How to Ban Websites From Your Computer

Keep your kids safe from inappropriate content by blocking websites.

Whether you're monitoring the Internet usage of your kids or your company, blocking websites is a way to ensure productivity and safety. Your Internet browser can be configured to block access to user-specified websites, but all browsers do this a little differently. Internet Explorer has a built-in website blocker, whereas Firefox will require an add-on. Mac users who go online via Safari can access the parental controls through the OS itself.

Instructions

Firefox

1. Install the BlockSite add-on. This free add-on gives Firefox the ability to block websites. Restart Firefox when prompted.

2. Open the "Tools" menu. Click "Add-ons." This will open a new window. Select "BlockSite." Click the "Options" button to open the BlockSite settings menu.

3. Click the "Add" button on the right side of the window. Type the full URL of the website you want to block into the text field pop-up window. Click "Ok." You may add as many sites as you need to. Once all the sites have been added, click "Ok." If you wish to prevent others from altering these settings, check the "Enable Authentication" box and type a password into the "New Password" field. BlockSite will now require this password before any changes can be made.

Internet Explorer

1. Open the "Tools" menu. Click "Internet Options." This will open a new window.

2. Select the "Content" tab. Click the "Enable" button. This will open the "Content Advisor" window.

3. Type the URL into the "Allow this website" field. Click the "Never" button to block it. The website's URL will appear within the "List of approved and disapproved websites." Once you have added all the websites you wish to block, click "Ok."

4. Type a password into the "Create Supervisor Password" window. Add a hint that will help you remember your password. Click "Ok" to save the password. Any changes to the Content Advisor will now require this password.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open the System Preferences menu. Select "Accounts." Click the lock icon in the lower left corner of the window to sign into the computer's admin account. Enter your admin name and password when prompted.

2. Select the account on which you wish to block websites. A list of your computer's installed programs will be displayed. Check the "Safari" box and click "Configure."

3. Type in the URL of the website you wish to block. Click the "Add website" button. Add as many websites as you need to. Close this window once you are complete.

References

• Download A to Z: How to Set Parental Controls on Safari
• Mozilla: Firefox Add-ons - BlockSite
• Microsoft: Using Content Advisor