How to Block and Unblock Internet Sites with Firefox

Firefox has no native method for blocking and unblocking website addresses, however you can install add-ons that prohibit the display of selected websites. Three of the more effective add-ons are BlockSite, FoxFilter, and ProCon Latte Content Filter, each offering slightly different options such as keyword filters, warning messages and password authentication. A savvy Internet computer user can easily bypass the minimal restriction requirements, however, by disabling the add-on or using Firefox's "safe mode" browser. If you need a more secure means of blocking and unblocking websites, install and use the free Windows Live Family Safety utility.

Instructions

Install a Firefox Add-on

1

Open Firefox. Click the Firefox menu bar icon at the top and select "Add-ons" from the drop-down list. Type the name of the add-on in the search bar (BlockSite, FoxFilter, or ProCon Latte Content Filter) To avoid conflict between the add-ons, install and use only one of them at a time.

2

Click the "Install" button when the add-on title appears in the search results. Click "Restart now" to finish the installation process. The Firefox browser will close and restart.

3

Click the Firefox menu bar icon at the top and select "Add-ons" from the drop-down list. Click "Extensions." Locate your new add-on in the list and click the "Options" button to access the add-on settings and enter the addresses of the websites you want to block.

4

Unblock the websites' addresses by re-opening the add-on's settings page. Remove the website address by clicking the "Remove" button.

Install Windows Live Family Safety

5

Search your computer to determine if Windows Live Family Safety is already installed. Click the Start button and type "Windows Live Family Safety." If it is installed, click the link. If not, browse to the Microsoft website in the Resources, and download and install the program following the on-screen instructions.

6

Sign in to Windows Live ID at the prompt. Use the primary user's or parent's login information as this will be the account that sets the utility options and restricts browser activity. If you do not have a Windows Live ID, click "Sign up" on the startup screen and follow the instructions.

7

Click "Add Passwords" and enter a password for each Windows account on the computer. Click "Next."

8

Click the Family Safety website address listed in the utility. Log in with your Windows Live ID. Click "Edit settings" listed beneath the name of the account holder whose browsing activity you want to control.

9

Use the default Family Safety web filtering address list or enter a website address. Click "Web filtering" and "Custom." Click "Allow or block a website." Type or paste the address of the website you want to block. Click "Block" and "Add." Click "Save."

10

Unblock the website address by signing in to the Family Safety utility online again and clicking "Allow or block a website." Click "Allow" next to the website address that you had previously blocked. Click "Save."