Routine searches on the Internet can result in images and materials being displayed that you do not want your family to see. You can block pornographic images, materials and other items that you do not want on your personal or business computer. The most effective methods of blocking pornography include software-based solutions and DNS level blocks.

Decide whether you want to use a software based solution or a DNS level solution to block pornography on your computer. Software options may have more customization features, but must be installed on each computer in your home. DNS level solutions block harmful materials and porn by filtering all Internet traffic coming to your home computer and computer network and may be more secure than a software solution.

Common software solutions include:

1. Net Nanny
2. Safe Eyes
3. CYBERsitter
4. CyberPatrol
5. MaxProtect
6. McAfee Parental Controlshttp://Internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/

Purchase and install your chosen software on each computer in your home. Customize settings based on your desired filtration level. You can typically block all sexually explicit materials, social networking sites and even block individual websites. Make sure to lock your settings by placing an access password on your software to prevent anyone from changing your selections.

DNS is the service used to turn alphabetic web addresses into numeric IP addresses used by your computer to connect to another computer or website. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign a DNS service, but you can change your service to one that provides more features. OpenDNS is a free DNS service that allow easy blocking of pornography on your computer.

Here are the steps to set up OpenDNS Internet filtering:

1. Sign up for a free account at opendns.com
2. No Router System Setup:
   1. Open your computer’s control panel and click on network connections
   2. Click on the properties radio button and select “use the following DNS Server Address”
   3. Put 208.67.222.222 in the preferred DNS box
   4. Put 208.67.220.220 in the alternative DNS box
3. Router Based System Setup:
   1. Log into your router and select preferences
   2. Change your DNS settings to 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
   3. Reboot your Router
4. Select your filter settings by logging into your OpenDNS account. Options:
   1. Low: Blocks Porn and Phishing
   2. Moderate: Blocks Pornography, Phishing, Adult Sites and Illegal Activities
   3. High: Blocks Porn, Phishing, Adult Sites, Illegal Activities, Video Sites, Social Networking
5. Check your settings after 2 hours. Test your settings by trying to access a pornographic site. When your Internet filter is working properly, you will see a message that says: site blocked [website address] is not allowed on this network.

Software and DNS setting solutions typically offer a history of sites. Routinely review sites that are shown on your computer to make sure you are blocking pornography on your computer.