Blocking file downloads and streaming content

Hi,

I repeatedly ask my kids not to download stuff when we approach our ISP limit of downloads, but they rarely take any notice.

I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate.

Using native windows security, is it possible to block file downloads (.exe, archives etc), and streaming conent such that they can use MSN, surf websites and send/receive email, using a schedule that can handle days of month as well as time of day.

Also, MSN can circumvent security, so I want to allow chatting and limited stuff (like picture sharing), but not downloads. For web, I want to block torrents as well as HTTP downloads, potentially playing music, or youtube stuff, as this can also soak up considerable MBs.

An example of the ctreaming content is One's HD broadcast. My son sets it up when he goes to bed, and leaves it running while he sleeps. Uses about 300mb per hour.

I need to manage the traffic because when I run out, Optu$ limit my speed to dial up speed, and web pages have often then taken as long as 6 minutes to load.

I tried creating an outbound rule in advanced firewall security for ports 20,21 for a private profile for all programs but that doesn't solve the problem, and I can't set this up on a schedule.

Hi Disk4mat,

thanks for your suggestion. I had a play with it prior to posting my question, and it wasn't really what I was looking for.

I dont want to place time, or "standard" user account restrictions on the boys, and they should be free to use MSN, IE or Firefox etc, and pretty much run anything they want. I just don't want them to be able to download large files or leave some video stream going that soaks up megs while they sleep.

I was kinda hoping there were some rules I could add to the firewall or somthing similar that would address the need. Perhaps I will have the use a 3rd party program.

Appreciate your help though

Tanya

Dinesh said:

Hi tanya, try this: K9 Web Protection - Free Internet Filtering and Parental Controls Software

Sorry, no, this does not do what I need. Apart from being quite slow, it doesnt stop things done outside the browser.

I'm really looing for something Policy or Firewall related I think.

thanks

Is this what you are looking for? This company has good software, but I haven't tried this particular one.

Horizon DataSys Inc. - Executable Lockdown Whitelist AUPs

This probably doesn't prevent downloading, but it will deter them if they know it's pointless to download an application.

I was looking at the software from the link I provided above and it seems that this might fit your needs better.

Horizon DataSys Inc. - Desktop Security Software - Lockdown student PC configurations Protect files folders internet explorer control panel

Thanks I'll take a look at it.