If you want to affect all devices that could potentially be used on your network (e.g., Windows boxes, Linux boxes, tablets, smartphones, etc.) in one go, this sounds like a job for your router.  That would be the one-stop-shop for setting up blacklisted domains.  I haven't seen even a cheap home router (or one provided by ISP) the last dozen years that didn't have this rudimentary capability.

Cheers.


----- Original Message -----
From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org] On Behalf Of Stephen Partington
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 16:55
To: Main PLUG discussion list
Subject: Re: OT: Blocking Sites

the fastest solution would be to route the domains via local copy of the hosts file. to say localhost or some place you approve of. then you can look for a more long term solution.


----- Original Message -----
From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org] On Behalf Of AZ Pete
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 16:27
To: PLUG Discuss
Subject: OT: Blocking Sites

All,

I have two boys who's video gaming on their laptops is out of control. If me or my wife aren't *constantly* looking over their shoulders, they will be playing games. And they are savvy enough to have their educational lessons open in one tab and games in another and alt-tab away from the game when we are walking past.

I need a solution that will block their game sites, while still allowing access to all the other sites that are needed for school, lessons, research etc.
Is there some method I can block DNS requests to certain domains, while keeping others active for only their computers? I want something *very easy* to set up and maintain that runs on Windows (all computers in my home network are Win based). I have a Windows file server I could load some kind of proxy software on and have the kids computers hit the proxy to resolve DNS calls. But again, I don't want to screw around with complex proxy servers, "net nanny" based software, etc. Also, simply editing their hosts file isn't terribly realistic either.

Basically, I want a solution where I can easily enter a domain to be blocked (or removed for access) for only their PCs, without having to sink hours and hours into learning/configuring/maintaining some complex software solution. I'd also rather not have to load some kind of net-nanny software onto each of their computers (which would be a pain to constantly have to maintain the block list on each machine).

Free/Open Source would be best, but I'll be willing to pay if the price is right.
I'm at my wits end with this game addition (and yes it's an addiction) and need a solution. 

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
Peter
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