Can Windows Server 2008 block websites in a GPO or otherwise?

This topic seems to be a question that many are asking on the internet, but not getting the answers that they want. Before we dive into this, I would consider using a third party filtering service for blocking web sites. One of the purposes of Group Policy is to make life easier for Network Administrators. By taking on the responsibility of choosing what are appropriate websites, you are opening up yourself for a lot of work. By using a filtering service, you are paying someone else to do the grunt work. Also, many will filter your email. Should you lose your email server, these services will cache your email and deliver it once your server is back online.

The following article tells you how to use group policy to control website access. This is not necessarily for server 2008, but it gives you guidance.

http://www.chrisse.se/MAQB.asp?ID=17

Others are utilizing ISA server. I have even found some that are using a HOST file that points websites that they want to block to 0.0.0.0. This technique will require the replacement of the HOSTS files on all your clients and a way to update them. Again, think about using a third party for your web filtering.

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How to list all the AD LDS instances on a server

AD LDS allows you to provide directory services to applications that are free of the confines of Active Directory. To list all the AD LDS instances on a server, follow this procedure: Log into the server in question Open a command prompt. Type dsdbutil and press Enter Type List Instances and press Enter . You will receive a list of the instance name, both the LDAP and SSL port numbers, the location of the database, and its status.

How to run GPResult on a remote client with PowerShell

In the past, to run the GPResult command, you would need to either physically visit this client, have the user do it, or use and RDP connection. In all cases, this will disrupt the user. First, you need PowerShell remoting enabled on the target machine. You can do this via Group Policy . Open PowerShell and type this command. Invoke-Command –ScriptBlock {GPResult /r} –ComputerName <ComputerName> Replace <ComputerName> with the name of the target. Remember, the target needs to be online and accessible to you.

Error icon when creating a GPO Preference drive map

You may not have an error at all. Take a look at the drive mapping below. The red triangle is what threw us off. It is not an error. It is simply a color representation of the Replace option of the Action field in the properties of the drive mappings. Create action This give you a green triangle. The Create action creates a new mapped drive for users. Replace Action The Replace action gives you a red triangle. This action will delete and recreate mapped drives for users. The net result of the Replace action is to overwrite all existing settings associated with the mapped drive. If the drive mapping does not exist, then the Replace action creates a new drive mapping. Update Action The Update action will have a yellow triangle. Update will modify settings of an existing mapped drive for users. This action differs from Replace in that it only updates settings defined within the preference item. All other settings remain as configured on the ma...

Jason Yoder, MCT

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