Hello,

We have decided to implement URL filtering here at BFA in Fairfax. We have
decided to do this partly to comply with CIPA since we receive some e-rate
funds (I have also heard that all federal funds may depend on URL filtering
being implemented, though I am not certain about this.) and partly to gain
more control over what happens over our Internet connection. We would like
to have more control over chat, streaming media, mp3 files, etc. I know that
some schools have a more laissez faire attitude about the acitivity that
occurs over their Internet connection than others. We have decided that,
because of the large expense involved in maintaining a reasonably responsive
connection to the Internet, it is important to limit our Internet activity
to what is vital to our curriculum. To us this means mostly the research
component of the Internet.

I have looked at several options including N2H2's BESS, iPrism, CyberPatrol,
and BorderPatrol w/CyberPatrol. The solution that has caught my interest the
most is a firewall product called WatchGuard. It proxies (as well as filters
packets), so it can control chat, streaming media, and napster-like programs
including morpheus. It comes with a URL blocker called Web Blocker that I
believe uses the CyberPatrol database. It is supposed to have a GUI that
allows fairly easy configuration of proxies.

Does anyone have any experience with this product or have any knowledge of
its pros and cons? I would also be interested in hearing about other
products that you have found useful for controlling the activity over your
Internet connection.

Thanks,

Doug Reaves

Bellows Free Academy
75 Hunt Street
Fairfax, VT  05454
802-849-6711