What's the best way to block employees from surfing the Internet on a business computer?

Question

I have two business computers that need to have internet access for emailing reports and for remote management, but I want to make sure employees are not goofing around on-line while working. So what's the best method for blocking web surfing? For what it's worth, both computers have Windows XP Professional.

I don't want to completely block surfing because I do want to be able to access a handful of sites that relate to our business.

For what I'm trying to do, would a content filter like Net Nanny be my best choice? What other options do I have and would any be better than a content filter?

Louise H: before you start thinking I'm a terrible person, realize that if the employees are using these computers - except for at very specific times - it means they are away from where they are supposed to be working. It's not like these computers are terminals where the employees are normally working and I'm just restricting access. Furthermore, I already know that given the chance the employees will be using these computers rather than doing their work because I have caught them playing games on the computer when they were supposed to be doing other things.

Answer 1

If both the computers are networked then install a proxy server. In the proxy server you can 'blacklist' websites preventing users from accessing them or include specific sites in the 'whitelist'

Answer 2

My son works an as I.T. support officer for a large company and part of his role is monitoring employees computer usage All employees are allowed to use the computers for e-mail, facebook, websites etc during lunch break only If they break the rules, then yes they get a written warning, and if they persist sadly they will be sacked. Any company pays its staff to work, not send personal e-mails, do their online shopping and the like So suggestively let them use the computers for personal use during their lunch break only However viewing porn should never be allowed at any time So get a computer usage policy in place, and make sure everyone gets a copy and signs that they understand the consequences if they go against the rules

Answer 3

Justin! That is so mean. Do you also monitor their phone calls? and forbid them from talking to each other on company time?

Why don't you just tell them that you don't want them to goof around online while working and then trust them to do the right thing.

I find that if I treat my staff with respect and as adults they respond by working harder and are more loyal.

Of course there's always the risk that if you give an inch they'll take a mile, but If it ever turns out that they have then it's disciplinary matter.

Answer 4

Our IT guys put partial locks on 4 us, we also have windows xp prof. They have a customer service that caters to small businesses. I am so glad now, our office staff was constantly virusing my business programs with their personal internet use during business hours.