How to Block Access to Certain Websites in Pix 506

The Pix 506 is a type of firewall system developed by Cisco. Whether for a school, an office, or just a home network, it is sometimes necessary to block certain websites from being seen by any computer accessing the network. In this case, the Cisco Pix 506 can be a perfect addition to your computering needs. Cisco's Pix 506 is fully customizable and is controlled by you the administrator. Using this system, you can very easily block and reverse the block on any website you choose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Block any website your choose by first accessing the system32 drive of the administrative computer. To do this, select the "My Computer" icon from your desktop. From there, double click "C-Drive" followed by "Windows," "system32," "drivers," and then "etc."

2. Locate the file entitled "Hosts." Double-click the file, a message box will pop up asking in which program would you like to open the file, scroll through the options and select either wordpad or notepad.

3. Locate the line that says the word "localhost." This will be denoted by a long sequence that begins with the number 127. Make a new line that is one number up from the localhost number. For instance if the localhost number is 127.0.0.4, then the number you type in will be 127.0.0.5. Press the space bar once after inputing the new number, and type the URL or web address of the site your wish to block. Click "Save" and close everything you have opened.

4. Go into your web browser and check to make sure the website is blocked. If the process was completed successfully, you will get a block website message after you try to access the site.

Tips & Warnings

• To unblock a website, just follow the steps and delete the line in the file that you added to block the website. Make sure to click "Save" after you are done, and the website will be unblocked.