My first attempt. Forgive me if I mess this up. I am trying to build a safe internet network in my home. I have decided the way to do it is with a server I think. That is why I am here.
This is what I have in mind. Each computer is given free access or filtered access according to their mac address. This is what my router already does.
Unfiltered access would be served what ever it is requested. Filtered computers would only be allowed access to url's on a preapproved list. If the submitted url is not approved it is kept on a list until my wife and I can add it later. After a couple of weeks the list should grow quite nicely so the kids can surf the web to all there favorite sites without their mother or I worrying about them.
I am wondering if a server will do this for my local area network instead of the router or along with it? How is it done? Where do I start looking? Do I have to be programmer or rocket scientist? What kind of hardware or software is required? I would like to hear all your ideas?
Technique 1 - Blocking from your NAT router (prolly what you have now). By ip only. Cumbersome to manage. Granularity is such that it won't work with many sites.
Technique 2 - Build your own NAT router, and include a better firewall. Then you can block things by ip or even context, with some packet sniffing. Cumbersome to manage, but it would work if you have the hours per week to dedicate to updating your filters. I recommend IPNetRouter and IPNetSentry for this, on a used Mac.
Technique 3 - Build a proxy server and try to force everyone to use it. Then you can limit things by ip or whole/partial url, etc. Cumbersome to manage. Doesn't work for all protocols. Flip a few settings on the client computers, and you just step around the proxy.
Technique 4 - Install netnanny type softwares on each client computer you want to control. If your kids have an iq above 70, they'll already know how to circimvent it, and if not, they can find out from their cohorts at school.
Technique 5 - Don't try to limit too many things this way. The net changes too fast. Block the worst, then pour soul into building the trust between you and yours. Use education instead of using chains. Make the experience one of enlightenment rather than make-work and torture...
IMO, a good quality NAT Router and Firewall is a necessity no matter what - just to keep the barbarians from reaching into your home. This is the equivalent of basic door and window locks.
As for "safe internet"... I understand what you want to do, and if the Internet was a static beastie, I'd say you've got a chance. But in practice, from watching my friends try to do just this... I gotta say the ONLY method I've seen actually work is "technique 5". The others just cause premature greying and sleeploss -- safety CANNOT simply depend on your ability to keep up with filter management. Arm your kids with knowledge, then you KNOW you'll never have to worry.
FWIW, - Dan.
-- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html>
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
