I am new to squid. I just downloaded and installed it 2 days ago. I would like to know if there is a squid configuration file that allows users to have full internet access(browsing, chatting, videos...etc)? and is this possible just by having this configuration file or do I have to do some other configurations manuallay?

Thank you all for your time.

one thing you should be aware of is that Squid is a web cache, as such it supports protocols such as HTTP, FTP, HTTPS. It is not intended to proxy IRC (non-web chat, instant messaging) or audio/video streaming protocols (unless HTTP-encapsulated). Its first purpose is to save bandwidth, its second to allow a certain degree of control over transfers. If what you need is a multi-protocol proxy you might go looking for a SOCKS proxy (like DeleGate at www.delegate.org). With that type of product you are closer to an application-layer firewall.

Thank you very much Cidrolin for the information. In fact, yes I am trying to familiarize myself with squid for its great feature of controlling bandwidth. I went through the configuration guide and managed to set it up to control bandwidth. Currently, i am running 2 ISA server and some users are consuming the whole bandwidth with the heavy download. In fact, I am providing Internet service for almost 60 users in a dormitory and they are paying fees for this service. I cannot block anything but I have the right to control the bandwidth.

Anyway, I have questions concerning your reply. How does HTTP-Encapsulation work? and does it give me what I want? If I download Delegate, do I have to uninstall squid? or does it run with squid?

I am very new to the whole world of linux but very interested in knowing more about it. Hope you have the answers for my questions.

One Squid feature that I find interesting for the purpose of sharing limited bandwidth is the ability, if I remember well, to slow down downloading of large files after a certain byte weight. With this the download of small files (html pages, little soft updates,...) can be done at the max speed, while large files (isos, ...) are slowed down after a while. This doesn't concern P2P, though. If your bandwidth is being burned by P2P users, Squid won't help !

I think ther must be a way with ISA (and, perhaps, DeleGate) to devote a fraction of the total available bandwidth to certain protocols, at least that's what I would look for. Then Squid can help me manage the http-devoted bandwidth to make most of 'em happy.

I don't know the specifics of http-encapsulated streaming (I'm no developer, sorry) but the principle is to use http to convey the audio/video stream, the receiving software is responsible for caching to simulate continuity. It differs from other streaming protocols which open different ports for stream control. Needless to say, the choice goes to the server operator, not the receiver, so if you can't block anything the only option at your disposal is to limit the bandwidth available to the different protocols, on the destination port basis.