erik77
asked on
I want to block all chat programs by blocking IP addresses
Hello,
I want to prevent a group of users from using any chat program, whether it is through a web interface or through an .exe. I believe the easiest way would be to block the IP addresses of the chat programs. Since this is for a small number of users, I can do it on their local workstations (XP). I also can do it on the server although I would prefer to do it locally. I do not know how to block an IP address.
Thanks all,
Erik
I want to prevent a group of users from using any chat program, whether it is through a web interface or through an .exe. I believe the easiest way would be to block the IP addresses of the chat programs. Since this is for a small number of users, I can do it on their local workstations (XP). I also can do it on the server although I would prefer to do it locally. I do not know how to block an IP address.
Thanks all,
Erik
The only problem with blocking and IP address is that if the address of the chat server changes the users will be able start up again.
I think the best way to do this is to block the port that the chat uses.
I think the best way to do this is to block the port that the chat uses.
ASKER
I like that hosts idea because I want the simplest solution possible.
The problem with blocking ports is that the software will end up using port 80, not to mention some chat programs are web-based.
I think there is a problem with hosts because I want to block IP address, not web site names. I don't believe the host file can block ip addresses, only DNS names or am I mistaken?
The problem with blocking ports is that the software will end up using port 80, not to mention some chat programs are web-based.
I think there is a problem with hosts because I want to block IP address, not web site names. I don't believe the host file can block ip addresses, only DNS names or am I mistaken?
Erik,
I think this URL clears up your last question.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/adsense_windows_hosts_file.htm
Here's a small quote.
"But there's another common usage for the Hosts file: to block addresses. This is done by using a dummy address, typically 127.0.0.1, that goes nowhere. For example, consider this entry:
127.0.0.1 wwww.yahoo.com
With this entry in the hosts file, any reference to www.yahoo.com will be redirected to the address 127.0.0.1. Now that address is not a valid web address for any real web site. In fact, by convention it refers to your own computer.
:-)
I think this URL clears up your last question.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/adsense_windows_hosts_file.htm
Here's a small quote.
"But there's another common usage for the Hosts file: to block addresses. This is done by using a dummy address, typically 127.0.0.1, that goes nowhere. For example, consider this entry:
127.0.0.1 wwww.yahoo.com
With this entry in the hosts file, any reference to www.yahoo.com will be redirected to the address 127.0.0.1. Now that address is not a valid web address for any real web site. In fact, by convention it refers to your own computer.
:-)
I've been using this guy's HOSTS file (plus our additions) for about a year.
He updates it on a regular basic (1-3 times a month) and we keep our stuff updated in a Text file.
When he sends a new one, we just 'cut and paste' our stuff in and push it to our boxes.
Good Luck,
Vic
HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s)) that supplies these little gems.
Windows XP = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVER
Windows 2K = C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\
Win 98/ME = C:\WINDOWS
If you have a specific site or IP address you want to add or block, edit the hosts file as follows:
ADD: 192.168.10.1 companyweb (enter the actual IP and company URL)
BLOCK: 127.0.0.1 badwebsite ( use the 127.0.0.1 and the actual bad site)
He updates it on a regular basic (1-3 times a month) and we keep our stuff updated in a Text file.
When he sends a new one, we just 'cut and paste' our stuff in and push it to our boxes.
Good Luck,
Vic
HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s)) that supplies these little gems.
Windows XP = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVER
Windows 2K = C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\
Win 98/ME = C:\WINDOWS
If you have a specific site or IP address you want to add or block, edit the hosts file as follows:
ADD: 192.168.10.1 companyweb (enter the actual IP and company URL)
BLOCK: 127.0.0.1 badwebsite ( use the 127.0.0.1 and the actual bad site)
You would normally do this through the router (DSL cable?) that is handling internet access. Find the port that the CHAT apps are using, and simply block that port. Then if the chat apps try another port, then block that too on the router level, and keep going, until you block ALL ports that the CHAT apps use.
Cant you simply edit the firewall rules on your router to only allow specific subnets into your LAN?
A major problem that concerns web based messengers is that they connect to the messaging server server side, they do not set up a connection to the messaging server from the users system.
This means you will need to add all the IP's/addresses of any messaging server.
Another problem is that proxies can be used for messaging applications.
Are you looking to discourage casual use or to completely restrict the most determined efforts?
This means you will need to add all the IP's/addresses of any messaging server.
Another problem is that proxies can be used for messaging applications.
Are you looking to discourage casual use or to completely restrict the most determined efforts?
Just add a few DNS entries to your Server. Point them back to themselves with the 127.0.0.1... This will also work for web based chat sites. You will need to change them once in a while but it shouldn't be that often.
Good Luck...
Good Luck...
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
This site gives some pretty good information on what a host file is, how to edit it, etc.
http://accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html
Bascially, once you enter the IP or URL that you decide to block that system will not be able to reach that web site.