Allowing access to specified sites

[axem56]

I have a customer that wants certain computers only to access a few specified sites. Is there a way to do this with Server 2003 or some type of software that works well. Thanks in advance.

[RyanMeray]

You could use a whitelist to block access to non-approved sites.

Edit: I guess I should've been more specific; Seedubya is dead right. Use OpenDNS and whitelist all the sites you want to allow access to. It's easy, and by manually setting the DNS on only the systems you want restricted (instead of at the router), you can allow certain systems to keep their full access by changing nothing.

[seedubya]

Kerio Firewall + ISS Orange Webfilter is very, very good at this but a bit pricey. You could use an open source appliance like Smoothwall or even OpenDNS http://www.opendns.com/smb/solutions

[cis4smack]

What about using websense? Would that be a viable solution for you client?

[axem56]

OpenDNS sounds like a good choice, but I would like to see the prices on websense. I will let you know what he decides to go with. Thanks

[Justin1201]

The cheapest and easiest way I've found is just to use the content advisor built into IE. Tools | Privacy | Content. Add the sites you want and set a password. I'm sure you can export the registry settings for this if you have multiple machines.

Of course, brainy users can just install Firefox, but if you just have a bunch of noobs running the machines no worries. Otherwise the openDNS method works.