Hopefully this is the right area for this post. I have grown up with computers for most of my life and I have worked with servers in a data center for the last 8 years. I've also been filtering my internet using different programs for the last 7 years straight. All of this to say that I have a decent handle on filtering strengths and weaknesses. I would like to tell you about the filters that I use on my devices. Router: I use something called OpenDNS to help cut down on the content that can even make it into our network. You can configure the categories you want it to block which provides a first line of defense. Unfortunately, this only applies when you are connected to your wireless network. Away from home, no dice. Cell Phone: Android I made a decision a long time ago, I can't have unlimited access to the internet on my cell phone. Also due to the nature of content filtering I realized that I couldn't just trust an app to catch every possible problem. Therefore I killed the net on my phone. I use a program called Funamo to only allow myself to go to specific websites. This works great because I don't even think about trying on my phone. The limit here is sometimes apps are programmed poorly and act like a browser which keeps getting me in trouble. I also restrict access to the play store and a bunch of other apps. iPad/iphone: Turns out apple has an amazing blocker called their restrictions settings. If you are willing to only allow access to specific websites then you can turn on a setting that does just that. This setting is applied across the entire device. Windows: My wife and I have a tool installed in Chrome that blocks porn. Again not fool proof but I only use the computer when she is around so it works for us. Covenant eyes is also super popular. In all of these cases my wife holds the master password that is needed to make changes. Or in Windows case she is the only one who knows the password.to log in. I know these settings are extreme but extreme measures are required to escape this snare.
Don't lie to yourself. You cannot put limitation on society soft porn mechanism. Trigger the triggers.
Oh trust me I am quite aware that I can't block all of the correct content. That is why I just use a white list. If I approve the website then I can reach it. Otherwise the rest of the internet is dead to me on my devices. Quite effective on cutting down on access to porn. Extreme yes but effective. After that you just have to work on your self.
Thanks for the tips Tzion. I agree it definitely helps to eradicate temptation somewhat permanently - i'm looking to install something on my Ipod as it is the only device left that is not yet setup with a blocker of some sort. Those settings look pretty good! It is easier to change yourself when you know that you cannot access what your inner-addict might at some point crave!
