How to block all http connections on a windows XP PC?

Question

In my workplace there are about 160 PCs with Windows XP, and all PCs have no restriction for internet, so many people browse the net unnecessarily.I cannot unplug the wire, as only through this connection ppl. connect to the oracle server.

I considered editing hosts file,but in that i need to type a whole list of web addresses,and since the user's login at the administrator account, they can easily edit that file too. (All the PCs are not connected in a domain!)

I also tried in IE>Connections>LAN settings>Enable "proxy server" and typed some random address. Even in that,the user's changed the setting back, as they can login to the administrator account and started browsing the net.

I need a free firewall which restricts all http and https connection, but allow ftp and telnet connection.
The settings must be password-protected and easily install on 160 machines.

I know my requirement sounds, simple, but i googled a whole list of free firewall applications, but i am unable to get nothing tangible.

Any kind of help is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

A prime example for a simple block is to use something like a nergear router, there you just enter all the addresses you wish to block, so blocking yahoo,facebook, google etc will soon turn the office internet into a no go area, saying that, with 160 machines, you should have a bigger budget to hire an engineer to set one up.

Answer 2

A router is necessary and best option for your scenario... If u r administering your employees centrally, then block port 80 in your central pc. Alternately, u can create an outbound rule in windows firewall of each pc one by one. In the rule just block port 80

Answer 3

My spouse and i endorse making use of VPNPower to be able to unblock web sites. I have been using them since 4 years. http://www.vpnpower.net