Block ads, Cookies, Spyware and Hackers with a Hostfile - ITS FREE!

TheBlueRaja · 30-01-2006, 11:14

The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.

You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the Server that supplies these little gems.

What this site does is provide you with that Hosts file, its updated regularly and will prevent any of those sites being accessed by your machine.

Its really easy to install and most importantly - free.

Have a look - http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

danielf · 30-01-2006, 11:22

I use one, and it's great. However, as I understand, it will not work with an isp that uses proxy servers, so will not be of any use for NTL customers?

I'm on telewest now. I tried it when I was on NTL, but as I recall, it didn't work, so I binned it.

**Chris** · 30-01-2006, 11:23

Sounds promising. I have always wondered, though, what the hosts file is actually, officially for. That is, what did M$ have in mind when they put it in there? Does anyone know?

danielf · 30-01-2006, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Sounds promising. I have always wondered, though, what the hosts file is actually, officially for. That is, what did M$ have in mind when they put it in there? Does anyone know?

I thought all OSs have one?

Edit: as explained here:

http://practice.chatserve.com/hosts.html

30-01-2006, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

I thought all OSs have one?

Also explained here: http://accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

**Chris** · 30-01-2006, 11:44

Thanks guys ... presumably then, a hosts file is part of the IP protocol, and was invented back at a time when DNS was less available or reliable?

danielf · 30-01-2006, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScaredWebWarrior

Also explained here: http://accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

Good link...

There is some stuff on the proxy issue on that first site as well:

http://accs-net.com/hosts/faq.html#6

I'm not sure if this is a problem with NTL, but I gave up on getting it to work when I was on NTL. The hosts file works a treat on Telewest. It works very well with those annoying flash ads that Firefox's adblock has difficulties with as well.

TheBlueRaja · 30-01-2006, 13:16

Remember to take note of this bit...

Quote:

Editors Note: in most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine. This only occurs in W2000 and XP. Windows 98 and ME are not affected.

To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"

* Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
* Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and select: Properties
* Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
* Select: Manual, click Apply/Ok and restart. [more info]

You can see that the above "Service" is not needed (after a little browsing) by opening the Services Editor again, scroll down to DNS Client and check the "Status" column. It should be blank, if it was needed it would show "Started" in that column. [more info]

Chrysalis · 02-02-2006, 06:33

yeah its a shame, another downside of the proxies I guess but useful for those who arent on ntl.

**Paul M** · 02-02-2006, 06:45

I would have thought this should work on ntl as long as the entries point to 127.0.0.1

A large hosts file is a good way to slow/kill a machine though.

LSainsbury · 02-02-2006, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Thanks guys ... presumably then, a hosts file is part of the IP protocol, and was invented back at a time when DNS was less available or reliable?

Correct - In ther days of Windows 3.1 through 95 / 98 when you had Windows NT 3.5 / NT 4.0 the DNS service didn't exist, so you had a mix of services including WINS - which used the hosts file. A complete pain to administer!

basa · 02-02-2006, 09:17

Erm .. I thought Spywareblaster and Spybot create thier own hosts file for blocking bad sites ???

Rather trust them to do it.

Chrysalis · 02-02-2006, 23:38

hmm you may be right if its 127.0.0.1 since the req then doesnt leave the pc, I think it doesnt work if you just point to any internet address.

kronas · 02-02-2006, 23:46

yeh i played around with my hosts file in the past , blocked a few sites i didnt want access to and im on NTL, aslong as it resolves to 127.0.0.1 all is good

MikeyB · 03-02-2006, 00:11

It certainly works with my ntl connection using the hosts file to point sites to 127.0.0.1

Found this site ages ago and have been using it successfully