Product FAQ's
CS-1, CS-8 and CS-8 Pro
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Does ComSifter require any special software on user computers?
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Many web sites load much faster since installing ComSifter. How is this possible?
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Does ComSifter block port-hopping programs such a Kazaa and Morpheus?
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Some of our PCs are Mac and others are Windows. Is there a problem?
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I noticed that one of the features of ComSifter is email notifications. What does that do?
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How are users identified to the Comsifter? How do I integrate with Active Directory?
1. Does ComSifter require any special software on user computers?
No. User computers will be automatically redirected to ComSifter based on setting in the DHCP server.
2. Can users bypass ComSifter?
It is possible for a knowledgeable user to reassign the Internet Gateway on their local computer if they know the IP of the Internet Gateway. There are two ways to solve this issue:
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Most routers or gateway devices have a setting that only allows certain IP’s to connect. By configuring the router or gateway device to only allow connections from Comsifter’s IP will prevent the user from bypassing ComSifter.
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Late generation Operating systems such as Windows XP and Windows 2000 have security policies that can prevent a user from changing network settings. Applying these policies will prevent the user from bypassing ComSifter.
Comsifter's CS-1 and CS-8 include Port Blockers that are used to prevent application such as Kazaa and messenger programs from operating. CS-8 Pro includes an industrial-strength Firewall that is easy to set up with the Comsift Wizard and the Administrator can engage special rules for special applications.
4. Many web pages load much faster since installing ComSifter. How is this possible?
ComSifter incorporates a caching proxy. A web page that is visited is stored in ComSifter. Another user requesting the same web page will be served directly from ComSifter, not from the Internet. This results in an almost instantaneous response to the user request and reduces bandwidth requirements of the Internet connection.
5. Does ComSifter filter email (spam)?
ComSifter is not an email filter, nor is it a Spam filter. You may find that some HTML emails are missing advertising and offensive material. This would indicate that the email is referencing a banned site on the Internet.
6. Does ComSifter check for viruses?
ComSifter does not check for viruses.
7. Can ComSifter block MP3 and Kazaa music downloads?
There are two methods used to block the downloading or swapping of music files. The first of these is not allowing a file with an .mp3 extension to be downloaded per Sensitivity Level settings. This alone will not prevent peer to peer file swapping programs from swapping files as they use a different port than a browser. To stop these programs a second method needs to be engaged -- Port Blocker. By only allowing essential ports to be open the ports that are used by peer to peer programs are closed thus preventing the programs to operate properly.
8. Does ComSifter block port-hopping programs such as Kazaa and Morpheus?
Yes, ComSifter uses patent-pending technologies in Port Blocker to keep port-hopping programs from finding an open port. Even if the port-hopping program tries to use port 80 (http), it will be blocked.
9. How do I get ComSifter to download the latest blacklist?
ComSifter automatically updates its blacklist from the Internet. This is done between 11PM and 6AM daily or weekly depending on Service Plan. No user/operator intervention is required.
10. How do I download the latest software?
ComSifter automatically checks for new software on a weekly basis. This is done between 11PM and 6AM every Monday morning. No user/operator intervention is required.
11. Is there a way for our teachers’ PCs to be unfiltered?
Yes, the ComSifter Administrator can add any IP to the Exception IP List. This can include teachers, administrators or anyone that needs unfiltered access.
12. We need to add more PCs to our network. What should I do?
There are no special requirements for adding PC’s to the Network.
13. Some of our PCs are Mac and others are Windows. Is there a problem?
ComSifter CS-1 sees only requests for Internet pages. It does not see, nor care, the operating system of the requesting PC. Comsifter CS-8 and CS-8 Pro use a small utility on client computer to identify the computer log-on information.
14. I noticed that one of the features of ComSifter is email notifications. What does that do?
ComSifter monitors its health every 5 minutes. This includes disk space, memory usage, load, voltages and temperatures, cable connections, and power on status. If there is a fault in any of these conditions the ComSifter will send an email to the recipients listed in Email Notification Parameters. By default Comsift Technical Support is sent a copy.
In addition to fault information, every Monday morning, at a random time
between
15. How are users identified to the ComSifter? How do I integrate with Active Directory?
ComSifter CS-8 and CS-8 Pro have the ability to determine who is currently logged into the client computer. Once identified the user may be then be routed to a specific filter, bypassed, blocked or given Warn and Go permissions. Additionally the user name is shown for each Connect recorded in the Access Log. To enable this feature the client computer must have a small client program installed. The program may be installed locally or by way of Group Policy. The following downloads includes the instructions for installing the client program, firewall requirements and Integrating Active Directory with ComSifter.
