Difference between revisions of "Block a Website on Your Computer"
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===Blocking Websites on Windows=== | ===Blocking Websites on Windows=== | ||
#Open My Computer and search your "C''':" drive.''' To block any website, on every browser, you need to access and edit your "HOST" file. This file helps convert URL's, like www.google.com, to a numerical DNS address. However, you can use this conversion point to block your computer from ever accessing certain websites with a little modification. | #Open My Computer and search your "C''':" drive.''' To block any website, on every browser, you need to access and edit your "HOST" file. This file helps convert URL's, like www.google.com, to a numerical DNS address. However, you can use this conversion point to block your computer from ever accessing certain websites with a little modification. | ||
| − | #*If you don't see the folder "Windows" in C:, then look for it in another lettered drive. C is by far the most common drive for Windows, but it could be in any drive if you installed Windows yourself.<ref>http://www.pcworld.com/article/249077/how_to_block_websites.html</ref> | + | #*If you don't see the folder "Windows" in C:, then look for it in another lettered drive. C is by far the most common drive for Windows, but it could be in any drive if you installed Windows yourself.<ref name="rf1">http://www.pcworld.com/article/249077/how_to_block_websites.html</ref> |
#Find the "etc" folder in your drivers. To get there, click on Windows –>System32–>drivers–>etc. In the etc folder, look for the file "Hosts." | #Find the "etc" folder in your drivers. To get there, click on Windows –>System32–>drivers–>etc. In the etc folder, look for the file "Hosts." | ||
#*The final location you're heading for is C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc. You can type this into the top bar of My Computer if you're having trouble. | #*The final location you're heading for is C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc. You can type this into the top bar of My Computer if you're having trouble. | ||
| − | #*You can also find this by typing "notepad C:/Windows/System32/ drivers/etc/hosts" into a Command Prompt window. To use Command Prompt, find and open the program from the Start menu.<ref>http://www.delete-computer-history.com/how-to-block-a-website.html</ref> | + | #*You can also find this by typing "notepad C:/Windows/System32/ drivers/etc/hosts" into a Command Prompt window. To use Command Prompt, find and open the program from the Start menu.<ref name="rf2">http://www.delete-computer-history.com/how-to-block-a-website.html</ref> |
#Open the file "hosts" with Notepad. Double-click on Hosts and choose Notepad when asked which program to use. This allows you to edit the file and block certain sites. | #Open the file "hosts" with Notepad. Double-click on Hosts and choose Notepad when asked which program to use. This allows you to edit the file and block certain sites. | ||
#*If you do not get the option to use Notepad, open the application separately. Then click "File" → "Open" in Notepad and find Hosts like you did before. Click on it to open the file. | #*If you do not get the option to use Notepad, open the application separately. Then click "File" → "Open" in Notepad and find Hosts like you did before. Click on it to open the file. | ||
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#Hit enter to make a new line at the very bottom. Start your new line right underneath the last "localhost" line. | #Hit enter to make a new line at the very bottom. Start your new line right underneath the last "localhost" line. | ||
#Block websites by writing "127.0.0.1," followed by the website URL. At the beginning of the line, write 127.0.0.1, hit the space bar, then write out the URL of the website. For example, to block Google, you'd write "127.0.0.1 www.google.com." | #Block websites by writing "127.0.0.1," followed by the website URL. At the beginning of the line, write 127.0.0.1, hit the space bar, then write out the URL of the website. For example, to block Google, you'd write "127.0.0.1 www.google.com." | ||
| − | #*'''Do not''' add the "http://" to the website URL, or it will fail to block.<ref>http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/features/how-to-block-any-website-on-your-computer-phone-or-network-588357</ref> | + | #*'''Do not''' add the "http://" to the website URL, or it will fail to block.<ref name="rf3">http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/features/how-to-block-any-website-on-your-computer-phone-or-network-588357</ref> |
#Add additional websites on separate lines. If you want to block multiple sites, simply hit "enter" again to get on a new line. Add the 127.0.0.1 and then the website. There is no limit to the number of sites you can block. | #Add additional websites on separate lines. If you want to block multiple sites, simply hit "enter" again to get on a new line. Add the 127.0.0.1 and then the website. There is no limit to the number of sites you can block. | ||
