Websense vs SafeSquid

[sam]

We are using Websense, main purpose is to control web traffic and block people to download large files. But it's too expensive, we are thinking about alternatives, we only need to block some significant sites like drag, adult, etc, no need to advance, and limit people to download large files, any other choices for me? I just wonder if I build a Linux proxy would do what I need? Thanks!!

[samidha]

SafeSquid based Secure Web Gateways enable your users to safely access the web. The features for these editions can be found at http://www.safesquid.com/html/portal.php?page=89

You can either use 'Keyword Filter' or 'Categorization of Websites' to block various categories of websites.

SafeSquid is easier to manage compared to squid since it has a browser based GUI interface.

[sam]

In Websense, it have the following categories abnd this categories database will be automatically updated
http://www.ssimail.com/Internet_blocking.htm
1. Abortion Advocacy
2. Activist/Advocacy Groups
3. Adult Material
4. Business and Economy
5. Drugs (as characterized by U.S. law)
6. Education
7. Entertainment
8. Gambling
9. Games
10. Government
11. Health
12. Illegal/Questionable
13. Information Technology
14. Internet Communications
15. Job Search
16. Militancy/Extremist
17. News & Media
18. Premium Group 1
19. Racism/Hate
20. Religion
21. Shopping
22. Society and Lifestyle
23. Special Events
24. Sports
25. Tasteless
26. Travel
27. Vehicles
28. Violence
29. Weapons

[samidha]

If you would like to block all these sites, it is better to use 'Categorize Web-sites' with SafeSquid. 'Categorize Web-sites' offers about categories. I have attached the details with this post.

[sam]

Thanks. So I can choose who can see which category ? Can it integrate with AD?

I've two questions:
1) If I use Safesquid, I then don't need to use Squid + Dansguardian?
2) If I want to use Safesquid, just install a blank new Linux, then Safesquid and config safesquid, is ok? Since im not familar with Linux

[samidha]

Yes, you can very easily specify who can see which category.
Yes, it can integrate with AD for authentication.

1) Right

2) Use SafeSquid Appliance Builder (SAB) to setup your secure web gateway. SAB is an Ubuntu Linux operating system ISO, customized to provide automatic setup of all the necessary files and services.
Use the SafeSquid installation packages (tar.gz) if you wish to setup secure web gateway on other Linux distributions like RedHat®, SuSe®, CentOS®, etc.

We can also help you using webinars (GoToMeeting / RemoteSupport).