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> We currently use the Cern httpd as a proxy server for our users
> to connect to the Internet. It is possible that our management
> will be requesting that we monitor the logs for activity that is
> not work related. These reports would/may then be used to correct
> the user's work ethics.
As others have commented - it is impractical to try and define a definative
list of 'acceptable sites' for your users. The key to success in todays fast
moving business environment is the innovation and inventiveness of
individuals. It is impossible (and insulting?!) for your management to
believe that they know which sites are best.
We had a similar problem here on how to control legitimate usage - mainly
because we were worried about our server becoming a repository for games and
soft porn. In the end we opted for the 'self police' approach.
Our WWW server is behind a firewall and access to the internet is through
proxy support on the server. We installed the wusage statistics software and
set it up to monitor proxy usage. One of the features of wusage is to give
a top 10 list of sites visited by URL and a top 10 list of users. We
modified this to give a top 100.
As soon as we started to publish these statistics on our home page - the
visits to places like www.playboy.com dropped significantly.
Users saw the tables of sites visited - saw the tables of most frequent
users - and 'just assumed' that - if we could produce stats like these - we
had enough information to tie in which users were visiting which sites.
It's true - we probably do - but is it really worth the time taken to
collate it?
Interestingly - visits to legitimate sites increased as users became
familiar with the URL's published in the top 100 list and talked to the most
frequent users.
As far as I am concerned - self-regulation by information is far better than
regulation by enforcement.
Andy Dent
Senior Product Support Specialist
Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems Ltd
Siemens House
Oldbury
Bracknell, ENGLAND
RG12 4FZ
Email: adent @
sni .
co .
uk
My opinions are my own and not representative of SNI in any way.
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