Looking for freeware or shareware that will allow me to block specific sites.

I don't know of any freeware, but you can do it by adding the site(s) to the hosts file and assigning it an IP address of 127.0.0.1. That way the web browser will look to the local PC for the webpage. Of course, the webpage doesn't exist on the local PC so you end up getting the old "page cannot be displayed" message. Another way is to add the website to the restricted sites from within Internet Options > Security > Restricted Sites.

I've been using a program called Spector Pro to block Internet access on some computers that only need access to specific websites. The software isn't cheap if you're just purchasing one license, but it's been working very well for me.

I know someone who's been using iNet Protector ($30) and they like it, but I haven't used it so I can't comment on how well it works. You can find it at download.com.

are you trying to block on 1 computer or a network of computers?

what alan has suggested will work for individual computers. if you want to do a whole network of computers, i would suggest investing in a dd-wrt capable router which will allow you to block by URL under its access restrictions.

I think it's a linksys wireless router, have to double check. And I want to do it on 1 computer. I tried what Alan suggested with just through ie>options>security>restricted and it did not work. I entered www.yahoo.com, closed ie and reopened and was able to get to www.yahoo.com.

alan had actually suggested modifying the hosts file (c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts). open that in notepad and add: www.yahoo.com 127.0.0.1

Was still able to get to yahoo site.

Using win xp home. IE is version 6.

I even tried the mcafee parental control. Got to where I can enter url for blocking. But was able to get to site that was listed for blocking.

Was able to get to blocking sites setting for router router. Entered site to block. Saved settings and then went to site. Was able to get to site.

What gives??

Clear out the temporary internet files. It's probably bringing up a cached page.

agreed, also may want to restart the computer to give the puter a chance to see the new router settings