Does anyone know of a program or hardware that restricts Access to Specified Websites

[robinb]

I am not sure if this is where I would ask but I need a program or Hardware that can be set up on each computer (there are 10 of them running Windows 7) or set up as a hardware that restricts the users from going to porn sites or anything else that is programmed into it when opening a browser or trying to download a program. Is there Hardware that does this that can connect to all of them and be programmed?

Also I need a program that when when you reboot the computer EVERYTHING on the Standard User side resets itself back to almost like Factory Settings. 6 of these computers are used for a community center and when a person goes on it if they add files, etc, when the computer restarts, all the files are gone and one is starting from scratch. Programs remain but data is gone.

Libraries have a similar set up for their communial computers.

So i would like some suggestions for both to see especially if you have used them.

Thank You
Robin

[Sully]

There are a number of different options for the reboot to clean slate. Shadow Defender, Deep Freeze and Returnil are some likely suspects, but there are others.

You could also create a VHD that is in read only mode too, if so desired.

As for the internet side of things, a proxy server is your best bet IMO. You could use a linux based router/firewall. I personally use pfSense, and with the addition of squid and squid guard, it is very robust. There are some good lists available for blacklists if you wish as well. Free if you have a machine to put it on.

Sul.

[robinb]

on the reboot to clean slate which one would you recommend? I took a look at all their websites, so I am wondering, understand this is going on 6 computers that are used for public use only, also which one is the easiest and to set up and the hardest to get into trouble and I would want it to do this automatically each time the system is shut off.
The rule here in this room is when you are finished you restart the computer or shut it off.
thanks
robin

[Sully]

I have used all 3, and they are all good products, none of them really that hard to use. I personally bought Shadow Defender. Returnil was ok, but offered more than what I really wanted at the time. Deep Freeze was alright I guess. I should think from ease of use either Shadow Defender or Deep Freeze would be what I would choose.

None of them are really that involved for what you want to do, which is remove any changes on the next boot. The only caveat to these tools is you have to dis-engage the freeze mode to make system changes, which requires a reboot to do. As many times as you plan to reboot though, it doesn't sound like that will bother you much

Sul.

[Amit]

Originally Posted by robinb

on the reboot to clean slate which one would you recommend? I took a look at all their websites, so I am wondering, understand this is going on 6 computers that are used for public use only, also which one is the easiest and to set up and the hardest to get into trouble and I would want it to do this automatically each time the system is shut off.
The rule here in this room is when you are finished you restart the computer or shut it off.
thanks
robin

I'm getting a feeling you run an Internet Cafe. In that case I think a virtualization software is what you need.

[robinb]

Originally Posted by Amit

I'm getting a feeling you run an Internet Cafe. In that case I think a virtualization software is what you need.

No this is a Private Senior Adult Community for 55+
These 6 computers are in a Small Commuter Room, and will be used for those who do not have a computer, or when coming out of the community pool, or exercise, or bridge rooms want to check their email without having to go straight home. Most of the community have computers. This is basically extra. The ones who will be using them are beginner users. I am just afraid If i set it up Virtually something will go wrong and i will wind up having to go there too often to fix it.

I spoke to a sales person at Deep Freeze who gave me lots of info and once you purchase their software they give you free tech support if needed. Deep Freeze also has a Antivirus program that works with their Enterprise Additon of Deep Freeze and will allow definitions to update withoug having to unfreeze it.

I will set Deep Freeze up and when Micrososft needs to do updates I will go in remotely, unfreeze deep freeze, do the updates, reboot and refreeze Deepfreeze.

I checked out the other programs and none have a phone number to call for tech support. I also looked up reviews for Shadow Defender and it has not been very good and their program has not updated since 2011.

I called my local library and found out they also use Deep Freeze and have had no problems. I am going to download it and put it on my test machine and see how it does. They let you trial both antivirus and program for 30 days
robin

[Amit]

Originally Posted by robinb

No this is a Private Senior Adult Community for 55+
These 6 computers are in a Small Commuter Room, and will be used for those who do not have a computer, or when coming out of the community pool, or exercise, or bridge rooms want to check their email without having to go straight home. Most of the community have computers. This is basically extra. The ones who will be using them are beginner users. I am just afraid If i set it up Virtually something will go wrong and i will wind up having to go there too often to fix it.

