Blocking web sites

[Cueless]

Hi, is there a way to block web sites from within Windows? (Of course, yes
it is myspaces). I tried a couple of third party trials, Cyber Sitter seems
good, but it kind of bogs things down a little. If Windows can't do it, can
anyone recommend a program. I am willing to pay, but of course a free one
would be better. Thanks a lot.

 

[Richard Urban]

I can do that with my DSL Modem/Router. I can add the IP numerical address
and block the site if I want to. And the block can't be bypassed. The kids
would have to know my password (I use a strong one and do not divulge it to
anyone). Also, the modem/router can NOT be bypassed. You need it to get on
the internet - period.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

You can use your hosts file:

1. Open NotePad and navigate to WINDOWS\System32\Drivers\etc and open your
hosts file.

2. Add entries such as:

127.0.0.1 www.badsite.com
127.0.0.1 www.otherbadsite.com

3. Save the file - check and make sure it is not saved as hosts.txt - it
must be 'hosts' with no extension.

4. Run ipconfig /flushdns - then try to go to www.badsite.com - you should
get an error message.

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[Martin L]

What if they RESET the router ?
You will lose all your settings.

 

[Richard Urban]

I haven't found any way to reset the router except by going into the
configuration - which is password protected. Just removing the power does
not do so. The memory is "non volatile". Yes, they could try to have the ISP
do it, but I even outfoxed them here. Before any changed can be performed by
customer service, guess what is needed? My PASSWORD!

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Peasant]

Hi, is there a way to block web sites from within Windows? (Of course, yes
it is myspaces). I tried a couple of third party trials, Cyber Sitter seems
good, but it kind of bogs things down a little. If Windows can't do it, can
anyone recommend a program. I am willing to pay, but of course a free one
would be better. Thanks a lot.

Get HostsMan 2.1.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/

Read this too. Contains important info if using a Hosts file to block
unwanted sites.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

 

[Cueless]

Yes, that works. Thank you. I never even realized all those settings were
there.

 

[Cueless]

Wow! That's pretty amazing. Down and dirty (and simple). Thanks for the tip.

 

[Peasant]

I haven't found any way to reset the router except by going into the
configuration - which is password protected. Just removing the power does
not do so. The memory is "non volatile". Yes, they could try to have the ISP
do it, but I even outfoxed them here. Before any changed can be performed by
customer service, guess what is needed? My PASSWORD!

My router has a pinhole on the back where you push a paper clip into it
to reset it. Your's doesn't have that?

 

[Peasant]

Wow! That's pretty amazing. Down and dirty (and simple). Thanks for the tip.

Be advised that if your Hosts file gets over a certain size on XP you
will need to disable the DNS Client service or else you will find XP
slowing down. Read my other post for info on this.