Apparently, Windows 10 does not honor the hosts file, so I'm a bit confused as to how to block access to certain sites (specifically, I want to block YouTube on the computer that kids are using for online school classes, but the question is general, not about the specific site).
From my previous experience, I simply added a line to the hosts file "127.0.0.1 youtube.com", but it appears that this has no effect on whether youtube can be reached by either Firefox or Opera (the latter was recently discovered by the kids as having a "cool" gaming skin).
Another possibility is to block the site using the firewall (ESET in my case). But I'm confused as why won't the host file be enough. Any ideas?
What I'm reading elsewhere in the net, is that modern browsers are now using something called "DNS over HTTPS" where they are not using the PC to resolve DNS quieries, but rather something in the cloud. Seems logical that in that case the hosts file is ignored. Anyone can shed more light on that ?
Computer Type: PC/Desktop System Manufacturer/Model Number: HP Pavilion desktop TP01-0014 (master) OS: Win 10 home 20H2 19042.1110 Monitor(s) Displays: Viewsonic VA1917 series Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 Browser: Firefox and IE Antivirus: Avira Other Info: Running 2 HP desktops both new in August & November 2019
Computer Type: PC/Desktop System Manufacturer/Model Number: HP Pavilion 590-p054 OS: Win 10 home 19042.1110 Browser: Firefox Antivirus: Avira Prime
The HOSTS file will work [the browser is faster with 0.0.0.0. rather than 127.0.0.1] with a standard browser.
This is of course all installed/hosted on a PC by PC basis and wont stop a device you have no knowledge of connecting to a site.
However the HOSTS file can be bypassed using a proxy or TOR.
You will need to block it at router/modem/firewall stage I'm afraid to be sure.
It does depend on their (the people your trying to stop) knowledge, skill and determination to access these sites, how far you’ll need to go
You can use Forticlient's webfilter (version 6.0). You can choose categories, like adult, social, etc and add exclusions for webpages. It has also an ultimate malware filter. I believe you can specify webpages as well.
Hi there
You either have to block it at the router level or set internet access from client PC's that use your home internet via a proxy server.
Even then if kids say have a mobile phone then all they have to do is create an access point using the phone 4 or 5g system if they have their own accounts and pay for data rather than go through a wifi system.
Control via Router access is probably your best bet -- you need a good router though - cheapish consumer grade ones probably won't have anything decently sophisticated apart from just being able to create logs.
As jimbo mentioned, blocking a url with the router could be an easy option. It might even be an idea to pickup a newer router if yours doesn't utilize an 802.11ac type protocol and have a url filtering feature.
I have googled a bit and found software that can be used to block websites on a computer. I also found another way by using Windows which I would prefer. My problem is I must be doing something wrong. Here is the site that has the steps.
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