Exploring the SafeSquid filter proxy
Conclusions
What sounds good in theory has a number of weak spots in real life. SafeSquid sets itself apart from competitors with a seemingly simple, but often confusing, web interface.
For Linux users, a more serious concern is the lack of support for current distributions like Ubuntu 13.10 or Fedora 19. Also, the cProfile module fails pretty much across the board: It allows content that is actually blocked, and SafeSquid "forgets" manual proxy changes when relaunched. The situation is similar with the MIME filter, which not only blocks with the specified file extensions, but sometimes blocks the entire page containing such an extension. For a commercial product that costs at least US$ 600 for a 100-user license, this behavior is cause for concern.
On a positive note, the manufacturer also supports the users of the free SafeSquid version via live chat and a ticketing system. During tests, I at least came away with the impression that the staff in India are very helpful and can arrange live demos, if required, to clarify any possible misunderstandings during the setup.
If you can live with the product's shortcomings, and if you are prepared to invest some time in setup and support, you can count on quite a useful proxy for home environments, bundled with content filtering and a web interface. But keep in mind that alternatives, such as the free IPFire [6] firewall distribution, provide similar functionality with fewer errors and what appears to be a cleaner implementation.
Infos
- SafeSquid versions: http://www2.safesquid.com/purchase-options/feature-comparison
- SafeSquid download: http://www.safesquid.com/content-filtering/downloads
- Shalla's Blacklists: http://www.shallalist.de
- SafeSquid extensions: http://www.safesquid.com/content-filtering/addon
- Tools compatible with SafeSquid: http://www.safesquid.com/content-filtering/compatible-software-and-utilities
- IPFire: http://www.ipfire.org
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.