up vote 3 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

Is it possible to block website on Windows without modifying hosts files? The reason I do not want to use it is that users need administrator options to modify it.

I need some easier way to block a website. Any ideas?

link|improve this question
80% accept rate
2  
So you want a way to block websites that users without administrator rights can configure? – petersohn Apr 6 '10 at 18:48
I want a user which does not have administrator rights to be able to block webpages for himself only. – Giorgi Apr 6 '10 at 20:16
1  
what is the purpose of a user blocking a webpage for himself, can't he just not go there? – Jeff Martin Apr 6 '10 at 22:27
I'm not sure why you want to let users block things for themselves when they could just not visit the site, but if you just want to block it in the browser, check out firefox addons like leech block, or find something equivalent for your browser. That may serve the desired purpose. – nhinkle♦ Apr 7 '10 at 2:23
feedback

4 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Why don't you just change the permissions on the hosts file so that "Everyone" or "Authenticated Users" have modify? Then anyone can edit it. Though, I am confused as to why you would ever do this.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 2 down vote

You could use Fiddler with this bit of fiddlerscript:

if (oSession.HostNameIs("subdomain.example.com")){
oSession.bypassGateway = true;
oSession["x-overrideHost"] = "127.0.0.1";
}

this would cause your browser to search for a website on localhost rather than subdomain.example.com. This script simulates the Windows hosts file.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

You can use "Block content" in Opera or AdBlock in FireFox.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

You could use OpenDNS, this could block websites for your whole network (if you set up your DHCP settings to use the openDNS) http://www.opendns.com/solutions/overview/

link|improve this answer
5  
It would only block sites for your whole LAN if you specified it as the DNS server in your DHCP server (like your router). If you just set your computer to use it, only your computer will be affected. – Nathaniel Apr 6 '10 at 19:06
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.