How depends largely on your laptop OS and the level of validation needed. Are you using Shield as Router/Bridge? Are you using openvpn etfc?
There are a number of ways to test is SNORT (IDS) is working, check
https://www.google.com/search?q=test+snort&gws_rd=ssl .
The Webfilter only works well in Router mode, for Ads and Malicious. Ads you can check to go to a ads filled page w/o an ad blocker on your browser.
No more: Shield Pro v1, Chaos Calmer, FW 1.51 SP1