how can I block a range of websites or words from another computer on the network from controlling computer

[becrome]

I have 4 computers on the network and want to block facebook, instagram, realestate sites etc but allow the sites the computer should be using to get work done. is this possible?

 

[core0]

You could get a roaming client of some sort, I just don't know if they are free. I know schools use them so students cannot accesss certain sites when on the network. Personally, my school uses Umbrella Roaming Client installed on our macbooks. It is supported by windows, I just don't know if it is free.

 

[Math Geek]

does your router support any filtering like this? that's probably the easiest way if you already have the capabilities.

if you have a server between the router and pc's, then it can also be used to filter with a simple host file change. that's how i have it in my house. this way no matter what/who connects to the network, the filter stays in place. once they leave my network though i have no control over what the devices do.

keep in mind though that vpn's, proxy's and so on can and will be used to get around any local filtering. so you'll have to stay on top of things to keep an eye on when they start using them on your network to block them as well.

i'd have to look into it again but at one point a school i taught at had monitoring software set-up that would show the controlling pc all the screens of the pc's in the lab. one at a time or all at once if desired. this was a much better deterrent than any filter they could install. when i could simply see what was on every screen, was easy to identify who was somewhere they should not be.

a strict, clearly defined policy and instant consequences kept the students from doing anything stupid while in the pc lab. would be a bit more work in an office environment to keep tabs but won't take long for workers to realize they are just better off using their phone to get on facebook and not risk their jobs using the company network to try it.

 

[Alabalcho]

You should also make sure that end-users cannot install new software on their PCs. A VPN client is all they need to jump over the fence.