Website restrictions for local businesses
Website restrictions for local businesses
I understand you're seeking an affordable solution to restrict specific websites across multiple devices. It's important to note that blocking sites at the router level can affect guest networks and may limit access to necessary software. Are you open to exploring alternatives like browser extensions or local network filters instead?
Set each host's domain to 127.0.0.1 in the hosts file on all three computers.
Proxy (Squid) lets you restrict access so only through the proxy works. You can also block VPNs and other services, though this may be bypassed. For server-level DNS blocking, especially knowing the Facebook IP to block at the router, it’s the simplest approach.
Perhaps I should try a straightforward program that helps older users set up blocking for websites as issues arise. It would let them easily add new sites like Twitter or Instagram by updating the software on their devices, without needing complex changes. If someone else uses special tools to bypass it or modify the settings, then the responsibility shifts to management.
Software can be tough, but it's simple to avoid. Just halt the operation. The hostfile is straightforward to configure, yet very easy to circumvent and difficult to keep up with. For sites like Facebook, you have thousands of addresses you must track and block in the hostfile. With Google, try typing a specific URL—like http://yul02s04-in-f14.1e100.net/—and you'll find millions of matching entries, though they're constantly changing. It's also possible to bypass by removing the hostfile content. From a router perspective, setting up static IPs and rules for blocking certain websites is the most effective approach. Assign fixed IPs to three computers and create a rule that denies access to a list of sites, applying it only to those specific IP addresses. This depends on how cautious the users are.
If someone is experimenting with System32 files, it points to more serious problems than just social media use. I doubt they’d notice if blocked, but could there be software that simplifies this for the person you’re helping? I don’t think they’d feel at ease changing code. If a straightforward executable existed allowing them to input a URL and perform a basic block, it would be sufficient.