A content filter can be either a hardware device or piece of software that filters information based on user-set criteria. Content filters like Net Nanny are perfect for the home user, while medium to large networks benefit from a dedicated hardware filter such as Firebox or Barracuda. In either scenario, the goal is the same - protection. A home user is looking to protect their family and computer. Businesses need to protect many computers, their network and data, as well as monitor productivity. The old saying "time is money" holds true. If employees are 'surfing the web' instead of working, or if an infection is contracted causing loss of data or downtime it can be costly. That's why it is important to take a pro-active approach to content filtering. It may not be a problem now, but lost productivity or a viral infection causing data loss or damage due to user negligence is always a possibility, and it makes sense to prevent it before it happens.

For smaller networks (5-10 computers) it is sometimes more cost effective to purchase a piece of software to install on each computer. The down side to a software solution is that even with small networks, administration and maintenance can be time consuming. By having a central piece of hardware that handles all associated services, a lot less time and money is spent administrating. This is one reason we recommend networks of 10 or more computers utilize a hardware-based content filter. Aside from ease of administration, we are able to verify all updates are being downloaded and installed at regular intervals, and it is easier to control tampering.

Content filters target these and other areas:

• Specific websites by name or IP address
• IRC or chat software
• Bandwidth consuming downloads
• Categories - nudity, gambling, games, sports, etc.