How Can I Block Websites I Don't Want My Kids On?
Windows offers a couple of options for parents who want to block websites from their kids. These free and easy solutions are also simple to reverse, if need be. However, they can be time consuming, as they often require you to enter each website to be blocked. If entering each website doesn't appeal to you, there are some free software alternatives to block adult-oriented sites as well as other sites of your choice.
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Instructions
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Internet Explorer
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Open Internet Explorer.
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Click on "Tools" and "Internet Options." Choose "Content" and click on "Content Advisor."
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Enable Content Advisor by adding a supervisor's password.
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Update the "Ratings" area to block websites. Under "Ratings," adjust the slider from "None" to "Explicit" for language, nudity, sex and violence. This blocks a large portion of sites that are inappropriate for children.
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Click on "Approved Sites." Here you can add specific sites that may slide under the radar of the "Ratings" section. Click "Never" to block the website. Click "OK."
Host Files
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Edit the Windows host files with other browsers for additional security using Internet Explorer. Click on the "Start" menu and click "Run."
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Type "notepad C:\Windows\System32drivers\etc\hosts" in the "Run" dialog box and press "Enter." A Notepad window opens.
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Scroll to the bottom of the Notepad window. Press "Enter" after the last line. Type a new line of "127.0.0.1" -- without the quotes -- followed by the website you would like to block. For example, to block Facebook, type "127.0.0.1 facebook.com." Press "Enter."
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Block more websites by typing the same number plus a new website name. For example, the next line can be "127.0.0.1," followed by the website to be blocked. Choose "File" and "Save," then "Exit" to block the sites.
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Tips & Warnings
Download free website-blocking software, such as Parental Control Bar, OnlineFamily.Norton or K9 Web Protection (see Resources). Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the download and begin blocking inappropriate sites.
References
Resources
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