| − | #Save the file. Once you're done blocking sites, click on "File" → "Save." Close out any browsers you have open, then reopen them. Your sites should be blocked on all internet browsers.<ref | + | #Save the file. Once you're done blocking sites, click on "File" → "Save." Close out any browsers you have open, then reopen them. Your sites should be blocked on all internet browsers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Blocking Websites on Mac=== | ===Blocking Websites on Mac=== | ||
| − | #Open Terminal. This is where you can make administrative changes to your Mac. Use the search bar to find it, or search in Finder under /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.<ref | + | #Open Terminal. This is where you can make administrative changes to your Mac. Use the search bar to find it, or search in Finder under /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Terminal is a black on white text window. It allows you to work with some of the code on your computer. | #*Terminal is a black on white text window. It allows you to work with some of the code on your computer. | ||
#Make a copy of your current hosts file in case you make a mistake. You will not be making large or difficult changes to the file, but it is best to have a backup anyway. To make one automatically, type “sudo /bin/cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts-original” on the Command Line and hit "enter." | #Make a copy of your current hosts file in case you make a mistake. You will not be making large or difficult changes to the file, but it is best to have a backup anyway. To make one automatically, type “sudo /bin/cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts-original” on the Command Line and hit "enter." | ||
#*You may be prompted to type in your administrative password. This is the password used to get into the computer when it is started. | #*You may be prompted to type in your administrative password. This is the password used to get into the computer when it is started. | ||
#Open your hosts file. Type “sudo nano /etc/hosts” and hit "enter" to open the "hosts" file in another window. This is the file that you actually need to adjust in order to block websites. Scroll down to the very bottom, past the final line (usually some form of the phrase "localhost." | #Open your hosts file. Type “sudo nano /etc/hosts” and hit "enter" to open the "hosts" file in another window. This is the file that you actually need to adjust in order to block websites. Scroll down to the very bottom, past the final line (usually some form of the phrase "localhost." | ||
| − | #Start a new line with the phrase '''127.0.0.1.''' This line tells your computer to block the site following it. Write out the number and then press the space bar.<ref | + | #Start a new line with the phrase '''127.0.0.1.''' This line tells your computer to block the site following it. Write out the number and then press the space bar.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Add the website you want blocked after the number. With one space, write out the URL of the website, starting with www. So, if you want to block Google, you'd write out "127.0.0.1 www.google.com". Make sure this is on its own line. | #Add the website you want blocked after the number. With one space, write out the URL of the website, starting with www. So, if you want to block Google, you'd write out "127.0.0.1 www.google.com". Make sure this is on its own line. | ||
#*Do not add the "http://" | #*Do not add the "http://" | ||
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#*On newer versions of IE, this is represented by a gear icon, not "tools." Click on the gear, then select "Security Settings." | #*On newer versions of IE, this is represented by a gear icon, not "tools." Click on the gear, then select "Security Settings." | ||
#Click the Privacy tab, then click on "sites.'''"''' Type in the site address that you want to Block and Click OK. Remember this technique only blocks one site at a time. | #Click the Privacy tab, then click on "sites.'''"''' Type in the site address that you want to Block and Click OK. Remember this technique only blocks one site at a time. | ||
| − | #*On newer versions of IE, you must click "Restricted Sites," then "Sites."<ref | + | #*On newer versions of IE, you must click "Restricted Sites," then "Sites."<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Use your Microsoft account to block certain websites on the new IE, also known as Edge. In order to block sites on Microsoft's new version of Internet Explorer, which has been overhaul and renamed "Edge," you need a Microsoft account. With it, you can adjust your preferences online to block any sites you want from your account. | #Use your Microsoft account to block certain websites on the new IE, also known as Edge. In order to block sites on Microsoft's new version of Internet Explorer, which has been overhaul and renamed "Edge," you need a Microsoft account. With it, you can adjust your preferences online to block any sites you want from your account. | ||
#*To do so, visit [https://account.microsoft.com/family/about?refd=windows.microsoft.com https://account.microsoft.com/family/about?refd=windows.microsoft.com]<reF>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/set-child-limits</ref> | #*To do so, visit [https://account.microsoft.com/family/about?refd=windows.microsoft.com https://account.microsoft.com/family/about?refd=windows.microsoft.com]<reF>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/set-child-limits</ref> | ||
