Restricting Internet Access

Fireblade2K4 · 30 Nov 2007 at 12:19

Well I have used the search option and not really found what I am looking for, so here goes.

My sister has asked me to look into how she can have internet access in her shop restricted on the computer that is on the reception desk however leave the one in her office open.

I am not too sure how to go about doing this and it needs to be done as cost effective as possible or even better free.

She is on ADSL broadband provided via a Modem/Router (BT one I think but would need to look again to double check) there is no webserver or anything like that at all, just plain and simple wired/wireless network.

Thanks in advance all.

Stu

ace2109 · 30 Nov 2007 at 12:40

parental control software mate maybe and limit everything except the sites you want to allow. I did this for a local charity and install k9 parental control software, this automatically limits some sites but you could up the security to limit everything.

You install this on the pc in the shop and leave the office compuer alone, this is completely free aswell so no cost implications.

ace2109 · 30 Nov 2007 at 12:41

or a proxy server but that involves more money

tres · 30 Nov 2007 at 13:15

put the wrong proxy settings into the reception pc through IE?

atomiser · 30 Nov 2007 at 13:21

first of all your sister needs to introduce a computer and internet use policy into her company. employee's need to sign up to this to continue to be able to use the computers and internet.

then, define 'restricted':

restricted as in 'none'?
or
restricted as in 'limited'?

none - put the machine on a static ip address with no default gateway. or, see if an address can be blocked on the router.

limited - look at some of the linux distributions that can be used for their unified threat management features. endian and untangle spring to mind. you don't really need any actual linux experience to install them, so long as you know enough of the basics of networking then you should be able to implement it. the software is free, you would just need an old pc to run it on.

mattyfez · 30 Nov 2007 at 15:28

Parental control software of some sort on the user names on the reception computer might be easeyest, set up as ace first suggested and/or simply limit thier sessions to ten minits or somthing. theyll soon get annoyed and not bother with it.

Fireblade2K4 · 30 Nov 2007 at 16:17

I think the parental control is the way to go, I'll have a look around and see whats out there starting first with what ace recommended, cheers for the info chaps, spot on as per usual.

Stu

Zirax · 30 Nov 2007 at 16:58

As has been suggested, the parental control software would be a way to go. Also I know the Draytek routers support content filtering, as in p2p, msn etc. You can also specify websites that can/can't be accessed and even turn off net access at certain times/machines