Is there a way to disable chat programs on a lan?

[mattingly]

I'm a network admin at a high school and I want to disable all the chat programs like yahoo, instant mess, etc.
We are using NT server 4.0 on the PDC and file servers and all the students are using windows 98.
Maybe in a script? Or disable a certain port on all the switches?

 

[jmcoreymv]

I dont think you can disable ports (as in tcpip ports) on a switch, only on a router. You could try making an access list and only allow port 80, and maybe another needed port.

 

[Wizkid]

Yep, on the router (or whatever you use to share the net connection) disable all ports except 80 (unless you need something else -- not likely)

 

[dirtboy]

You can do that like they said with a router, get a packet watching device that blocks it or switch the desktop OS to NT Workstation and lock the systems down so programs can't be installed.

 

[CBuxton]

If you are using a proxy server, your software should have the ability to filter out ports and packets. Simply restrict the ports that the chat programs are using and you're good to go without having to mess with the router configuration.

 

[cavingjan]

I'll post another question that should have an impact on this: What port does the java version of Yahoo messenger use? Is that using the same port as the regular versions of Yahoo messenger or is it using something else? I noticed that this version works on some networks when the regular versions do not. Food for thought. I honestly do not know the answer for this one.

 

[Ladi]

Although java versions of apps do exist, you can at least control people installing clients by limiting their account permissions...

~Ladi