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skaven · 01-04-2005, 11:13 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that this is a computer in the sonic you work at? If so, it would make sense for them to lock out all pages but those sites that are deemed "work-related".

OK, against my better judgement, I'm going to give you some ideas. Use them at your own risk of preserving your job...at sonic.

1. The easiest way to convince windows that the internet is comprised only of 4 websites is to a) turn DNS off, and b) replace the HOSTS file with something containing the IP addresses of the 4 websites that are "allowed". The workaround in this case would be to turn DNS on. This can be done from the Network settings, double-click on "TCP/IP", then check the DNS settings. If "Automatic", then DNS is probably on.

2) if DNS is on, then they might be using their own nameserver that will only look up the IP addresses of sites that you're allowed to watch. In that case, you need to use a different DNS server. Google around and find a public DNS server, then put that in the Network Settings (as mentioned above) for one of the DNS servers.

3) The third way they might have done this is through a firewall that only allows connections outside the local network to those specific websites. If this is the case, then you're pretty much screwed.

4) The fourth way is if they installed some kind of net-nanny-like software on the system that blocks access to all but allowed pages. If this is the case, then Google around for workarounds for your variety of net-nanny. When I was in highschool, they used a program called "Fortres" (yes, just one 's') to lock-down the workstations. I found after some tinkering that I could boot from a DOS bootdisk, delete the c:\fortres directory, then reboot the system, and have full access. Of course, booting from a diskette required cracking the case, resetting the CMOS, and instructing the BIOS to boot from the diskette before the hard drive.

Good luck! And where the hell is my burger?!

01-04-2005, 11:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
skaven Insane Location: Austin, TX	I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that this is a computer in the sonic you work at? If so, it would make sense for them to lock out all pages but those sites that are deemed "work-related". OK, against my better judgement, I'm going to give you some ideas. Use them at your own risk of preserving your job...at sonic. 1. The easiest way to convince windows that the internet is comprised only of 4 websites is to a) turn DNS off, and b) replace the HOSTS file with something containing the IP addresses of the 4 websites that are "allowed". The workaround in this case would be to turn DNS on. This can be done from the Network settings, double-click on "TCP/IP", then check the DNS settings. If "Automatic", then DNS is probably on. 2) if DNS is on, then they might be using their own nameserver that will only look up the IP addresses of sites that you're allowed to watch. In that case, you need to use a different DNS server. Google around and find a public DNS server, then put that in the Network Settings (as mentioned above) for one of the DNS servers. 3) The third way they might have done this is through a firewall that only allows connections outside the local network to those specific websites. If this is the case, then you're pretty much screwed. 4) The fourth way is if they installed some kind of net-nanny-like software on the system that blocks access to all but allowed pages. If this is the case, then Google around for workarounds for your variety of net-nanny. When I was in highschool, they used a program called "Fortres" (yes, just one 's') to lock-down the workstations. I found after some tinkering that I could boot from a DOS bootdisk, delete the c:\fortres directory, then reboot the system, and have full access. Of course, booting from a diskette required cracking the case, resetting the CMOS, and instructing the BIOS to boot from the diskette before the hard drive. Good luck! And where the hell is my burger?!