How to Avoid Blocked Sites by Websense

Websense is an Internet content filter often used by schools and employers to prevent students or employees from accessing offensive or questionable material on the Internet. Programs such as Websense may blocks content that is not offensive because their filters are overly aggressive or not selective enough. Users can view sites blocked by Websense through proxy avoidance websites, which allow users access to blocked sites. Proxies can also provide users with anonymity by hiding a user's IP address--a numerical identifier unique to a computer connected to the Internet.

Instructions

1. Access a proxy avoidance website (www.tech-faq.com/proxy.shtml provides a proxy list).

2. Enter the URL of the Websense-blocked site you wish to view into the form provided by the proxy website.

3. Click on "Go" or "Okay" to navigate to the website you indicated.

4. Navigate to other websites blocked by Websense by continuing to enter URLs into the proxy website's form.

5. Be aware that proxy avoidance websites regularly get shut down or blocked. Bookmark a proxy list, such as the one provided by www.tech-faq.com, that you can refer to in case the proxy website you try no longer works.

Tips & Warnings

• Many organizations consider the use of proxy avoidance websites to bypass content filters a violation of rules that may involve serious consequences.

References

• Websense.com: Guide for educational institutions
• Webopedia.com: IP address

Resources

• TechFaq.com: Proxy list