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Web Content Filter for small home network

I am looking for a web content filter for a small home network of less than 10 users. It can be a hardware based solution or software based solution that is centralized on a windows 2003 server. Basically I want to block access to specific categories of sites -- adult, gambling, etc -- but also want to be able to restrict it per user or IP. Or maybe when blocked, a password on the block page would pass through access? I almost bought a sonic wall total secure device yesterday but was reading through the manual and couldn't tell if it had the ability to pass through or grant certain users total access. For example, i'd like to block some sites for some such as youtube, myspace, etc but give others access while still blocking adult sites for everyone, etc.... I know websense does this but not sure the price tag. I'm looking in the few hundreds of dollars -- not few thousands... the cheaper the better. I've seen lots of software out there but not sure which if any can be run centrally on a server... any help is appreciated!

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

This device would give you exactly what you require without going overboard. It also has wireless builtin:

http://www.sonicwall.com/us/products/TZ_150_Series.html

-D-

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

If you plan on having more than 10 users anytime soon let me know and I will suggest another model.

-D-

jimtxas

ASKER

so you have the ability to pass through an unblocked super user or block some sites for some users and not for others? I couldn't really find that in the manual... just want to double check...

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

With the SonicWALL enhanced OS you can do that. You can also allow machine from IP X.X.X.X to bypass the filter completely. They truly are extensible little boxes for the money.

-D-

jimtxas

ASKER

ok... great... what would the part number be for the enhanced OS? it's really hard to tell if im buying a box or just software for the box, etc... Thanks much for your help!

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

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esmeier

I asked the question that Dimante responded to originally back in 2003. Since then < i have also worked with the Baracuda appliance, which is very good, but scaled for 100 or so users and up. If you are looking at the Sonicwall solution (appliance rather than Windows-based), it might be worthwhile to look at some of the OpenSource options. For example, ClarkConnect (an open source router/firewall distribution of linux http://www.clarkconnect.com/ ) bundles in Squidguard and DansGuradian. If you are mostly looking for monitoring and blocking of a few sites, this is a very cost effective solution, although there is some learning curve. If you have a good router/firewall already, you can also set it up as a proxy server and have all 10 workstations go through it. You can enforce that via Group Policy. You will still have to worry about things like Firefox and Portable Firefox, bu you can also limit access to those via group policy. Not sure how price-sensitive, you are, but just wanted to make sure that you were aware of at least one other option.

I have used the SonicWall devices with good experiences as well, although my experience with their reporting is somewhat limited. Good product though, especially for small environments.

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

Good point. Since he is saying that he would want a software solution rooted in Windows I did not suggest open source. *nix open source solutions are great but there is a heavy technical knowledge needed to deploy it successfully.

-D-

esmeier

Gotcha. I just thought that since we were discussing appliances like sonicwall, that the field was opened up a little. The ClarkConnect packeaged version of the open source tools I mentioned are pretty user friendly, thought not so much as Sonicwall's interface. I guess it just boils down to the old question of cost vs. performance.

If you need a commercially supported solution that is really easy to use, Sonicwall is a great way to go. I have installed 7 or 8 of them for clients and agree with Dimante. Solid kit.

jimtxas

ASKER

thanks guys... i just picked up a slightly used 170 wireless sonicwall on ebay for less then half the cost after your info. I'll just update and add the content filtering after i get it and transfered to me...

John Gates, CISSP, CDPSE

Sounds good.

-D-

flover

Satisfied with what you require, try to use IMonitor software or spectorsoft. try trial version below link
http://www.imonitorsoft.com/product-spy-home.htm
sorry for cant find spectorsoft trial version.