So, our schools have finally caught on… Facebook joins the list of blocked sites in the fascist attempt to dictate our web habits.

But, fear not, there is a way around it. It is called using a “proxy bypass.” Technically, thats what the school is using on us, but we use one back we can gain access to all your sites. A proxy is like a doorman at the club. It sits between you and where you want to go. If it likes you, you can enter. Using a proxy is like a costume that hides your info and lets you pass unscathed.

Not all of them work, though, and sometimes you have to do things just right.

For facebook, try www.facebookproxy.net. The thing about most proxys is they don’t let you use javascript, which is involved in search and posting on walls among other things. This one appears to work, but to post on walls you should choose the ‘wall-to-wall’ option and post through that. Other functions may be limited as well. (note: Sometimes if you leave the site sit for a long time, when you try to do something it takes you back to the main proxy page. Just click ’start surfing’ again and it will take you right back in to continue happily.)

For gMail, www.slyuser.com works well. For some reason, you will have to enter the gmail address twice to enter. Then, you are given an option to enter the non javascript site. Use that. Some fancy features are unavailable, but you can send and receive mail. I generally use this one for any site that comes up blocked. Another good one is www.3proxy.com and Blockquote Proxy.

I’m not sure about other sites like Yahoo! Mail and mySpace, but you can google around and let us know if you find a good one. One downside is you can’t stream video! So youtube is out.

It can be tricky, but hopefully this should restore some of your favorite actives while at work. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!

For more in depth coverage, check out this video: