Web Filters...Ugh!!

[12stones]

So, recently my company just got the new Barracuda Web Filter at work and it's really hurting my non-work related websurfing. The biggest disappointment is that it blocks photog sites like Flickr, SmugMug, Photobucket, and all those other pic hosting sites that are under a social networking banner. This means that when I surf TPF at work, I miss out on so many pics in the threads because they're blocked! The only pics I see are either ones attached to the thread or ones that are hotlinked from personal websites. Ugh!!

[/rant]

Anyone else have this problem?






Disclaimer: Yes, I know I should be working at work and not surfing, and that the filter is actually doing its job. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

[erisian pope]

Originally Posted by 12stones

Disclaimer: Yes, I know I should be working at work and not surfing, and that the filter is actually doing its job. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

Studies I encounter from time to time never illustrate improved productivity at companies who block "personal surfing" sites. People seem to work harder during their productive time if they can take small breaks and pursue personal interests. No one (for the most part) works 8 hours in an 8 hour shift, and someone whose time is purely dreary drudgework tends to work much less enthusiastically. So I question the principle your disclaimer and your company's webfilter are founded on.

That said, my company blocks a lot (anything that is "webmail" or "forum related" or "adult/mature"). Sites like this sometimes are unnoticed and I get to use them. I would be really sad if photobucket or other imagehosts were blocked across the board. How frustrating for you! (And for me, as I am posting my pics from photobucket, so I know you're not gonna view them right now )

[OTRphoto]

I work for uncle sam.. I feel your pain. On top of the ones that you mention are all webmail site, sports sites, shopping sites, austion sites... etc

It's so locked down that the ad redirects are blocked... which is fine except that alot of the links that come back in yahoo searches are linked that way for tracking. I have to tell peple all the time.. the end site isn't blocked.. but you have to copy and paste the URL ...

Luckily I broke down and got a verizon card for my laptop.. So I can surf my where-evers on my desk.. just not on their system.. lol

[3n-Out]

In order to protect the innocent "myself" I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Because I am IT! I pretty much do what I want, thus why I'm here so much. What makes matters even worse is somehow I got a dedicated DSL Line right to my dedicated web laptop that I use strickley for surfing. This of course was funded for "Testing" purposes... And that is what I use it for 100% of the time anyways... :)

It pains me to see this, as we employ the same firewall technologies here "name of company withheld" to protect me. But that is how it is... I don't think it works though because a lot of people still surf.. :)

[OTRphoto]

john - I work in the shop that does the blocking here as well... I have ways I can get out if I forget the laptop.. lol.

But I just figured the verizon card was handy for more than just work - so I went that route

[photonewb]

my company uses Websense and has for years. They filter a lot of things, so yeah I'm in the same boat as far as pictures go.

[3n-Out]

Originally Posted by mjae69

john - I work in the shop that does the blocking here as well... I have ways I can get out if I forget the laptop.. lol.

But I just figured the verizon card was handy for more than just work - so I went that route

Mel,

That is for sure the best route.. Just go Wireless broadband... :)

[Daniel W.]

Try working / attending a school, it has the greatest intentios, but the definitions of what's too "risque" caries, Wikipedia? Out. And it plays a loud siren .wav file every time you come up on the blocked page. There's no hiding it, whether your looking at Wiki, or some "other" kind of "research."