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Q: Can I use my Host File as a content filter?
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What is a "Host File"?


A host file is a file that acts like an telephone book online. The host file contains website addresses and their corresponding IP Address or "telephone number". A Host File would contain information that would look much like this:

209.85.135.99 www.google.com

When you type in a website address in your Internet browser your host file is accessed to see if you have the corresponding IP Address or "telephone number". If you do, then your browser loads the webpage or "dials the number". If your host file does not contain the information then your computer will consult with your Internet Service Provider "Host File" to locate the IP Address or "phone number" and bring up the site. Most times the Host File on your computer is blank therefore your computer frequently asks for the information from your ISP.

A way to block sites using your Host File is to enter the website address that you want to block and a fictitious IP Address to correspond with it. When someone tries to load that webpage in a browser, and your computer looks for the IP Address "phone number" to that website, it will try to load the IP Address of your computer and give an error message.


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Computer Monitoring Frequently Asked Questions

What are Parental Controls?

Does parental control software block everything?

Why use Internet Parental Control?

Can my children bypass Parental Contols?

I feel like a bad parent by spying on my kids? What can I do?

I am not good with installing software. Do I have any other Content Filtering options?

Do web browser contain parental controls?

Why would I waste time monitoring email?

How do I know what kind of E-mails my children are sending?

Why should I monitor my employees emails?

What should I look for as harmful email?

What purpose is email monitoring to my business?

How can I control Spam?

What is email abuse?

What should I include in an email policy?

How do I handle personal situations regarding the use of email?

What different types of computer monitoring are available?

What is the purpose of monitoring computers?

What can I monitor with my monitoring software?

Is there such a thing as Free Monitoring Software?

What does it mean to "Monitor Remotely"?

What is Parental Control Software>

Can I monitoring more than 1 computer at a time?

How can I monitor someone without them knowing?

How much can I expect to pay for software to monitor my home computer?

Are there any drawbacks to computer monitoring?

Should I block websites if I have small kids?

Should I purchase porn blocking software?

Why is employee internet monitoring necessary?

What Can Internet Spy Software Do?

How can I monitor a computer when i'm not near it?

What can I use keystroke software for?

How can I record instant messages my children are sending?

Why is recording instant messages on the web easier?

What is Content Filtering?

How do I block websites?

How do I know what sites I should be blocking?

Are there any other options other than software for content filtering?

What do I do with the data that is collected by my parental controls?

Is my child being monitored while using the internet at school?

Can I use my Host File as a content filter?

When should content filtering be used?

How do content filters work?

How effective are Internet Content Filters?

What is Keystroke Logging?

Should I use a Keylogger for my home computer?

What is an Invisible Keylogger?

keylogger, invisible keylogger

Is a keystroke logger configurable?

Are there different types of keyloggers?

What is a Hardware Keylogger?

Can keyloggers be used for inappropriate use?

What is a good keylogger to use?

How do I remove a keylogger?

What can I use screen capturing for?

Do I need special software to take a screenshot of my computer screen?

What types of screenshot software are available?

How do I view screen captures?

What kind of information will I gather from taking screenshots?

What type of features comes with screencapturing software?

Why should I monitor my computer?

Can productivity be increased just by monitoring my staff?

How are other companies gaining access to our customer information?

Why should I monitor my chat software?

What are some signs that my children are accessing pornography on the Internet?

How can I find out if my spouse is fooling around?

Are there any drawback to computer monitoring?

What is Cyberbullying and how does it take place?

What types of crimes are being committed on the Internet?

What is Internet Fraud?

Why should I monitor Instant Messenging?

How do I learn about Instant Messaging so I can monitor my children?

How do I block people from sending me instant messages?

What are the dangers of Instant Messaging?

How can I tell if my child has a problem with Instant Messaging?

What should I do if I think that a Predator is talking to my child over instant messaging?

Is there software to monitor AOL Instant Messenger?

Should I use my real name for a screen name in intant messengers?

Is it safe to meet someone online?

Is it safe to use public access terminals to send instant messages?

How do I clear my browser history?

What is Browser History?

How do I find out what website were visited?

Which monitoring software should I use?

How do I view history in Internet Explorer

How do I clear the history in Firefox?

What is an index.dat file and what is it used for?

Is there anywhere else on a computer where the browser history is stored?

What does the AutoComplete feature do?

How can I clear and disable the AutoComplete History in Internet Explorer?

Do other companies monitor their employees?

What are the purposes for monitoring employees?

How can I monitor my employees with invading their privacy?

Who requires the data being collected from monitoring our employees?

What can my employer monitor me on at work?

What should I consider before monitoring my staff?

Are my privacy rights the same within a place of employment as they are outside?

Do employees' privacy rights conflict with an employer's right to manage?

What methods can be used in ensuring an employees' is respected?

Can I be fired for Internet use at work?

Are my emails at work private?

Are there any laws that protect children online?

What is the Electronic Communications Privacy Act

Are there laws against Spyware?

Is spyware illegal?

What is Electronic Harassment?

Is there a law that protects my personal information?

How do I know if my identity has been stolen?



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