Websites being viewed

I have a NetGear DG834G router and am wondering if it is possible to see what websites all the computers connecting to this router view?

If so do I need to change settings on the router in order to do this?

Thanks!

I have this router and am not aware of a way to have it logged all sites visited - unless it's an option exposed under telnet .

However there are 2 other options that spring to mind.

1) easy - if you have static IP sign up for a free OpenDNS account and turn on stats - one of the reports lists top domains visited and number of requests - you can block stuff there (easier than blocking DNS lookups using the hosts file on individual machines)

2) harder - if you have a spare old machine setup a web proxy/cache (eg. based on Squid)
or firewall with built in transparent web proxy (free examples include Smoothwall Express - used for years at a workplace - works well and flexible config for up to 4 network cards)

If you want to try these as virtual machines (under Virtualbox or VMWare player)
E.g.
- create a virtual machine with 2 bridged network adapters
- install from an ISO or run from a LiveCD image (no need to burn to disk)
- set your other computers to use this as a gateway or proxy (depending on what you are running)

(you probably need a computer with 2+ network cards if you are running it as a firewall)

I may as well be the first one to say it: The solution to your problem is *not* a technological one.

In reply to a post by prlzx:

I have this router and am not aware of a way to have it logged all sites visited - unless it's an option exposed under telnet .

However there are 2 other options that spring to mind.

1) easy - if you have static IP sign up for a free OpenDNS account and turn on stats - one of the reports lists top domains visited and number of requests - you can block stuff there (easier than blocking DNS lookups using the hosts file on individual machines)

2) harder - if you have a spare old machine setup a web proxy/cache (eg. based on Squid)
or firewall with built in transparent web proxy (free examples include Smoothwall Express - used for years at a workplace - works well and flexible config for up to 4 network cards)

If you want to try these as virtual machines (under Virtualbox or VMWare player)
E.g.
- create a virtual machine with 2 bridged network adapters
- install from an ISO or run from a LiveCD image (no need to burn to disk)
- set your other computers to use this as a gateway or proxy (depending on what you are running)

(you probably need a computer with 2+ network cards if you are running it as a firewall)

Thank you I will have a look at those.

In reply to a post by gomezz:

I may as well be the first one to say it: The solution to your problem is *not* a technological one.

You don't know why I asked so you can't be sure if it is technological or not. *sigh*

In reply to a post by Seafog:

In reply to a post by gomezz:

I may as well be the first one to say it: The solution to your problem is *not* a technological one.

You don't know why I asked so you can't be sure if it is technological or not. *sigh*

I think we all know why you want to do this. The PROBLEM is not technological, and the solution won't be either.

Why not just get everyone to fill in a log sheet of the websites they visit? That would certainly work if the problem was technological.

You are jumping to conclusions. Without confirmation from the OP we cannot be sure he is trying to do what we think he is trying to do.

Perhaps he is running a small business and needs to keep track of his staff's internet usage?

Maybe he is running a small internet caf� and wishes to collect internet usage statistics?

It is possible that the problem he needs to solve is indeed a technological problem.

If the problem is not a technological problem, and he is trying to solve it with technology, then frankly that is his problem.

He asked if something was possible, and how to do it. It clearly is possible, and someone has provided a solution. Criticising the OP based upon an assumption formed from far too little information, is neither productive, nor is it conducive to forming a friendly environment where people can ask for help.

In reply to a post by pmb00cs:

Perhaps he is running a small business and needs to keep track of his staff's internet usage?

Maybe he is running a small internet caf� and wishes to collect internet usage statistics?

In either of those cases I very much doubt he would be using such a basic consumer orientated router.

Why not? It works, and he may not be a techy.

Besides which you'd be surprised at just how foolishly some businesses will act in an attempt to save money.

There is one solution to your problem, but I would not recommend it as i have used it in the past, it used to be very good but since CISCO have taken it over it has gone downhill:

NetworkMagicPro - http://www.purenetworks.com/product/pro.php

They used to send you the reports in an email which was great, but now you have to log into a website and you only see the previous days activity.