Web Filters and parental controls
It is sometimes recommended to get a web filter to shield us from the filth that is often thrown at us from the Internet. The question remains, "What is it and where can I get one?"
A web filter can be used to block harmful websites, block unwanted e-mail and restrict chat rooms.
There are two primary ways to protect you and your family from questionable content on the Internet:
Install web filtering software
Connect to the Internet through an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or proxy that filters content for you
Web filtering software usually has a one-time cost compared to the monthly cost associated with ISP filters or proxy services. ISP filters and proxy services work no matter what kind of operating system you are running (Windows/MacOS/Linux)
Install web filtering software
This option primary applies to users running Windows. There are few software packages out there that can be easily installed and used on computers running MacOS or Linux. Here are a few options which vary in price from $20-$50.
Kids GoGoGo (MacOS)
Connect using a filtering ISP or proxy
Many Internet Service Providers offer filtering services. Be sure to check with your ISP to see if they offer web filtering.
A proxy is an intermediary server that retrieves web pages for your computer and applies specific filters before delivering those pages to your computer. If your ISP doesn't offer filtering services, there are companies that offer a proxy service to filter content (such as www.mstar.net which offers a content filter no matter who your ISP is for $4.95/month.)
Proxy servers are generally used by businesses to control what content is accessed by employees and require an experienced administrator to setup due to their complexity. Here's more information on how to setup a filtering proxy server on Linux (http://www.linux.com/articles/04/07/01/1833212.shtml?tid=49)
One thing to keep in mind is that if someone is determined and computer-savvy enough, they will be able to circumvent the methods mentioned above (circumvention can be a simple as going to a friend's house and using their computer.)
Nothing beats keeping your home computer in a high traffic area of the house where the person using the computer will be less tempted to look for questionable content.