What Are the Three Types of Internet Filters?
Internet filters help protect networks that are established at organizations, educational institutions, public facilities and homes. Through the use of Internet filters, network administrators or parents are able to block Internet content that is considered inappropriate or distracting, or harmful content that contains viruses, malware and spyware. There are several types of Internet filters that can be operated within a network. Ultimately, the Internet filter you need depends on your type of filtering needs and your network's size.
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Internet Service Provider Filters
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Internet filters can be administered by your ISP to limit access to certain Internet content. This is a type of Internet filter that doesn't restrict Internet usage by computer or by Internet user; instead, it blocks everyone that uses the ISP's service to connect to the Web. Some ISP providers also monitor your emailing and chatting activities as well as your browsing behavior. The type of websites or Web services that ISP-based Internet filters block depends on the ISP's policies. Ultimately, with this type of Internet filter, your ISP decides which content is suitable and which isn't.
Computer-Based Internet Filters
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Computer-based Internet filters, also known as client-side filters, are administered directly on your computer. These Internet filters are established with the use of software or hardware tools that can be customized to meet your specific filtering needs. With this type of Internet filter, the administrator who holds that password can designate Internet restrictions to different computers. This type of Internet filtering option is ideal for businesses and homes who need set Internet filters for specific employees or family members. For instance, parents can set Internet filters to keep their kids from accessing inappropriate or harmful Web content.
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Network-Based Internet Filters
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Network-based Internet filters are also known as server-side filters. These types of filters are administered to a whole network through a central server computer. Through this computer an administrator establishes Internet browsing restrictions for every user working within a network. This is accomplished with firewalls or other types of hardware and software tools. Generally, this type of Internet filtering system is used at organizations and educational institutions that have a network with numerous users. Although network-based Internet filters affect a whole network, the network administrator can make exceptions and give more browsing privileges to certain computers.
Considerations
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There are various types of options when selecting any type of Internet filter. You can find freeware, software, hardware and appliances that will do the job. Ultimately, the right option for you depends on the network you are trying to protect. For instance, if you are looking for an Internet filter to use at home, consider options such as Net Nanny and CYBERsitter. If you are looking for an Internet filter that can be used in a small business, large enterprise, public facilities or educational institutions you can consider reliable options such as Barracuda, Websense and SonicWALL.
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