Easy steps to download & install CensorNet

CensorNet™ is a sideways proxy server and should be configured with a static IP address on your LAN segment and its default gateway set to the IP address of your router or firewall. If you intend to enable user authentication then the CensorNet™ server needs to be able to communicate with your domain controller (Active Directory, NT, Samba, Novell, LDAP, local).

Notes / Requirements

1. It is recommended that you block traffic from your LAN to port 80 and 443 unless it originates from the IP address of the CensorNet™ server (see guidelines). This will ensure users/workstations cannot bypass the proxy server.

2. You will also need to configure the client Web browsers to use a proxy by setting an Active Directory Group Policy or using a Proxy Auto Discovery file via DHCP.

3. If you do not have a firewall we recommend Vyatta or IPCop, both of which are Open Source.

Before you can install the CensorNet™ software package you will need to install the Debian 4.0 Linux operating system (you are shown how to do this in the next section), which is freely available to download. Don't worry if you do not have any experience with Linux, as long as you can use a keyboard the steps to install are quite simple. After installation, CensorNet™ is managed through an easy to use Web based Control Panel.

You can turn any PC or server* into a CensorNet™ proxy server although if you intend to deploy the server onto a production network we recommend you read the System Requirements first.

Alternatively, you may download the CensorNet™ Virtual Appliance and install it onto your virtualisation platform of choice.

* subject to the availability of Linux drivers.

The Installation Instructions will guide you through the installation process. If you are an advanced Linux administrator, you may want to view the quick install guide. Installation normally takes between 30-60 minutes depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Please remember that during your trial period we offer free technical support.

A trial license is required before you can start using CensorNet™ on your network, however you are still able to access all of the features within the Web Control Panel without a license. Trial licenses allow you to fully evaluate the product for 14-days, although extensions may be granted under special circumstances.

In order to request a license, you will need to provide your unique License HostID. To find your License HostID, choose "Install License" from within the "System" menu as shown below.

The License HostID will be displayed in the pop-up window.

You should now request a trial license by clicking the button below. The proxy service will show as failed until you install a valid license.