How to block facebook without editing host file.

i don't use face book - anymore.

but you might try blocking its cookie's via the browser.

you will of course have to remove them first.

but take an inventory of which ones they are, then turn around an re-input them in the cookie manager and block them.

this will work on a per browser basis. so if the employees download another browser, the cookies will have to be blocked in them as well.

With OpenDNS you can easily block Facebook, and virtually anything else you want to block for whatever reason.

OpenDNS is free or inexpensive depending on your specific needs, learn more at http://www.opendns.com.

How 'bout -----> Internet Options - Security - Restricted sites - Add facebook (both http & https)

So I would be looking at whatever you have on the server side of things as a starting point.

Col

It's easy enough to block the FB network range in just about any network equipment.

Add a notice that 'internet use at work is for work-related purposes only', and that usage will be monitored on a spot-basis.

Yes, some people will play VPN or proxy tricks, you should also make it clear these are policy violations which will not have good consequences for their career.

As it was said before me, just add the rule in the firewall to block Facebook or use OpenDNS.

There is a wide open range of content filters available at prices from free to thousands of dollars. Take a look at what is available. Smoothwall has worked very well for us and has excellent support. DansGuardian http://dansguardian.org/ is open source and may foot the bill.

The other thing, that worked very well for one of my past employers was even simpler. "Inappropriate Internet use is an HR matter." You know, the new guy at that desk never checked Facebook from work.

Cheap method for just one site) If you already have an internal DNS server (any AD server is already running DNS) you can create a dummy zone for facebook.com, therefore it won't resolve.

Cheap method for hundreds of sites) Use DNS Redirector http://www.dnsredirector.com It can also automatically update to block all the proxy sites that users will try to use to get around the block.

Expensive methods) Use OpenDNS, N2H2, SecureSchool, Websense, 8E6

Untangle is the best

NetVizor can filter websites from being visited, applications from being ran by the employee, and even chat messengers from being used while NetVizor is active.
http://www.employee-computer-monitoring.com/content-filtering-features.htm

some modems and routers can be configured to block websites. you just have to access their configuration page or contact their tech support for help.