The web filtering service used at work has recently been changed from Websense to Message Labs Web Filtering Service.

So far it is a complete pain!

I think it's important to say that I use the internet for legitimate working reasons such as researching and finding help with coding etc.

I limit personal surfing to out of hours and lunch breaks - which is permitted according to our web usage policy.

Since the change, Neowin has been blocked - not the whole site only the forums (anything that starts with neowin.net/forum). This does mean that I can still catch up on the news but not anything "behind the scenes" which also includes commenting on new stories as I can't log in anymore...

I understand the reasons for filtering and think it should be in place, but I don't understand why Websense permitted this site but not Message Labs.

I have been having a bit of a play and it seems that most URLs with the word forum or blog are blocked regardless of content - even browsing bbc.co.uk leads to multiple errors as certain parts are blocked.

Oddly, ebay is now not filtered when it was before!

As I don't really use the net at home as much, my contributions to this site have dropped off a little recently. I will try to change my surfing habits to include this site at home rather than just in the office without having too big an impact on home life.


In other news, Bones Jr has just started school and seems to be settling in well!

I don't miss paying for nursery, but the expense of buying the uniform and so on has made up for that but there may be enough left over to get a laptop at the end of the year so I can at least browse from the comfort of the sofa!