I spoke to a sales person at Deep Freeze who gave me lots of info and once you purchase their software they give you free tech support if needed. Deep Freeze also has a Antivirus program that works with their Enterprise Additon of Deep Freeze and will allow definitions to update withoug having to unfreeze it.

I will set Deep Freeze up and when Micrososft needs to do updates I will go in remotely, unfreeze deep freeze, do the updates, reboot and refreeze Deepfreeze.

I checked out the other programs and none have a phone number to call for tech support. I also looked up reviews for Shadow Defender and it has not been very good and their program has not updated since 2011.

I called my local library and found out they also use Deep Freeze and have had no problems. I am going to download it and put it on my test machine and see how it does. They let you trial both antivirus and program for 30 days
robin

Ah I see. Then Deep Freeze will do the trick.

[SirDrexl]

I don't know how well it works, but Norton's DNS claims to filter porn.

Security only - 198.153.192.40 and 198.153.194.40
Security/porn - 198.153.192.50 and 198.153.194.50
Security/porn/non-family friendly - 198.153.192.60 and 198.153.194.60

The "non-family friendly" material includes "mature content, abortion, alcohol, crime, cults, drugs, gambling, hate, sexual orientation, suicide, tobacco or violence." Choose whichever you feel is appropriate.

If these computers are all connected to one router, you should be able to set the DNS server there instead of each computer individually. Although, I would still make sure each computer is set to get the DNS server automatically, which should be the default.

[robinb]

Originally Posted by SirDrexl

I don't know how well it works, but Norton's DNS claims to filter porn.

Security only - 198.153.192.40 and 198.153.194.40
Security/porn - 198.153.192.50 and 198.153.194.50
Security/porn/non-family friendly - 198.153.192.60 and 198.153.194.60

The "non-family friendly" material includes "mature content, abortion, alcohol, crime, cults, drugs, gambling, hate, sexual orientation, suicide, tobacco or violence." Choose whichever you feel is appropriate.

If these computers are all connected to one router, you should be able to set the DNS server there instead of each computer individually. Although, I would still make sure each computer is set to get the DNS server automatically, which should be the default.

ok i will take a look at it, thanks
robin

[robinb]

Originally Posted by Amit

Ah I see. Then Deep Freeze will do the trick.

I am going to trial it on my machine and see how it goes, especially since they allow you to trial it for 1 month and it is really not that expensive, for 6 licenses for the Perpetual Enterprise Software it is $60 per machine which is lifetime upgrades. the antivirus is $35 a year but the second year and there after they give a discount. It incorporates itself into the enterprise addition only so it can do its definition updates without unfreezing the program.
I have some time next week so i will download it and play with it.
The tech also told me if I need help setting it up even though I have not bought it yet, he would help me. I thought that was pretty good given that I am not purchasing this copy and if i really did not like it not get it at all.

BTW as always, thank everyone for all your suggestions, it is greatly appreciated.
robin

[Dark Shadow]

I use Shadow Defender on Windows and Deep Freeze on a Macbook, both programs work very well and do exactly what there suppose to do and they both provide master boot record Protection. I also use norton DNS on windows and is fantastic on porn sites by deny and doesn't give the option to visit the sites it blocks,which is pretty much everything.

[Amit]

Originally Posted by robinb

ok i will take a look at it, thanks
robin

Yes Norton ConnectSafe is very strong in blocking non-family friendly materials. Just go for C that is .60 and you're fine.

Also set Google SafeSearch to strict. It's very effective.

[Amit]

Originally Posted by robinb

I am going to trial it on my machine and see how it goes, especially since they allow you to trial it for 1 month and it is really not that expensive, for 6 licenses for the Perpetual Enterprise Software it is $60 per machine which is lifetime upgrades. the antivirus is $35 a year but the second year and there after they give a discount. It incorporates itself into the enterprise addition only so it can do its definition updates without unfreezing the program.
I have some time next week so i will download it and play with it.
The tech also told me if I need help setting it up even though I have not bought it yet, he would help me. I thought that was pretty good given that I am not purchasing this copy and if i really did not like it not get it at all.

That's great.