I don’t want my kids to use Skype. They are smart enough to reinstall it if I were to remove the program, but they would not be savvy enough (yet) to figure out how I blocked the program in avast. Could someone provide me the details on how I could block it? Thanks.
Let your kids have a limited user account, then they cant install
Also sett up your router with openDNS for more protection… like porn / gambling…
Skype doesn’t use DNS so OpenDNS will not work…I use it for blocking sites though.
What do you mean a “limited account?”
You don’t say what avast version you are using ?
In avast free you haven’t got many options, you could try to block the URL to Skype; avastUI, Additional Protection, Site blocking. But if the connection to Skype would use https, that idea goes out of the window as it is the Web Shield that actually implements this blocking and it doesn’t monitor https traffic.
So you are looking at using something else, firewall or HOSTS file to block Skype.
Whilst the use of skype might not use DNS, but you have to connect to scype first don’t you and that is what you would be blocking.
What do you mean a "limited account?"Types of user accounts http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/ua_c_account_types.mspx?mfr=true
[b]Limited account[/b]The limited account is intended for someone who should be prohibited from changing most computer settings and deleting important files. A user with a limited account:•
Generally cannot install software or hardware,but can access programs that have already been installed on the computer.
•
Can change his or her account picture and can also create, change, or delete his or her password.
•
Cannot change his or her account name or account type. A user with a computer administrator account must make these kinds of changes.
•
Can manage his or her network passwords, create a reset password disk, and set up his or her account to use a .NET Passport.
Can OpenDNS block Skype calls on my LAN?
http://forums.opendns.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=8218
How to block Skype
http://forums.opendns.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=7677
Block it through your firewall or like said set up a limited account for them.
In user accounts it’s either administrator or limited.
Limited they wont be able to download.
Have a look here → hxxp://www.fanhow.com/knowhow:Block_skype_29529691
Windows Seven AppLocker
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2009/08/18/understanding-windows-7-applocker.aspx
@david skype is using their own protocol (encrypted and not https), so there’s no way to interfere at that level.
I don't want my kids to use Skype. They are smart enough to reinstall it if I were to remove the program, but they would not be savvy enough (yet) to figure out how I blocked the program in avast. Could someone provide me the details on how I could block it? Thanks.
This is only FYI
You want to block any program from been executed, uninstalled or modified get OSS Pro.
Block any application, folder or files from been accessed, it won’t let you uninstall or duplicate the same application even if you change credentials. Not to mention the leading top notch firewall and antimalware detection is unmatchable compare to avast or other security software.
Ps. I’m not selling or work for outpost, I just switched from avast pro to OSS Pro after been avast user for over 6 years and I see the difference in my PC performance and less issues with my machine.
I thought I share that with you.
Yes, I wasn’t too hopeful that the Site blocking would work and this confirms that suspicion, which is why I suggested the other options.