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decent content filtering for 20-30 users?

K

Kremlar

Golden Member
Anyone know of a decent content filtering package for 20-30 users? We currently use a Linksys RV042 router which allows keyword and website blocking. However, we'd like to be able to allow certain users unrestricted access to the internet (bypassing the content filtering). The router doesn't seem to allow us to do this.

I've looked at the content filtering options on a Netgear FVS318, and this allows bypassing content filtering for a single IP address. However, I'd like multiple users to be allowed unrestricted access. Also, I'd rather be able to specify by MAC address if possible.

I'm open to suggestions, but purchasing a very expensive software package and/or utilizing ISA Server is out of our budget.

Thanks!
 
I'd say under $2000, but the cheaper the better obviously.

I'd rather spend $500 to get 85% of the features of a $2000 solution.
 
You can purchase Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition, Retail Version, for about $1K, from Newegg.com. That INCLUDES ISA 2004. It'll give you full control of surfing rights, by user. You can also monitor each user's surfing habits. It'll keep track of every single web page accessed by each user. There are add-ins for content filtering. GFI WebMonitro, for instance, is $400 for 25 users.

If you don't have a server, or if your current server doesn't include all the features of SBS 2003, you might consider it. You'll get a LOT more than a web filter for your money.
 
ipcop is free. download and install it on a spare pc. u can get free add ons that will do everything you want. can't beat it.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys.

I was trying to avoid the expense and complexity of ISA Server.

Thanks for the info on IPCOP. Looks pretty cool, and you can't beat the price.

Anything bad to say about it?
 
Originally posted by: Kremlar
Thanks for the replies, guys.

I was trying to avoid the expense and complexity of ISA Server.

Thanks for the info on IPCOP. Looks pretty cool, and you can't beat the price.

Anything bad to say about it?
Click to expand...

The only bad thing is that you have to take the time to learn it...😀

That said, if you ike reading and have the time, you are all set😎
 
I'm not proficient in Linux, but IPCOP doesn't look like much Linux knowledge is needed.

The interface looks pretty standard as far as firewalls and routers go...

Am I wrong?
 
Originally posted by: Kremlar
I'm not proficient in Linux, but IPCOP doesn't look like much Linux knowledge is needed.

The interface looks pretty standard as far as firewalls and routers go...

Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

once you figure out the install, it is all web based after that. You simply isntall it on the pc, and then never ever have to directly use it again.
 
Thanks!

Reliable?

Any features it lacks, or is it totally above and beyond any $100-$200 Linksys/Netgear?

Does it support any kind of load balancing/redundant internet connection?

Will it act as a DHCP server?
 
it does support dhcp. it is above and beyond linksys and netgear.
the install is goes like so: burn the image to a cd. bootup using the cd u just made and answer a few questions. it is defaulted to ISDN. you want to change that to a red+green network. red=wan and green=lan. it is very easy to use no linux knowledge required unless you install addons and then it is very basic.
 
load balancing=setup two ipcop machines set half your users to use one and the other half to use the other.
with two machines setup if one goes out then you can just set everone to use the machine that is still working.

if you are thinking of load balancing for performance. i would suggest just installing on a better machine but remember ipcop doesn't require alot of horsepower to run.

what are you looking for with Loadbalancing & Redundancy? is it performance or don't want any down time. i always have ideas.
 
Both. I like these newer Linksys & Netgear routers with 2 WAN ports. It's nice to be able to order up a $20 DSL connection and use it as a backup to a T1 line, just in case.

I like the fact that a router will automatically sense 1 connection is down and switch to the other, without my input.

I was hoping IPCOP did something similar, since hardware wise I could easily throw in another ethernet card.
 
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