Scripps Employees Called 'Hackers' For Exposing Massive Security Flaw
Suspected PayPal Hackers Seek Deal To Stay Out Of Prison
OpenDNS FamilyShield makes it easier to block porn from your kids' computers
The new offering is called FamilyShield, and it's just as easy to get working as the original OpenDNS service. Full instructions are provided on the official site, and they'll walk you through setting up FamilyShield either on your computers or on your router. Opt for the router method if you're comfortable -- it's really not too complicated, and instructions are provided for 18 different brands of routers and dozens of different models.
Once you've configured the OpenDNS FamilyShield servers, they take care of the rest -- constantly updating their files to block additional sites. As they point out on their official blog post, it's fairly difficult to get around FamilyShield's access-blocking abilities.
That's not to say it's impossible -- there's always a way, but FamilyShield is certainly an excellent first line of defense if you're looking for a way to keep porn off your computers.
Comments
13
Subscribe to commentsaMIGA_dUDEJun 23rd 2010 1:24PM
It as easy as using your own ISP proxy servers.
216Jun 23rd 2010 1:24PM
Ha its not just porn, but it also blocks known phishing and malware sites. Its a great tool if you like OpenDNS and you want to help protect other family members homes but you dont wanna bother with configuring their connections
David UlevitchJun 23rd 2010 1:34PM
Heh, nice screenshot commentary. Thanks for the great write-up. Looking forward to feedback from folks who give FamilyShield a try.
Drew GreenJun 23rd 2010 2:29PM
"it's fairly difficult to get around FamilyShield's access-blocking abilities...That's not to say it's impossible"
Since when is changing the DNS server in your IP settings "fairly difficult"?
Lee MathewsJun 23rd 2010 2:30PM
I was referring to the average Joe and his kids at home...Probably not so tough for you and me, Drew ;)
Owen VJun 23rd 2010 2:46PM
if you don't tell your kids that you changed the dns servers then they won't know whats keeping the porn away.
Stephen SimpsonJun 23rd 2010 4:31PM
Thats what I was wondering too. I think determined kids could figure out how to change your own personal DNS in windows and such. And most parents are not smart enough to know how to lock that section down...
DanJun 24th 2010 3:08AM
Yes it's easy to change DNS in your IP settings. But it will not get you far because I block DNS for internal hosts on the firewall.
youngorthoJun 23rd 2010 4:06PM
Is the family shield different than just selecting the OpenDNS setting of "block porn" that I have been using up until now?
Lonnie McClureJun 24th 2010 12:03PM
This does not require an account, and eliminates any issues that might occur if the computer or gateway IP address changes.
Stephen SimpsonJun 23rd 2010 4:33PM
@Owen V: I havent tried this yet, but my guess is that when you reach a banned sight you get thrown to a page announcing that you are being blocked by opendns. A simple google search would explain what openDns is unfortunately. They really need to come up with a way for parents to completely block access to their own personal tcp/ip settings for this to be even better.
aceman67Jun 27th 2010 8:34AM
Pretty damn easy to get around, just stick a pin in the reset hole in your router and use a wired computer...
course you're hooped if you use wireless+encryption or have a DSL connection...
IT Certification Training VideosAug 17th 2010 9:47PM
If you set your kids accounts up as non-administrators (assuming your OS supports that) you can prevent them from being able to change their network (TCP/IP) settings.
Can you develop a system that is completely locked down, not really... unless you want to make that a full time job all by itself.. but nothing wrong for making it as difficult as possible.