How to Disable SmartFilter

SmartFilter is a censorware application, which is marketed to libraries, corporations and schools, to enable their system administrators to monitor and block users' access to specific websites. It filters access based on a master control list of millions of websites that are categorized into thirty content groups including chat rooms, gambling and pornography. However, it is not uncommon for Smart Filter to block legitimate websites.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 2000 or XP

Instructions

1. Go to the download page of "ActiveState" (See Resources below). Download ActivePerl and install it to this location: "C:\Perl." Choose the default options.

2. Download and install the OpenSA application from the "PeaceFire" website (See Resources below). Once again, go with the default options. In case you get a "Server Information" screen, just fill in the blanks with random numbers.

3. Install and run the circumventor-setup.exe file. You can download it from the "PeaceFire" website. If the installation is successful, you will get a message that reads: "It is ready!" You will also be provided with the web address of your Circumventor.

4. Write down the URL and use it at the computer that has Smart Filter installed to browse blocked sites.

Tips & Warnings

• The computer on which you install the Circumventor to disable SmartFilter has to be turned on at the time you want to surf the web.

• The Circumventor application enables you to browse the Internet via a network of other people's computers, who are also browsing the web via the same network and who similarly have access to your computer. However, no user has access to your or any other user's programs or files.