How to Get on Blocked Websites

Many schools and workplaces block computer users from accessing certain sites to discourage them from wasting time on activities like social networking or to reduce the chance that public computers become infected by computer viruses. However, there are several ways that you can gain access to these blocked sites and this guide on how to get on blocked websites will show you how.
Tips for Getting on Blocked Websites
1. Weigh the pros and cons of doing so before attempting to access blocked sites
2. Before breaking rules regarding computer use, consider asking permission to access blocked sites
3. You may be able to access a blocked site by simply adding an "s" after "http" in the address bar
4. Finding and then using the site's IP address may provide access to a blocked site
5. There are hundreds of proxies through which you can access blocked sites
6. If you decide to use a proxy, avoid repeatedly using the same one, as this may alert computer administrators to your activities

Introduction
- If you're trying to use a public computer to get onto your favorite website and then find that the site has been blocked, don't get frustrated—there are ways to get around the block. However, before you use the methods listed below, you should weigh the pros and cons of doing so. Schools and workplaces may have strategies in place to find out when users are using their computers to gain access to blocked sites. If you are caught using proxy servers or other methods to "trick" computers in granting you access to blocked sites, you could face disciplinary action.
Ask Permission
- The easiest and safest way to be allowed to access websites that have been blocked for whatever reason is to simply ask. If you can demonstrate that you are accessing the blocked site for research purposes, outside of company time, or that your access will not put the computer at risk of getting viruses, your boss or principal may allow you limited or one-time access to the blocked site. There's no harm in asking, right?LoveToKnow: How to Get on MySpace at School
Use a Remote Control Service
- There are several software programs that allow you to access your home computer from any other computer that has web access; for example, GoToMyPC. Since the site you want to access is likely not blocked on your home computer, you can use the remote control service to connect to your home computer and then access the blocked site through it.EasyTweaks,com: Unblock Facebook at School or Work
- To Use GoToMyPC
1. Using your home computer, go to www.GoToMyPC.com
2. Download and install the program
3. Make note of your user log in name and password
4. Ensure that your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet when you leave the house
5. When you get to a computer that has blocked access to your desired site, simply log into GoToMyPC and it will take you to your home computer desktop
6. Surf the web as usualGoToMyPC: How it Works
Change the Address
- Depending on how elaborate the security block is, you may be able to easily access a blocked address by simply changing the site's URL. There are three ways to do this:
1. Add an "s:" You may notice that some websites have an "s" on the end of the http at the start of the website. This extra letter implies that the site is secure. Simply adding an "s" to the end of the http may be enough to make the computer think that the blocked site is secure. For example, the MySpace home page address is http://www.myspace.com. If you change this to https://www.myspace.com, you may be able to access the site.Instructables.com: Get on myspace at school: Step 2
2. Use the IP address. There are several sites you can visit, such as hcidata.info, selfseo.com and whatismyipaddress.com that will allow you to find out what a website's IP address is. Once you have found out the IP address (it will be a series of numbers), try typing it into the address bar and you may be able to access a blocked site.Instructables.com: Get on myspace at school: Step 3
3. Use an address reduction service: URL reduction websites such as TinyURL.com, bit.ly, snipurl.com and xr.com are commonly used to shorten web addresses for users of microblogging services such as Twitter. However, try going to one of these sites and then typing the address of the site you want to visit into the link shortening box. Copy the shortened address and then paste it into your address bar—it may get you through to the blocked site you are trying to access.Digital Inspiration: How to Access Blocked Websites... (December 26, 2005)
Use a Proxy
- Proxies act as intermediaries between your computer and the blocked site that you are browsing. Using a proxy, you will be able to bypass the firewall and gain access to the blocked site. The computer history won't show that you have been on the blocked site, but will show that you have connected to the proxy site. Therefore, you should avoid using the same proxy over and over. There are hundreds of proxy sites you can use, so alternate between proxies to avoid suspicion. Your Google search for a proxy may send up a red flag for the network administrator, so search for potential proxy sites on a computer that isn't under surveillance and then make note of these sites.LoveToKnow: How to Get on MySpace at School
Use Your Cell Phone
- If you have a cell phone that can download sites and your plan includes web-browsing capabilities, you may be able to use it to access blocked sites. Simply download a mobile phone-specific proxy site onto your phone and then use this proxy to access the blocked site on your phone.LoveToKnow: How to Get on MySpace at School
Conclusion
- Gaining access to sites that have been blocked on public computers is not difficult. You may be able to get on blocked sites by simply changing the site's URL address, using a remote control computer service or by going through a proxy. However, sites have usually been blocked for a reason and the computer you are using may be under surveillance. If you are caught going around the firewall, you could face disciplinary action, so be sure it is worth the trouble to do so.