Blue Coat's K-9 web Protection

[Mobo]

Maybe after further testing I can zoom off an email to BlueCoat and see if there are some issues with firefox that can be overcome.

[Raistlfiren]

Another thing is that if your kid is smart, you may also want to block proxy sites, due to the fact that I could access about any site going through a proxy server... Easy access... K9 can not block it at all....

Rat

[Mobo]

Probably needs a passwrod protected control panel of sorts that mom and/or dad can use to set it up.

[Raistlfiren]

Oh yes, it is password protected also...

[Mobo]

But it would need some type of lock on the internet connection so they couldt use a proxy.

[Raistlfiren]

Oh yes, that is true...

[700mb80min]

thanks rat , i`ll have to try it .

[rlatemp]

Originally Posted by Mobo

Maybe after further testing I can zoom off an email to BlueCoat and see if there are some issues with firefox that can be overcome.

Hey all,

I was quite interested in this thread because I've been using K9 for six months now and love the program. I've tested quite a few filters in the last couple years, but none of them came close to my expectations until I found K9. They always seemed to block too much or too little. There really was no balance, so I got too annoyed to keep them on my computer.

Mobo, you mentioned a problem in firefox. I hardly ever use anything but firefox, and I haven't had problems yet. Could it be that the sites you visited were cached? I noticed that you listed the "Basic Mode" settings in your post. There's also an "Advanced Mode" that allows you to configure each category you want blocked, plus black/white lists, and URL keyword blocks.

Another thing I like about it is that it has such a small footprint. The entire installer is about a quarter of a megabyte. I end up putting it on almost every computer my friends and family ask me to fix because it also prevents spyware traffic (it cuts down on my "family tech support" time if you know what I mean - lol).

I just looked at the Administration interface and there is a Hacking / Proxy Avoidance category, so I assume that this will help with kids trying to circumvent the filtering. There is still a list of features I want in K9. I have emailed Blue Coat to request them and every one of them are planned for future releases of the software. I can't wait!!!

[Mobo]

Hi rlatemp, welcome aboard.

Great post. That is what I call a meat and potatoes post. Nothing beats experienced feedback..I am going to install it tonight on the family pc for sure..

Thanks for your input..

[rlatemp]

Originally Posted by Mobo

But it would need some type of lock on the internet connection so they couldt use a proxy.

Oh, now that I read your post again I understand what you're saying. It appears that they filter the proxy requests as well as regular web traffic requests - even when I set my browser to go through a public anonymous proxy, my traffic is filtered... it seems that they have many angles covered. Nice job K9! It makes sense that they have this secure already since their mother company sells corporate proxy appliances.