Decent HW Internet Filter

[Tahir2]

Hi all again...

Another request for the guys in the know....

I need help with deciding upon a hardware based internet filtering software to be installed in a school for approximately 30 PC's on a fairly standard network.

Some PC's will be used as internet workstations and therefore need to be "locked down" to non-obscene or vulgar sites.

Any thoughts on what has been recommended to do this job so far:

Watchguard X20e with UTM bundle (WG50026)
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=4Y2T for more info.

 

[Tahir2]

Anyone out there?

 

[Mize]

barracuda web filter - much easier to configure than WatchGuard series

 

[Simon F]

Anyone out there?

Sorry. Your post was filtered...

Seriously though, does it have to be a "hardware" solution? Is this just for simplicity of installation?

For example, my ISP (metronet) offers a free filtering proxy (that also blocks adverts (sorry B3D)) that I use from home.

IIRC that is just based on, or is something like, squid. I imagine the school could do the same by having all internet traffic go via a linux box which is running squid. <shrug>. Of course, it'd need more setting up than an "off the shelf" box, but there may be a keen volunteer who'd do that.

 

[Tahir2]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The reason for the hardware filter has been explained as being easy to set up and once it is done there is no need to really maintain it.

Software solutions may be prone to workarounds (as I guess most hardware solutions are) but it is seen as a more secure way of filtering requests and sites.

Unfortunately I do not think I have any volunteers that are Linux inclined off hand. and if we are required to acquire more hardware rather than go for a Linux box perhaps something more specific is more suitable? But maybe your solution is better Simon?

Will look into some Barracuda solutions, do you have any recommendations Mize for about the same cost?

 

[ShaidarHaran]

What is "hardware based internet filtering software"?

An app that requires a hardware key (usually something akin to a USB flash drive) ?

 

[Davros]

ok this is not ideal but many routers allow you to create a whitelist of sites your allowed to visit
maybe there are some downloadable whitelists you can download (i dont know)

a software way would be something like peerguardian you can download blocklists for it

 

[Mize]

If you're looking for cheap you can get a Safe@Office router and only subscribe to web filtering. It's more comparable to that WatchGuard, but the web filtering is by category only. To block individual sites you'd have to set up block rules in the firewall.