Hi, I'm relatively new here so I don't know if I am posting in the wrong place...anyway, my problem is that I have fallen many times using installed software on my computer that is not affected by a regular browser filter because they don't go through browsers. Is there any way to filter - or at least whitelist- installed programs that can access the internet? Any other suggestions?

[Moderator's note: I removed the specific examples given to prevent any potential michshol to others].

Assuming it's Windows you can use Windows' firewall software to block certain programs from using the network.

technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc947786%28v=ws.10%29.aspx />
If you are trying to protect yourself then I guess you just make somebody else your administrator.

You can add sites you want to block to K9 and you can also use kaspersky to allow only a selection of sites, (might be too restrictive).

And get accountability software

If you have someone else to be admin you can also use Windows Parental Controls.