Tracking users' web activity? 3

[sndkick]

Do I need to set up a proxy to track where my users are going on the web? Or is there a service or log built into NT Server that will automatically track all web activity?
Scott

 

[DrGreen26]

You most definately need a proxy server or something along those sorts to generate logs, you will also need to invest into something called webtrands or cyfin to view those logs in a logical format.

The logs can get very large, so this is not something you would want to review by looking at them

You an either use Microsofts Proxy Services, or Novells Bordermanager with Proxy/caching services. The Novell product is more intuitive, however, you must chose which fits your environment. Don't buy the product based on hype, thats a bad investment.

HTW

Mark C. Greenwood, CNE
m_jgreenwood@yahoo.com

CNE 4.11 and CNE 5 certified. BS Degree in MIS. Working in the industry for 8 years.

I work with NT servers, NDS for NT as well.

 

[sndkick]

So pretty much, if we are interested in whether our users are visiting inappropriate sites, we need a proxy-type service, or access to the log files (IE history files) on their machines? Scott

 

[hnd]

I am using qbik Wingate for this purposes. It generates not only detailed logs for you. With the Pro Version you can even prohibit individual users from access to distinquished Sites. A Test Version can be downloaded from the Net. Search for "Wingate".

hnd
hasso55@yahoo.com

 

[cl1]

Might want to look at LanGuard from

http://www.gfi.com

not too $$$ and does the job.

 

[Alt255]

If you have a programmer on hand it would be a simple matter for him to write a hidden application that logs every URL visited while on-line (I've been there and done that... see

http://www.vorpalcom.com).

But why spend a lot of money? Windows does a pretty good job recording web activity, all on it's own. Take a look in the \Windows\History folder. You'll find plenty of evidence that you've visited Tek-Tips.

Worried that a user will set Internet Explorer so it won't maintain a history? That can be fixed through the registry.

Sometimes the simplest approach is the cheapest and most effective.

​

 

[DrGreen26]

All of this is good, keep in mnd that you may also want to filter out various sites as well as keywords...

May want to implement an enterprise solution rather than pay for a small program now and have to implement something larger scale later..



Mark C. Greenwood, CNE
m_jgreenwood@yahoo.com

CNE 4.11 and CNE 5 certified. BS Degree in MIS. Working in the industry for 8 years.

I work with NT servers, NDS for NT as well.

 

[monkeylizard]

sndkick, make sure that your company creates a policy on web useage BEFORE implementing any monitoring/restricting devices/software.

In our litigious society, web access has become a hot-bed of lawsuits.

It doesn't have to be anything grand, just enough to say 'hey, we made an effort.'

At my firm, we don't distinguish between 'questionable' sites like porn or hate groups vs. someone's kids' soccer website. From our view, it's all 'using a limited business resource for personal use.' Makes it easy to implement policy too. If it's not for the business, don't do it.

 

[dgrewe]

try this site

http://www.winwhatwhere.com/

David W. Grewe
Dave@internationalbid.com
ICQ VFP ActiveList #46145644