Simple and Free Content Filtering
One question that we get asked a lot is how to filter websites that are either inappropriate or time-wasting. There are lots of systems and bits of software that will filter websites for you, but these will cost you money, and also take time to setup.
For a while now we have been recommending to our clients that if they want basic web filtering then they use OpenDNS. This is a system that works at a "Domain Level". DNS is the technology that makes the internet have memorable names (eg www.google.co.uk) rather than IP addresses (eg 216.239.59.104). Without getting too technical, you basically change your DNS Settings to use the servers at OpenDNS.
This has a number of advantages:
1. It is simple to setup, with no complex software to configure.
2. It is free.
3. It works when new devices are connected to the network.
The great thing about OpenDNS is that you can configure the level of filtering and block or allow specific websites - below is a screenshot of the level of filtering available.
You can also get reports on the internet usage, and which sites have been viewed the most.
OpenDNS is fairly easy to setup, and there are guides for a wide range of computers on the OpenDNS Website.
If you need help setting this up, or you need give different users different access to websites, then feel free to drop us a line - we would be more than happy to help you!
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Posted: May 2009
