Restrict Websites, Antivirus, Antispam, Firewall with Untangle
 

Whether you are a System administrator for a small company, or CIO of a large nationwide firm, Untangle will literally free you from daily network management woes. Untangle is the integration of all essential network tools – a web filter to block and restrict websites, an antivirus + antispam that continuously scans and protect all transferred data, and a firewall to block protocols such as im messengers, bit torrent and file sharing.

Untangle is free and open source software. You literally save thousands of dollars for the free software package itself. Download and install Untangle from Multi-functional Firewall Software - Open Source Content Filter & Spam Filter | Untangle.com. Untangle can be installed right between the router and main switch, or on any dedicated computer within the existing network.

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Amazingly, very little to no changes at all in the network configuration is required. Even more outstanding is that an old Pentium 4 computer can run the entire Untangle package.

Block and limit website access – Web Filter
Untangle’s infamous Web Filter is the saving grace for Network Administrators. With Web Filter, you can choose to block a specific list of websites given a set of policies. Do realize the great benefits of Untangle by now, it saves you HUGE $$$ instead of having to purchase commercial web filtering software like Websense.

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On a personal note, Web Filter is one the primary reasons that my company uses Untangle. From time to time, users will stream video and game downloads! This is very much useful for enforcing a policy for blocking traffic heavy and non-work related websites.

Antivirus
With Untangle’s Antivirus component, you can be assured that a second shield of defense is protecting your network. It scans all network traffic for possible virus+trojan code, and immediately stops the transfer even before it reaches the user’s computer. Users who may be unintentionally viewing a virus trapped website would immediately see a warning and web browsing will be blocked for that site.

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Untangle Antivirus is based from the open source software ClamAV. Regular antivirus updates happen as it protects your network. Yet again, this centralized antivirus protection for your network can save you huge expenses on commercial antivirus licenses. I cannot think of any reason why you would not want this on your network :icon_wink:

Antispam
Add a second layer of anti-spam filter for your business and even personal emails. Untangle Antispam is free software that acquires blocklists from trusted anti-spam list organizations.

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For businesses plagued with spam emails, fret now for Untangle can double-check any spam that may pass through your email filters.

Firewal and Protocol Control

Users clogging the network with P2P peer-to-peer downloads and bit torrent? Do you want to restrict the use of messenger and im applications? Untangle Firewall and Protocol Control gives you this power.

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My personal experience on Protocol Control has been superb. While users may find clever ways to install portable torrent software on their flash drives, Protocol Control is able to peek through every single bit, determine and halt torrent or P2P downloads. Ready-made lists of common protocols can be activated on a single mouse click. Real-time reports show you just who is attempting to run prohibited torrents or play online games.


MORE TECH STUFF – Reports, DNS Server, VPN, Firewall and Anti DOS attacks

Untangle’s free package contains core network components that you normally find on high-end Cisco Routers. You can use Untangle to entirely replace your soho router. DNS and VPN services are easy to configure via GUI. Untangle also prevents possible DOS (Denial of Service) Attacks on your network. Untangle keeps daily system reports of all Apps that you have on your setup. Receive reports through email, or browse them from the Untangle Admin Control Panel.

If you use Untangle or a different product for your home or office network, please do post here. Lets share and discuss ideas for networking and internet policies :)