Filtered Internet Access

EZ-Net now offers BESS filtered Internet access as an optional service to all access accounts. Please read the following information to learn about how our filtering service will work as well as how to sign up & configure your computer to have filtered access.

What is filtered Internet access?

Filtered Internet access is simply a method of eliminating access to much of the objectionable material that is available on the Internet. A user that elects to have filtered Internet access will only be able to access sites that are acceptable to the average person, eliminating web sites that contain profanity, pornography, violence, hate crimes, drugs, etc.

Who would benefit from filtered Internet access?

The obvious use for filtering is to keep children from being able to access unwanted materials, so parents can feel more at ease when their children are on the Internet. Another good application is in the workplace - employers can use filtering on computers configured for Internet access to better ensure that only work-related activities are taking place. Any situation where objectionable materials are not welcome, EZ-Net's filtering is the solution.

How does EZ-Net's filtering work?

EZ-Net has installed a Bess proxy server designed by N2H2 on our network - the best and most powerful filtering solution currently available. This server acts as a "go between" when a filtered user is connected to the Internet through EZ-Net. Any time a user clicks on a link, types in a web address, or performs a search, that request is passed to the Bess server first. The server examines the request to determine if it will result in the display of unwanted materials and either grants the request or denies it. Granted requests mean that the web page that you wanted loads as it normally would. Denied requests mean that a "access denied" page is displayed instead of the page you really wanted.

How does the server know what is "bad" and what is "good"?

The company who designed the server, N2H2, has a team of professionals that review thousands of new sites daily. When they find something that is "bad", they add it to the list of sites to be blocked. So, real people are in control of what sites are blocked and what sites are not.

NEW - What if I get filtering and find that it filters sites that I used to visit that seem OK?

Let us know what sites they are - the filtering service is going to need to be adjusted as we go to accomodate EZ-Net users. We have the ability to allow a site even if Bess doesn't like it. Your override password will let you through anyway, but if you think the site should not be blocked in the first place, please email us and let us know.

Do I need to install software on my computer?

No. One of the best features about the type of filtering that EZ-Net offers is that there is no software to buy, install, and keep up-to-date. Filtered Internet access is a subscription service through EZ-Net - we do all the maintainence on our server to keep your filtering current.

Are there settings that I need to change on my computer?

Yes. There are a few simple settings that you need to change once you have elected to have filtering placed on your EZ-Net account. Do not enter these settings without subscribing for the service - you will be unable to access the Internet at all beyond EZ-Net's web site. See one of the following links for specific instructions for your web browser. Remember to contact support@ez-net.com if you need assistance.

Windows 95/98 Web Browsers

Macintosh Web Browsers

Can I temporarily turn the filter off if I need or want to?

The owner of the account may choose an override password if they desire that will give them the ability to temporarily disable the filtering service for a certain amount of time. The time is determined by the user when they type in their override password. Special care should be taked with your override password so that users who are being filtered do have the opportunity to disable filtering as well.

Can't my kids just remove the settings to get around being filtered?

No. We have placed specific rules in our dial-in servers that will not allow any Internet activity if the filter settings are removed from a computer. So, if someone removes the settings, they will not be able to go anywhere at all on the Internet.

What stops me from entering the settings mentioned above & using the service without paying for it?

We have set up specific rules in our dial-in servers that will not allow you to use the Bess server if you have not subscribed for that service.

How much does filtered Internet access cost?

EZ-Net is charging an additional $3 per month for this service if you have a regular Unlimited access account. Organizations or businesses with more than 1 account should contact us for volume pricing. There is no setup fee for this service, however a $5 reactivation fee will be charged if a user cancels this service and then re-subscribes within 3 months.

How do I sign up for filtered Internet access?

If you did not receive a form in your latest invoice from EZ-Net, or have misplaced it, simply fill out the form below to sign up. Please note that filtering will not be placed on your account until we contact you to confirm the information that you entered, so do not enter any settings in your web browser!