Filters 101
THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF FILTERS:
SERVER BASED:
Generally, Verizon or Optimum installs a line into your home or business and you connect your computer to that line, which connects you to the Internet.
A server based filter is when you connect to someone else’s network. For example:
(a) Joe connects his home computer to Mr. Filter’s network
(b) Mr. Filter gets Internet from Verizon/Optimum
(c) Mr. Filter filters it on his server
(d) Mr. Filter allows Joe to surf via Mr. Filter’s Internet and server.
What this accomplishes is that Mr. Filter is filtering what goes to Joe’s computer – and there is no way Joe can get around the filter. (Unless if Joe connects via WiFi to someone else’s network, – then there is no filter on Joe’s computer!)
ADVANTAGE: User cannot make any changes to the settings.
DISADVANTAGE: If a change is needed, it can take several days until the system is updated.
SOFTWARE BASED:
A software based filter is a program installed on the individual computer.
ADVANTAGE: Administrator of account can make changes as needed.
DISADVANTAGE: The filter needs to be install on each computer.
ROUTER BASED:
A router based filter is a hybrid between server and filter based filters. It is similar to a server based filter in that it protects the entire network all at once, yet the administrator can make changes to the settings instantly.
ADVANTAGE: All Internet devices are filtered all with one setting.
DISADVANTAGE: The devices themselves are not filtered, therefore if the device connects via
WiFi to someone else’s network, the device if unfiltered.
SOME
SUGGESTED OPTIONS:
SERVER BASED:
JNet – www.TheJnet.com
YeshivaNet – www.yeshivanet.com
SOFTWARE BASED:
K9 – www.GetK9.com
Norton – www.onlinefamily.norton.com
ROUTER BASED:
iBoss – www.residential.iphantom.com
NetGenie – www.netgenie.net
OpenDNS – www.opendns.com
WHAT MOST PEOPLE TEND TO DO:
SOFTWARE BASED:
From our experience, most people opt to get the software based K9 filter. It is a simple installation, with options to meet many people’s needs. Some highlights are:
– Filter by category
– Filter by site
– Block Internet access at specific times of the day or night.
– Using the password, temporarily allowing a site
FILTER TIPS:
PASSWORD:
– Have a secure password. Generally you make a password to keep unknown people out. With a filter, you know who you are protecting – therefore make sure not to use a common family password.
– Some filters are connected to an email address. Make sure others do not have access to the email used to set up the filter.
– Share the password!
We recommend you enter in 4 characters and another member of your home or office enters another 4. This way no ONE person can access the administrative dashboard.
ERROR MESSAGES:
Check to see if filter was not tampered with, perhaps that is why you are seeing error messages.
