Proxy server? 1

[mkirros]

We are a non-profit running a Win2K AD domain network with a single server and about 40 workstations (some 2K, some XP). We have a Linksys RV042 router sitting behind an Actiontec ADSL modem (bridge mode) for Internet access. The Win2K server is also set up as a VPN server, with a couple of folks using the VPN for remote access (with more of those to be set up). I'm concerned about employees using the Internet too much for personal taks and would like to be able to log which employees are visting which websites.

My questions are -
Would a proxy server be the way to go to do this?
Would using a proxy server cause any problems related to the VPN?
Does anyone have recommendations about what proxy server to use? Cost is a major consideration - our budget is pretty tight.

Thanks.

 

[member 141630]

A free proxy is Squid. This has in the past been a Linux based proxy.
But a stable Win32 port is now available.

http://www.serassio.it/SquidNT.htm

It shouldn't affect your VPN as its based on the inside and is accessing web sites on your behalf.

All sites accessed are logged.
You can write basic rules preventing access to certain sites, and redirect the clients to a page of your choice (I merely redirect unwanted sites to Google!).

Its free, works well and scales up nicely.
Ideal for a tight budget.
It took me a day to get Squid running on a Windows box, with relevant security (I also allow regional offices to surf through my Squid Box - ACLs based on IP address). I don't want all and sundry to surf via my squid box, hence IP based ACLs.

I've also got another Squid box now working as reverse proxy for one of our web sites - cacheing taking much of the load off the server by cacheing popular pages.

Regards

Phil B

 

[smah]

Also don't forget that even though it's not a proxy server, your RV042 already has logging & filtering capabilites.