Password Protect / Lock access to Web Browser?

Infopackets Reader Ron H. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I enjoy your newsletters, as they are very helpful. I would like to know if there is a way to password protect a web browser (MS Internet Explorer in particular) to prevent access to the internet for unauthorized persons? This is a plant security problem where some off-shift personnel have access to the computer for e-mail but do not need to have access to the web browser. Any help with this matter would be appreciated. "

My response:

In this case, your best bet is to get in touch with your IT guy at the plant and tell him to restrict (block) network access on port 80 using the company's firewall.

If this solution is not viable, you can opt to install Zone Alarm (free for personal use) and block port 80 yourself. Port 80 is the default port for all HTTP web browser access, so this solution will work with Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Netscape, etc.

Zone Alarm can also be password protected by the administrator (you) and has an anti-uninstall mechanism which will deny uninstall unless the admin password is used.

http://www.zonelabs.com

PS: my eBook on Internet Security includes an explicit video tutorial Zone Alarm (downloadable, playable on the computer). You can read more about the tutorial here.