Ubuntu Servers :: Server For Internet Logging And Filtering

I'm in charge of a church computer lab which is open to children ages 6 to 16 for about 3 hours a week. We try to have adult supervision but don't have 100% coverage.

The lab has a maximum of 8 computers, a mixture of MACs, Windows XP, and Linux machines, depending on their state of repair.

The church's current internet connection is Verizon residential speed DSL to a 4 port wired plus wireless router in a locked office which also houses our Windows XP office computer and is adjacent to our locked pastor's office.

Internet access for the lab is by a single CAT5 cable passing through a small hole in a wall to a network switch on the other side. All of the lab computers are connected to the switch by CAT5 cable.

I would like to add a server in the locked office to log internet usage and block access to certain websites as needed. I think logging internet activity will be a good antidote in case one of the older ones wants to try to get sneaky and cover their tracks.

I envision building a computer from donated parts, including 2 NICs.

I have never done things from the server end, but think the server edition of Ubuntu would be a good starting point.

My goal is to be able to manage internet access with an easy to use GUI system so I could teach the basics to a couple of youth leaders to use it when I'm not there.