Welcome to the CleanInter.net(tm) Filtered Access FAQ. Here you will find a list of Frequently Asked
Questions regarding this valuable service.
(Select from the menu below or simply scroll down to view each question and answer.)
What is Internet filtering?
What is server-based filtering?
What is client-based filtering?
What is an Internet cache?
What makes a Web site inappropriate?
What happens if I don't fill in the proxy settings in my browser?
What happens when I try to access a blocked site?
How are sites chosen to be blocked?
How do I block a site that isn't blocked?
How often is the database of blocked sites updated?
Does the Filtered Access Service do inclusion filtering or exclusion filtering?
What browser do I use?
Q. What is server-based filtering?
A. Server-based filtering occurs on a central computer (server) on a local area network, or at the Internet Service Provider (ISP). With server-based solutions, a site is blocked before it gets to the user's computer. It is the most efficient, least costly and most reliable filtering solution.
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Q. What is client-based filtering?
A. Client-based filtering occurs on an individual computer. The filtering software and list of blocked sites are stored on the user's computer. This was the first type of Internet filtering available to consumers. It is slow, prone to software problems, and difficult to keep current.
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Q. What is an Internet cache?
A. An Internet cache stores Web sites that have been previously requested on the proxy server. The next time a user tries to access the site, it is retrieved from storage (the cache) rather than from the Internet.
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Q. What makes a Web site inappropriate?
A. The Internet is a wonderful resource, but it also contains a vast amount of inappropriate information including pornography and other material unsuitable for young people, or anyone who wants to avoid filth.
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Q. What happens if I don't fill in the proxy settings in my browser?
A. Our equipment forces you to use the filter, so if you do not put in any proxy settings in your browser you will not be able to surf the internet at all. You will be able to connect and get logged on, but will not be allowed any network activity.
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Q. What happens when I try to access a blocked site?
A. You will be presented with a screen that says Access Denied. You will then be redirected to a site of interest.
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Q. How are sites chosen to be blocked?
A. Sites are blocked based on the following criteria: nudity, adult content, sex, violence, drug use, bad language, crude or vulgar language/gestures, discrimination, denigration of others' race, religion, gender, and/or nationality, crime, tastelessness, and high risk sites.
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Q. How do I block a site that isn't blocked?
A. You can use our Website Review Form to submit a website for review to be blocked.
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Q. How often is the database of blocked sites updated?
A. The database gets updated every night of the week with sites constantly being added & removed from the list as their content changes.
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Q. Does CleanInter.net Filtered Access Service do inclusion filtering or exclusion filtering?
A.Inclusion filtering takes place when you only allow access to sites included in your database. Exclusion filtering takes place when you allow access to all sites except those listed in your database. CleanInter.net Filtered Access Service is fundamentally exclusion filtering. This means you are allowed access to any Internet site unless the filter explicitly blocks it. Because of the vast array of sites available on the internet, exclusion filtering is the only practical way to filter.
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Q. What browser do I use?
A. CleanInter.net Filtered Access Service is usable by any browser that is configurable to run through a proxy. These include Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mosaic, Web Explorer, and others.