How do I block a website?

There are several options available for blocking a website, consider one of the below options depending on your needs.

Tip: The list below was created in the order of what we recommend the most.

Blocking a website on a router
Block a website using Family safety
Blocking a website in Windows
Blocking a website using software
Blocking a website in a browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE)

Blocking a website on a router

Most home networks today have a network routerfor sharing an Internet connection between multiple devices and can even block websites. We recommend blocking a website through a router because it can be password protected to prevent the block from being bypassed and because it will block a website on all devices. Blocking on the router can prevent your children from accessing a page (e.g.Facebook) from the computer as well as any cell phone or tablet connected to your home network.

To block a website on a router connect to the home network router, typically this is done by opening a browser and visiting the default router address:http://192.168.1.1

If this address does not work or you're having trouble accessing your router setup visit the link below.

• How do I connect to my home router?

After connecting to the router, block a website through one of the below features. Unfortunately, every router setup is different so you'll need to find one of the below settings for your manufacturer of the router. Generally one of these options will be available under a "Security", "Parental control", "Firewall" tab or button.

• URL Filter - Some routers may have a URL filter section, which allows you to enter the URL for each website you want to block.
• Parental controls - New and more advanced routers have a section dedicated to parental controls, which gives you not only the option to block websites but also specify the times the Internet can be accessed.
• Firewall - Finally, if neither of the above options is available the router should offer some type of filtering through the Firewall router settings.

Note: Although blocking a website on the router is one of the best ways to prevent access to websites. A child could still connect to a neighbors network if it is left open. If you seen any open networks in your range try to educate your neighbors about the security vulnerabilities of leaving a network open.

Block a website using Family safety

Note: Blocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your computer will be able to access the site you're blocking.

The new versions of Windows include a Family Safety feature that enables parents to set up usage rules, allowing them to control which websites their children view. If you're running Windows 7 or 8, open Family Safety from either the Windows Start Menu orStart Screen by typing "family" and then clicking on the Family Safety shortcut that should appear.

When open you'll have a screen that resembles the example below which gives you access to web filtering, time limits, logs, as well as the type of games that can be played.

Blocking a website in Windows

Note: Blocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your computer will be able to access the site you're blocking.

A website can be blocked on any Windows computer by editing the hosts file, in Windows this file is referred to as the lmhost file.

Locate the hosts file in Windows Explorer. For Windows XP and up, it will be located in the directory C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\. In Windows 2000/NT, C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\. In Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINDOWS\.

Navigate to the proper directory using Windows Explorer. Double-click the hosts file. Choose Notepad from the list of programs to open the file and edit it in Notepad.

Find the line below:

127.0.0.1 localhost

Right underneath it, add the following lines (replacing badsite.com with the site you want to block):

127.0.0.1 badsite.com
127.0.0.1 www.badsite.com

Click on the File menu and click Save. Close the file. The site should be blocked in all web browsers and now instead of trying to access that site the computer will redirect you to the localhost.

• Additional information with viewing, editing, and modifying the lmhost file.

Blocking a website using software

Note: Blocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your computer will be able to access the site you're blocking.

You can also block websites using a software firewall or a filter (such as a parent control Internet filter). Also, most anti-virus software will come with a firewall or have an option to obtain one from them. Filtering software may also be available through the same companies or could be obtained separately. To configure these pieces of software to block websites, you need to follow the instructions provided by the software vendor.

• Internet filter and blocking software links.

Blocking a website in a browser

Note: Blocking a site in a browser only blocks the site in one browser. Any other browser, computer, phone, or tablet connected to your computer will be able to access the site you're blocking.

Blocking a website in Firefox
Blocking a website in Internet Explorer
Blocking a website in Chrome

Blocking in Firefox

Although not available with the default install of Firefox, there are plenty of add-ons that allow you to block sites in Firefox. Below are the steps on how to install BlockSite, a great add-on to block websites.

1. Click on the Tools menu and click Add-ons. If you don't see Tools press the Alt key.
2. In the top-right corner of the Add-ons Manager page, there is a search bar. Perform a search for BlockSite. The first result should be the add-on called BlockSite. Click the Install button to install the add-on.
3. Restart Firefox to complete the installation.
4. Click on the Tools menu and click Add-ons. In the Add-ons Manager page click theExtensions tab.
5. In the listing for BlockSite, click the Options button. The screen below will be shown.

In the BlockSite Preferences click the Add button. In the window asking for the Web address to block enter the address of the website to block and click the OK button. Click the OK button to exit BlockSite and continue browsing.

Blocking in Internet Explorer

Note: If you are running Windows 7 or Windows 8, Windows now handles all the below settings through Family Safety.

1. Click Tools in the File menu and click Internet Options. If Tools is not visible press the Alt key.
2. In the Internet Options window click on the Content tab.
3. Under the Content Advisor heading, click Enable if it has not yet been enabled, or click Settings, enter your supervisor password and click the OK button.
4. In the Content Advisor window click the Approved Sites tab to show a screen similar to the example below.

Enter the Web address to block and click the Never button. Click the OK button to exit the Content Advisor window, then click OK again to exit the Internet Options window and continue browsing.

Blocking a website in Chrome

Chrome does not come included with any type of website blocking tool or feature. However, there are plenty of Chrome Extensions that can be added that allow you to block a website. Visit the Chrome web store and search for "blocksite" to pull up a listing of available extensions that will block websites.