Basic Web Content Filtering FAQ

Q: Do I need Basic Web Content Filtering?

Most of our customers find, especially if there are children in the home, that it is difficult to control or prevent accidental access to objectionable material during web surfing. Basic Web Content Filtering can help block access by the web browser to much of the objectionable content on the internet.

Our Basic Web Content Filtering is based on DansGuardian which is an award winning Open Source web content filter which currently runs on Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Mac OS X, HP-UX, and Solaris. It filters the actual content of pages based on many methods including phrase matching, PICS filtering and URL filtering. It does not purely filter based on a banned list of sites like lesser totally commercial filters.

Q: Do I need Basic Web Content Filtering?

We have a detailed setup guide available on our website at http://www.fiber.net/wiki/doku.php?id=customer_info:other:basic_web_content_filtering_setup

If you have trouble with the setup, please call technical support or email us at support@fiber.net

Q: Why does Basic Web Content Filtering Allow Objectionable Content on Occasion?

Unfortunately, due to the liquid and changing nature of the internet, no content filter is 100% effective. We update our filter often and strive to make web surfing safe and enjoyable for you and your family. On occasion some objectionable content may make it through to your computer. This is unavoidable and since the filter is updated constantly, should not happen often. If you suspect the filter is not working correctly, please go through the setup instructions again or contact our support group.

The Web Content Filtering we offer filters HTTP protocol only. That means that programs other than your web browser (that you configured to use the filter) can access content or data without being filtered. FTP, file sharing or peer-to-peer programs, email and other internet services are usually not affected by Basic Web Content Filtering. If you need help locking down those kind of services or applications on your computer we are happy to offer security consulting services that can provide ways to prevent that access on your computer.