firewall

[Tillyella]

I'm not very computer literate but can anyone tell me if it's possible for another computer user to set up a firewall to stop you accessing your e-mail or any other website for that matter.

[vehelpfulguy]

Do you mean on your computer ?

Yes, another user could install a firewall on your computer and set it to block access to the internet or e-mail from your computer.

Having said that, as a user of that computer you should be able to change any setting on that firewall so you should be able to allow access to the internet.

Also, if your computer gets access to the internet VIA another computer (as it may in a network) then they could set a firewall up on THAT computer which would also block your access to the internet and e-mail.

[ACtheTROLL]

yes but no but .....
depends exactly what's happening.

If it's your work network you employer can decide what you can and can't access.
e-mail is generally one of the first things that are banned.

at home ... firewalls and privacy settings can be used to "ban" certain sites - as can progs such as "net nanny"

some sites ban users from "banned" areas of the world (china ban almost all western contact - iran ....)

and there is a thing called "clicker" or "hijack" malware which will intercept your requests .... and substitute other addresses.

[ACtheTROLL]

just seen vhg's answer
the whole point of such a firewall or barrier is that users can't just override the settings ......
It wouldn't be any use if you could now would it .... ?

if a parent were tryning to keep their child safe by restricting access to sites ...what would be the point if the kid could just carry on regardless?

[Tillyella]

Thank you both for your answers.