inappropriate sites. Supervised education is better than ignorance.

BenEadir · 14-03-2014 9:02am

I'm thinking of applying OpenDNS on my router which will then filter all devices connected through the router. Is the process as simple as signing up for an OpenDNS account and manually specifying the OpenDNS settings on the router?

One thing I'm curious about is who decides what sites are banned? I assume OpenDNS have an enormous database of blacklisted sites but what if they have blacklisted something I'm happy to give access to? Will I have the option (as an Admin) to whitelist otherwise blocked sites?

Ben

davo2001 · 14-03-2014 9:09am

BenThere wrote: »

I'm thinking of applying OpenDNS on my router which will then filter all devices connected through the router. Is the process as simple as signing up for an OpenDNS account and manually specifying the OpenDNS settings on the router?

One thing I'm curious about is who decides what sites are banned? I assume OpenDNS have an enormous database of blacklisted sites but what if they have blacklisted something I'm happy to give access to? Will I have the option (as an Admin) to whitelist otherwise blocked sites?

Ben

you have a dashboard that can block sites by category or a specific URL. Bare in mind if the kids change the DNS on the PC manually it will get around these filters.

BenEadir · 14-03-2014 11:34am

davo2001 wrote: »

you have a dashboard that can block sites by category or a specific URL. Bare in mind if the kids change the DNS on the PC manually it will get around these filters.

Thanks for the Tip Davo. I don't think they're up to that level of technical ability yet (aged 13 and 9) but no doubt they will get there eventually. If they do I'll take it as a sign that they are mature enough to make their own decisions!!

BTW, does it matter if a VPN is being used or not?

Ben

davo2001 · 14-03-2014 11:43am

BenThere wrote: »

Thanks for the Tip Davo. I don't think they're up to that level of technical ability yet (aged 13 and 9) but no doubt they will get there eventually. If they do I'll take it as a sign that they are mature enough to make their own decisions!!

BTW, does it matter if a VPN is being used or not?

Ben

Yes, It the PC is part of a VPN then it is technically not part of the local network so the restrictions will not take effect.

wingnut · 16-03-2014 9:31pm

A tech savvy kid will get around a DNS block.

silverbolt · 16-03-2014 10:42pm

foxy06 wrote: »

That's the problem I'm facing. I have a bit of tech knowledge but even mobicip was a little complicated. Surely there is a user friendly option on the market?

you realise that as soon as put a block in place your tech savvy youngster is going to bypass it in seconds right?

Netnanny for instance an old way to get past it was call up task manager highlight "Wnldr32" and click end task.

Supervised access is far better than a filter you barely understand how to use

BenEadir · 17-03-2014 10:41am

silverbolt wrote: »

you realise that as soon as put a block in place your tech savvy youngster is going to bypass it in seconds right?

Netnanny for instance an old way to get past it was call up task manager highlight "Wnldr32" and click end task.

Supervised access is far better than a filter you barely understand how to use

Access is indeed supervised e.g. PC is in the living room, no phones or tablets etc allowed in bedrooms so the filter is very much a second layer of protection as it's not possible to look over their shoulders 24/7.

How would someone using the network get around the OpenDNS Family Shield filters if they are set up manually on the router and I'm the only person with login access to the router?

Ben

davo2001 · 17-03-2014 10:55am

BenThere wrote: »

Access is indeed supervised e.g. PC is in the living room, no phones or tablets etc allowed in bedrooms so the filter is very much a second layer of protection as it's not possible to look over their shoulders 24/7.

How would someone using the network get around the OpenDNS Family Shield filters if they are set up manually on the router and I'm the only person with login access to the router?

Ben

By manually changing the DNS on the PC itself.

BenEadir · 17-03-2014 12:57pm

davo2001 wrote: »

By manually changing the DNS on the PC itself.

Can you change the DNS if you're not an Admin on the device? Everyone in the house has their own login so their Chrome settings etc are presented to them but I'm the only Admin. Does that prevent the DNS from being manually changed?

Ben

Internet filter for inappropriate content

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