O'Callaghan Middle School

Why can't I get there?

Have you ever wondered why you can't get to a website? Is there a warning on the website? Does a watchdog or some message appear saying that this website is not approved by the district?

Most districts use a content filtering and monitoring software on their network. Filtering software is a technological tool, which was designed to protect children from inappropriate materials. Adult-oriented, violent or social networking sites are usually deemed inappropriate. Most people do not want their children exposed to nudity, foul language or violence. Another reason districts are now using filters is that it is a requirement to receive certain federal funds.

Monitoring software is also a part of some of these filter software packages. The monitoring software can be used to take screenshots; record browser history, chat rooms, forum postings, email and instant messaging; and/or capture keyboard keystrokes. Somewhere on a server, that information is stored for system administrators to analyze and update the content filtering software.

Other times, a website is not blocked by content filtering software. The website may say other browser error messages to let you know what is wrong. Sometimes all it takes to get to the site is to refresh the screen. Use your keyboard's F5 button or the circle on your browser bar.

However, there may be times when refreshing will not work. You may have to wait until the server is fixed or the service is restored.

These are the most common browser error messages:

400: Bad request - the server you are trying to get to can not understand your request.
*401: Unauthorized - you do not have the correct login password or permission for this site.
*403: Forbidden - you are trying to reach a place on the server that is not available to the public.
^404: Not Found - the page you wanted is no longer available, has been changed or removed.
408: Request Timeout - your connection to the server took longer than expected, a time out.
500: Internal Server Error - the website's server has something wrong with it but does not know the exact issue.
502: Bad Gateway - something is blocking your request to a website.
*503: Service Unavailable - the website is not available at this time due to errors or maintenance.
*504: Gateway Timeout - the website is down or not working properly.

Any message above with an asterisk (*) means that you will have to come back later after the issue is fixed on that website's server. The message "NOT FOUND" is one that means you will need to look around the server to find the NEW or updated page.

Information from The 9 most common browser error messages and NetSafe Kids

BEWARE of the pitfalls (PAGE 4)