OpenDNS Category Filter (Adware, Web Spam, etc.)

[thekochs]

Ok....I'm new user to OpenDNS so I apologize if this is dumb question.
I've set my filter to LOW to start but looking at some of the categories it raises question.....why would I not check ?
Examples of this are Adware, Web Spam, Academic Fraud...perhaps others in grey area but at least these three seem so obvious to block it makes me ask why they would not be check as default ? Ironically as you go up the scale even in HIGH Academic Fraud is not checked.

Any insights on these would be helpful.

Thx !

[mattwilson9090]

Read the description of what each of these filter settings are for:

High - Protects against all adult-related sites, illegal activity, social networking sites, video sharing sites, and general time-wasters.

Moderate - Protects against all adult-related sites and illegal activity.

Low - Protects against pornography.

The reason someone wouldn't check a specific category is either that they don't want it blocked, or don't care if that type of domain is accessible on their network. It all depends on what they need OpenDNS to do for them.

The specific categories you mention don't fit under the general description of adult-related sites, illegal activity, social networking sites, video sharing sites, and general time-wasters, which is the exact description of the High category. They are not intended as one size fits all solutions, only as a starting place for someone to control their own unique setup.

It is not mandatory to use these 3 predefined options. If you don't like them, choose the one that is closest to what you want, then uncheck or check categories that you want blocked. Personally, whenever I setup OpenDNS for someone I always choose the Customize option, add P2P/File sharing, Proxy/Anonymizer, Adware and Web Spam. They suit the people I work with as a good starting place, and then I add anything else that they may want blocked.

[thekochs]

Thx....I did read I just felt that these two/three in particular were odd to have and not checked.
Obviously, there are many others one can argue for or against the need based on need/opinion/etc.....but the these three categories
Adware, Web Spam, Academic Fraud seem as no brainer to add as default....maybe just me, but wanted to ask.

I added Adware & Web Spam to my LOW setting....obviously now making it custom.
Think this is good first start.

[mattwilson9090]

I'm not sure what is so confusing, none of those categories fit into the three predefined settings. They are not adult-related, illegal, social networking, video sharing, or general time-wasters. Many people might find them to be undesirable or offensive, but unless the purposes of the setting are changed they don't belong there. That's why customize is provided as an option.

I have no idea what the current default choice is since I haven't created an entirely new account in a very long time, but still, unless the definition of the settings is changed the default won't change. Personally, I think the way things are right now is a pretty good approach that will meet the vast majority of most users needs, but those needs cover a pretty wide range of people, families, faiths, and philosophies.

[rotblitz]

"it makes me ask why they would not be check as default ?"

Because nothing is checked by default.  OpenDNS is a recursive DNS service for your name resolution purposes with nothing blocked by default (except phishing and some malware sites).  The rest is you with your settings, and there can't be a "default" for you individually by nature.

[thekochs]

OK......got it....thx.