How do you block certain websites from your computer?

Question

my 12 yr old step daughter has some inappropriate things on her myspace and i was wondering how i would block her from getting on it?

i tried the internet options and security but its not working at all. Is there something i need to adjust under the internet options or something. please help.

okay i did the content under my internet options and it is very annoying. you have to approve every website. is there any way i can just block myspace without having to go through and except all the other websites?

Answer 1

Not sure what version of IE you are using, but you could try activating Content Advisor in IE 7:

-Tools
-Internet Options
-Content
-Content Advisor - enable
-Modify the list of approved sites

You will be activating Content Advisor, "Content Advisor is a tool for controlling the types of content that your computer can access on the Internet. After you turn on Content Advisor, only rated content that meets or exceeds your criteria can be viewed. You can adjust the settings to suit your preferences."

Also, be sure to close down all your browser sessions and re-open IE.

Answer 2

You can easily block websites from your children by following the instructions below. Internet Explorer version 5 and later offer the ability for heighten security and privacy. You can block a site by following the directions below:

1. Load your Internet explorer
2. Click Tools
3. Click Internet Options
4. Click the Privacy tab
5. Under the Privacy window, Click Sites
6. Type in the site address that you want to Block and Click OK. Remember this technique only blocks on one site at a time. Parental control software will allow you to block multiple sites and categories. However you may want to invested in a parental control software to keep track of there internet usage. Hope this helps!
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/kids-internet-security-software.html

Answer 3

You need to either setup a proxy server and route all your internet traffic through that (informing the proxy of the sites you want to block)

or the less technical/non free route:

install a program like netnanny or CyberPatrol www.cyberpatrol.com

Answer 4

if i understand correctly:

your 12yo step-daughter has access to a computer

your 12yo step-daughter has a myspace

your 12yo step-daughter has items on her myspace profile that you consider to be inappropriate


ok, what i would do in that position would be:

explain to 12yo child that minimum age for myspace is 14yo per myspace tos --> http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=misc.terms

explain to 12yo child what i consider inappropriate and why, and encourage a discussion about it

help 12yo child create a profile on a social networking site that is appropriate for and allows 12yo (this excludes tagged.com, facebook.com, orkut.com), such as imbee --> http://www.imbee.com/discover/terms

explain to 12yo child that proper use of site such as imbee *must* be demonstrated before being allowed to 'graduate' to xanga, myspace, etc.

explain to 12yo child that any more improper content will mean computer restrictions, such as no use unless an adult is in the same room, or perhaps no computer for a week or so, and then when computer priveleges are restored, it will be with a 'limited account' for a while.
(turning this into an issue of technological savvy is a bad move, especially if the child has technical aptitude and incentive. i own the internet connection. it is and should be an issue of trust and respect. explain what will gain trust. reward respect. talk to the child and be prepared to answer 'why?' intelligently. don't rely on a piece of software to do the parenting)

but that's me. and to be fair, that wasn't the answer to your question. your question is "How do you block certain websites from your computer?", specifically how to prevent your child from going to myspace.com. but maybe you meant how to prevent her from going to inappropriate content sites, but still permit her to go to myspace.com.
the person that suggested a proxy server was absolutely correct. this is the best way to manage site access 'in-house', but it usually requires a dedicated computer, and if you do not already have a home computer network (like a wireless router), then you would need to get one to implement this.

broadband internet --> [wireless]router
the proxy server computer and the desktop/laptop computer would connect to the router.

there would be a learning curve for each item here that you're not already familiar with.

you said you tried internet options / security (presumably 'restricted sites'?)
what this does is change which features internet explorer will permit at those sites. it does not prevent you from going to those sites.

do you already have a router, wired or wireless? if so, the router may have a feature built into it permit or deny certain sites. you can read the owners manual or you can post a question here. if you don't already have a router, and wish to get one, many, but not all, provide this feature.

the d-link di-624 wireless router is a good value. good performance at a reasonable price, and it has this feature:

Filters - Domain Blocking
Domain Blocking is used to deny or allow computers within the LAN (Local Area Network) from accessing specific domains on the Internet. Domain blocking will deny or allow all requests such as http and ftp to a specific domain.
Select Allow users to access all domains except "Blocked Domains" if you allow users to access all domains except the domains in the Blocked Domains list.
Select Deny users to access all domains except "Permitted Domains" if you only want users to access Permitted Domains.

Example: If you want your children to only access particular sites, you would then choose Deny users to access all domains except "Permitted Domains". Then enter in the domains you want your children to have access to.

*
Disney.com
*
Cartoons.com
*
DiscoveryChannel.com

(from http://support.dlink.com/emulators/di624/help_adv.html)
see http://support.dlink.com/emulators/di624/ for an example of what the configuration looks like. look at advanced / filters.

netnanny/cyberpatrol, as mentioned in another answer, is not a free solution but you may find it useful. just understand it will only work on whatever computer you install it to, and it may not be a perfect solution.

on the subject of imperfect solutions, you can modify your hosts file to prevent access to myspace.com. on windows nt/2k/xp, this file is located in system32\drivers\etc. make a backup copy of the file before attempting to make any changes!

gather your thoughts and if you have more questions, please feel free to add comments.

good luck :)

Answer 5

go to the myspace website and email them saying that she is under age and you would like her account deleted and they will just delete it and no one will get in trouble or anything like that i have done this before on my little brother who doesnt need a myspace at his age he is 9

Answer 6

Go above Internet Explorer or Firefox click on
TOOLS then click on
INTERNET OPTIONS then click on
PRIVACY OPTIONS and select your privacy options
It will stop displaying block unwated things hope this helps

Answer 7

try to install a cyberpatrol website..that would help..

Answer 8

go to this website and follow what it says

http://www.theparentsedge.com/Block_Myspace.html