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General discussion

I need to block a specific site

Aug 8, 2008 1:24AM PDT

Turns out that on days when I'm not at work, a co-worker is using my computer to access two specific porn sites. I would just like to block those sites to see if he gets the hint before reporting the problem. I can't just log the computer off when I'm not around.

**Bonus Challenge: Can I redirect him to, say, a page on my own domain that will let him know that he is busted?

These are my specifications:
OS: 10.4
Browser: Safari
Connection: DSL
Network: Hard-wired ethernet, connected to network printer but not to any other computers on the network.

Discussion is locked

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Contact your HR.
Aug 8, 2008 1:35AM PDT

They should have a policy on this and will help you get it taken care of proper.

In the meantime why is your machine not password protected to safeguard not only you but your company's "goods."

"I can't just log the computer off when I'm not around."
-> But you can have the screensaver kick in and password that.
Bob

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Not quite the answer I was looking for.
Aug 8, 2008 1:53AM PDT

I have my reasons for needing to take care of it in this way. HR will have to be the last resort for now.

And as for the password on the screen saver - for the same reasons I can't just "log off". Certain things need to be accessed only here for now when I'm not around, just not porn. Fortunately, only these two sites are recurring so third-party software is not necessary just yet.

The question posted is pretty clear. I'm asking for tech help, not guidance.

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Block it at the router.
Aug 8, 2008 4:48AM PDT

Your IT staffer can do this in a jiff. As to guidance I didn't offer any but shared how we cured this at the office.
Bob

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Do you have a system administrator?
Aug 8, 2008 3:32AM PDT

If so, get them to block the two sites at the Router.

Redirecting to a domain outside of your company domain may be a little more difficult.

I'm not at my Mac right now but will take a look at the options when I get to the house.

Create a limited account, I assume you are an Admin on that machine, and only allow access to the stuff that your co-worker needs to see.
Do not grant access to any Internet capable application.
Log off before you go home, Log on as the owner of the limited account which will enable your co-worker to only see what he is supposed to see.
When you get back to work, log off that and back on as yourself.

There really is no excuse for anyone to have to use your account on that machine.

As an aside, if that machine is hard wired to the network, then you ARE connected to every other computer on it.

P

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Re: Blocking Site
Aug 8, 2008 4:52AM PDT

Judging by the previous posts, I can take a few guesses as to what is going on. Also, a few things:

If it is your work machine, only you and the network administrator should have access to it. You should be able to log the computer off when you are not around. Why wouldn't you be able to? And if another co-worker has to use it during your absence, either setup a limited account and put all of your work files in a shared folder. That way, any other user will only be able to access those. As Peter suggested, see if you can get someone to block the sites at the router. Many routers have internet-restricting abilities.

Tech help and guidance are very similar things. Also, you say that you don't want to report him right away, only as a last resort. A close friend, perhaps? Still, this isn't something to keep secret. Just letting him know that he has been caught isn't enough; this is not something that can go on at the workplace unpunished or unknown. You should contact someone higher up. Honestly, it doesn't look like you have a whole lot of other options available. Good luck.

-BMF