Internet access control.

CodeMaster

CodeMaster

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I need to restrict our receptionist's internet access, in particular Facebook and other social network sites.
It is a small workgroup network, so I am not sure which is the best way to go about it.

Can someone maybe recommend so free or reasonable priced software that will do the job. I imagine something similar to 'Netnanny'.

I don't want to block 'ALL' access, but maybe allow certain sites, while blocking others like Facebook with time limits - like allow her to use Facebook and others during her lunch and tea for example.

Any suggestions?
 
I have never gone the desktop software route but I know that is possible. I setup a squid proxy server which has groups that are allowed access to certain things during the day and not to others. The majority of our staff get access during certain times of the day to non-work related stuff and its all controlled from the proxy. It involves quite a bit more setup though than desktop software.
 
Just block the sites in windows firewall, make sure her account restricts access to change firewall settings?
 
Doesn't really give me the flexibility I am looking for. That method blocks completely, not only at certain times.
Elro said:
Just block the sites in windows firewall, make sure her account restricts access to change firewall settings?
Click to expand...

Like I said, small workgroup network through a switch - gateway is a Linksys router running OpenWRT. Gonna be a bit more complex than what I am looking for.
Rocket-Boy said:
I have never gone the desktop software route but I know that is possible. I setup a squid proxy server which has groups that are allowed access to certain things during the day and not to others. The majority of our staff get access during certain times of the day to non-work related stuff and its all controlled from the proxy. It involves quite a bit more setup though than desktop software.
Click to expand...
 
I'm not certain that this will work but you might be able to use a Proxy auto-config file to block her internet access between certain times.

PAC files are written in Javascript there are quite a few examples on the internet that you might be able to repurpose. I'm thinking that if you write a PAC that checks the time and if it is during office hours, redirects her browser to a non existent proxy server, then that might do the job.
 
I also just Googled 'Free Open Source parental control software' and there are a couple of results there that might do what you need.
 
While it is accepted that being a receptionist for a small company can be boring at time, she does spend most of her day doing anything EXCEPT work. Simple tasks take way longer that what is expected. She is currently on maternity leave, and is due back at work on Tues 2nd. It may be that she was pregnant, and just didn't 'feel' like working, who knows. She only started working about 2 months before she fell pregnant.
My idea is to clamp-down on her internet use, and then tell her that it will be relaxed if she makes an effort to complete her work tasks first - and then she can do as she please. Basically get her to earn back her privileges.

abzo said:
Is it affecting her work?
Click to expand...
 
CodeMaster said:
I have looked, but was hoping for some personal recommendations.
Click to expand...

I was going to post you a couple of links that I thought looked OK but as I haven't used any parental control stuff myself I can't really recommend any as such.
 
For a Windows network, Forefront is the Microsoft way.

For a low cost solution, a decent pc running Ubuntu or [insert your fav Linux distro here] and Squid is all you need. :)
 
Fulcrum29 said:
Domain or Workgroup?

Which ADSL router or do you have a network Firewall?
Click to expand...

Did you even read my OP? :p
Workgroup, through a Linksys router running OpenWRT.

I was originally gonna take the easy route and just disable the wireless and LAN cards, but she still needs access to the network.
I don't want to be a complete d1ck by blocking all access.
 
Last edited:
Well on a standard Linksys you can do this right on the Router with profiles that are time based for different machines.

Surely OpenWRT can do the same thing...if you aren't actually uses OpenWRT for any good reason put the original firmware back.
 
Maybe try the free version of Untangle?
www.untangle.com/

IIRC it can filter based on web site catagories (Social Media, Business, etc.)
 
OpenDNS DNS servers on her machine,configure an account to block certain categories
 
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