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Browser Settings

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Hackers can take advantage of unsecured Web browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape). Lessen your risk by changing the settings in your browser, increasing your online security. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. If you need help understanding your choices, use your "Help" function.

Below are some common settings that will help secure Internet Explorer 6 and make browsing a safer experience for all users.

Pop-up windows?

Pop-up windows are small Web browser windows that are frequently used for advertising. They often open as soon as you navigate to a Web site, whether you want to see them or not. They might open when you click a link or button on a Web site, and they might open either over or under the window you wish to view.

Some pop-ups that you open by clicking a link or button are helpful. For example, if you click an image to see a larger version, it might open in a pop-up window. Or if you are buying concert tickets online, you might click a link to see a seating diagram that opens in a pop-up window.

Setting Internet Explorer to block pop-ups?

Pop-up Blocker is on by default. You should only need to turn it on if someone has turned it off.

On the Tools menu, point to Pop-up Blocker.
Click Turn on Pop-up Blocker.
Using Tools, Pop-up Blocker, Pop-up blocker Settings... (image below) will allow you to add pop-ups for specific sites.

Content Advisor

To activate Content Advisor, you set yourself up as the Supervisor of Content with a password. Don't lose it!

1. On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2. Click the Content tab, and click the Enable button.
3. In the Content Advisor box, click the General tab, and then click the Create
4. In the Create Supervisor Password box, type the password you want to use.
5. In the Confirm Password box, type the same password again.
6. In the Hint box, type a hint to help you remember your password, and then click OK.
7. Click OK in response to the message about Content Advisor, and then click OK once more.

Now every time you bump into Content Advisor's protective walls, you'll need to type the supervisor password to get through.

Using Content Advisor

By using Content Advisor, you can control the types of content that users access on the Internet. You can adjust the content ratings settings to reflect the appropriate level of content in four areas: language, nudity, sex, and violence. For example, parents might want to block access to sites that display content inappropriate for their children.

Historically, the motive for filtering sites on the basis of a site's content has been driven by a site's subject matter and the fact that some ideas and images are blatantly offensive to many people. Today, the most common content ratings are based on the PICS standard for defining and rating Web content. For more information about PICS, visit the W3C Web site at http://www.w3.org/.

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Content tab.
2. In the Content Advisor area, click Settings.
3. In the Password box, type your supervisor password, and then click OK.
4. On the Ratings tab, select the Language, Nudity, Sex, or Violence ratings category.
5. Drag the slider to the appropriate content level for the selected category.

The default setting for each category is Level 0, which is the most restrictive setting.

Content Control Software

Content-control software determines what content will be available on a particular machine. The purpose is often to prevent persons (children) from viewing content which the computer's owner (parents)may consider objectionable. Obviously additional software costs money, but the software allows for a greater protection when browsing. Listed below are some popular choices for PC's:

• Cybersitter - allows parents to override blocked sites, add their own sites to block, and maintains a detailed log of all Internet activity and violations. It will even send a daily report to parents by e-mail.(Cybersitter)
• SafeEyes - flexible "Internet Filtering" allows you to select the types of website that are appropriate. Control Instant Messengers, P2P File Sharing, and other harmful programs. Control the amount of time spent online, and the times when the internet is available. Create and review logs of websites visited, programs used on the Internet, and Instant Messaging Chats. Be notified instantly via email, text message, or phone call when someone visits inappropriate websites.(Safe Eyes)
• CyberPatrol - Monitoring and logging. It clearly shows the surfing habits of users so you know exactly where they go online, at what time and for how long. Stop users accessing harmful Internet content by blocking unsuitable websites, newsgroups and search engine images. Use with time limits to take control yet give the freedom to explore - even when you can't be there! Restrict chat to safeguard against online predators and prevent personal information from being revealed. Control Program Downloads. Stop indiscriminate downloads by locking down your PC and eliminate the worry. Stop private information, like names/addresses/phone numbers, from being revealed or exploited by setting up rules so key information is filtered out before it leaves your computer.(CyberPatrol)
• ContentProtect - ContentProtect can block not only pornography, but hate sites, questionable chat rooms and other dangers of the Internet. You can even configure ContentProtect to block online game and gambling sites, and even make it so your children can only install and play computer games with parental ratings that you deem appropriate. The new ContentProtect integrates seamlessly with "Safe Search" options found in popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Dogpile, AltaVista, Lycos, AllTheWeb, ContentProtect provides full protection on not just the World Wide Web, but also less known but equally dangerous parts of the Internet like the Usenet, Peer-to-Peer downloading networks, Chat Rooms, Instant Messages, FTP, Forums and email. ContentProtect reports provide parents with a first class presentation of Internet activity of children. Powerful Remote Management tools exist to help parents to manage and maintain Internet policies remotely if an Internet connection exists. Monitor web browsing and instant messaging from anywhere! (Content Protect)

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