How to Block and Unblock Internet Sites (On a Mac)

DECIDE WHAT YOUR GOAL REALLY IS IN BLOCKING SITES.Be clear about this up front so you can find the best solution. Is this blocking for you? Is it for your kids? Is it to keep employees off of certain sites? Answer these questions first before stabbing in the blocking-sites-darkness.To block certain types of sites for all users on a computer or system - use OpenDNS.com, see step 2.
To block specific sites one at a time use the terminal command in Step 3.
To log (rather than block) specific sites use covenanteyes.com see Step 4.
To only ALLOW certain sites use the parental controls option, see Step 5.
USE FREE OPEN DNS TO BLOCK CERTAIN TYPES OF SITES FOR ALL USERS.This is a great option for small businesses or households with agreed upon and uniform standards for internet usage. See the resource section for a link. Go to the site (see resource link near the bottom of this page). Click on the 'start using open dns' button. Choose whether you want the blocking to occur at the computer level, the router level, or the server level. Follow the step by step instructions. They have pictures... it really is simple. Best of all, it is FREE!
TO BLOCK SPECIFIC SITES USE THE TERMINAL COMMAND IN MACOSX TO BLOCK THEM ONE AT A TIME.Few people really want to block only one or two sites. This is a wieldy way to provide internet security. But if that is your specific need this is for you. Another ehow article gives the detailed instructions (it's a bit technical) for this process. So it is linked both in the related articles to the right titled 'How to block access to websites in MacOS X' and in the resource link section at the bottom.
TO LOG EVERYTHING YOUR COMPUTERS VIEW, USE COVENANT EYES. This program will log and score every site that is viewed by a computer on which it is installed. It will not allow the internet to run if it is disabled and will send you an alert if it is uninstalled. You set the preferences as to how often to receive reports. Go to covenanteyes.com and click the 'sign up now' button. It will guide you through the process. For around $8 a month this is a relatively cheap option that covers up to three computers.
TO ONLY ALLOW CERTAIN SITES USE PARENTAL CONTROLS. If you are using the Leopard system then you can use the 'Parental Controls' feature found in System Preferences. Click on accounts. Check the box for parental controls. You can click on the content tab and then tick limit access to adult sites. You can also use button to add specific criteria to your block. Alternatively, simply add the specific sites you want allowed to the bookmark bar and type in your administrator's password. Then only those sites can be viewed.
TO UNBLOCK SITES ON A MAC.To remove parental controls simply return to the systems preference, accounts, then parental controls section. Un-click the parental control box. Un-click any content specific controls. To remove open dns.com simply drag the program folder from applications into the trash. Isn't Mac great?
If you worked at the router or server level you will have to undo those steps and reconfigure your system to allow direct access to the internet.To uninstall covenant eyes you need the password to get an uninstall code. It cannot happen late at night.
** See more tips and warnings in the next section below.
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How to Upgrade Photo Booth for a Mac

Go to the official Apple Photo Booth and iChat upgrade page (see Resources).
Click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the page to start the download. Choose a folder to save the file to, if prompted to do so.
Open the file once it finishes downloading. Depending on the computer settings, the file may open automatically.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
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How to Geocache With Google Maps (3 Steps)

Browse to your geocaching site of choice, for example Geocaching.com. Find a geocache you want to locate via Google Maps. Click on the link to see the details for the cache.
Highlight the GPS coordinates. Copy the text by pressing 'Ctrl+C.' Browse to Maps.Google.com, and then click in the search field. Press 'Ctrl+V' to paste in the text then press 'Enter.' Google Maps will put a green arrow at the spot specified by the coordinates.
Click the green arrow then click 'Directions.' Type in your location in the top box on the left then press 'Get Directions.' Follow the directions to the location of the geocache.
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How to Download Crossfire for Mac (5 Steps)

Navigate to the Crossfire website (see References).
Click 'Download' next to the 'GTK Client, Mac OS X - X11.'
Click the 'Crossfire' link under the 'Mac OS X X11' binaries.
Double-click the archive once it has finished downloading.
Double-click the included Unix file. This will open in terminal and complete the setup.
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How to Turn an iPad Into a Mini Computer (5 Steps)

Connect a wireless keyboard to your iPad. The iPad comes with Bluetooth built in, allowing you to use your keyboard within 30 feet of the iPad. Turn on the keyboard and the iPad should pair itself with it. If it does not, tap 'Settings' on the iPad, then select 'General' and 'Bluetooth' to locate the keyboard.
Place your iPad into a stand to sit on your desk or table. A docking station stand is available from Apple directly, or you can select stands made by third-party manufacturers. You can connect speakers to the iPad or to the docking station. The PadDock 10 from SMK-Link electronics allows you to rotate the iPad in the stand and even includes stereo speakers in the stand.
Connect your iPad to a computer monitor, television or projector with a VGA adapter by connecting it to an Apple VGA Adapter. The adapter supports up to 1,080 pixel resolution in HD.
Connect your iPad to a wireless printer using a wireless router and one of the many apps available for wireless printing. Apple's AirPrint works with many HP printers. PrintCentral, an app available from EuroSmartz Ltd works with any wireless printer or through 3G.
Unplug the iPad and remove it from the stand at any time. Bring the stand and accessories with you on the road to use your iPad mini computer when you travel.
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How to Find IPSW for Redsn0w 4.2.1 (3 Steps)

Download the appropriate 4.2.1 IPSW firmware file to your computer by clicking on Apple's link to the firmware file. Apple released three versions of this IPSW firmware file based on the type of iOS device you want to use with the firmware file.
Double-click the Redsn0w icon on your computer to launch the Redsn0w jailbreaking tool.
Select the iOS 4.2.1 IPSW firmware file you download to your computer when prompted to select the appropriate iOS 4.21. IPSW firmware file.
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