Blocking websites can be an effective way of combatting distractions and increasing productivity, but there are various strategies for doing so – some require greater computer expertise than others.
One way is to modify your hosts file, a text file which stores domain names and IP addresses.
Add-ons
There are various browser add-ons that can help you block websites, some free and some paying a nominal fee. Most allow you to block keywords, eTLDs and ad networks; many also feature redirect options so blocked pages lead to custom pages of your choosing; this way you can avoid distracting websites and maximize productivity.
StayFocusd, another popular extension, helps you focus on work by blocking websites known to distract you. Once set, this tool lets you set a daily time limit on visiting distractive sites; once this limit has been met, they become inaccessible – or use it on specific devices!
This extension also comes equipped with a password protection feature, making it useful for parents or guardians who want to prevent their children from viewing inappropriate material online. Furthermore, its focus-enhancing abilities make it an excellent way to help individuals work, study or perform other tasks without distraction. Furthermore, its tab restrictor functionality enables you to manage how many tabs open simultaneously on Firefox.
To begin blocking websites in Firefox, click the menu button and select Add-ons. Expanding the menu requires clicking three horizontal lines in the top-right corner; click this puzzle piece icon then Block Site option from within it’s options to complete process.
Clicking on the Block Site option will display a list of websites you can block. You can also create more lists to block specific websites; to do this, use Add new site option and type website’s address into box; alternatively you could enter URL or keyword to block entire website or specific text or phrases.
Your Hosts file provides another method for blocking websites on your computer, though this one may be less convenient and more secure. In order to edit this file, administrator access is necessary – to locate it type “sudo nano /etc/hosts” into Terminal then press Return when prompted and open for editing.
Hosts file
The host file is a text file located within an operating system that lists domain names and IP addresses for websites to block. Any application or browser can access it, making this a straightforward way of blocking websites without needing additional software or configuration; however, this method may not be as effective when used against multiple devices within a network; therefore centralized web filters are recommended instead.
On Windows, Notepad can help you modify your hosts file by entering a list of URLs you wish to block into its text file. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator with permission to make edits to this file before editing with Notepad or Hostsman; for additional flexibility you may opt for an app such as AdBlock that blocks sites serving up annoying pop-up ads and click-thru tracking.
On macOS, using the terminal is the easiest way to edit the hosts file. Launch Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, enter “terminal”, press enter, and you’ll open up Terminal app. From here, type sudo nano /etc/hosts before adding any websites you wish to block (see image below) at the end. Finally, restart your computer so the changes take effect and take full effect.
Chrome browser offers another means of blocking certain websites by filtering explicit material out of search results. To activate it, go into Google settings and tick “Turn on SafeSearch.” Additionally, explicit videos and images in YouTube apps can also be blocked by changing preferences accordingly.
The host file can be used to block websites per system, though this method is less efficient than using add-ons or free software programs. Furthermore, its ineffectiveness in business environments means it cannot block keywords; more advanced solutions such as content filters or firewalls that offer keyword blocking capabilities might be better options.
Google SafeSearch
Google SafeSearch is an effective way of filtering search results with images and videos suitable for children from appearing. Not only is this feature beneficial for filtering content on an entire network, but you can enable this feature by accessing your router settings and looking for an option to block specific websites – this method provides greater security than using browser extensions since all devices connected to a shared internet connection will also be blocked simultaneously.
To activate Google SafeSearch, head into your router settings and look for an option that lets you add new rules or restrictions – typically this is a text box where you can enter websites you want blocked – before saving and closing these settings – this should prevent users connected to your Wi-Fi from searching those pages again in search results.
Use DNS Filtering services to enforce SafeSearch on all of the devices connected to your home internet connection. Once set, this filter will apply automatically whenever anyone searches Google services from any device – making this the simplest method for blocking websites as it won’t need configuring on each individual device – although note that it only works on devices which use Google services.
Simply navigate your mobile device into Chrome settings and you can easily block sites for your child by going into Settings – Google – Manage Filters – Blocked Sites on their account. Furthermore, SafeSearch can be set so only you have control of turning it on or off.
Canopy may not provide as comprehensive protection, but it is still an excellent way to shield your children from potentially offensive content when searching on Google. Altering the host file on Windows systems to block websites requires administrative rights; to edit this way, open it from C:WindowsSystem32driversetc directory using text editor software before adding website URLs in their exact format and saving/closing file after each entry is added and save/close file once done.
Screen Time
Blocking websites is an effective way to increase productivity, reduce distractions and keep kids safe online. On Mac and iPhone devices, Screen Time, Apple’s built-in parental control app that comes pre-installed on iOS devices is the preferred method. But you may still be able to bypass Screen Time using certain steps – though this won’t work with some apps such as YouTube or Facebook which use URLs rather than apps as their service addresses.
This method involves editing a local text file called the hosts file on your computer. This file lists domain names and IP addresses of websites you visit; to access this file use a text editor like Nano or Notepad to access it. To add websites to this list press Enter to create a new line in this text file then enter their addresses into their appropriate spaces provided in this text file.
Save and close the hosts file when finished to prevent new entries from being added to your browser’s history. Alternatively, use Block Site extension for Chrome to block certain websites in browser address bars; however this method won’t work with all browsers such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
An advanced way of blocking websites on a Mac is editing its hosts file using text editors such as Nano or Notepad, but this requires extensive knowledge of operating systems to complete. You may also use Wireshark, which offers free DNS query filtering tools and can block websites you don’t want seen.
If you’re seeking an easier solution, there are multiple ways of blocking websites on an iPhone or iPad. Either use your built-in settings on iOS devices to block websites or use a content filtering service like Kidoz that offers full parental controls like super safe child locks, in-app purchase blockers and download control for seamless internet browsing experience.