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You're forgetting the other other big one: interest payments on national debt.

But even all of the "small beans" items are larger than they look... for example, the federal spending on education contributes only about 7% of the actual operating costs for a K-12 school, the majority of which is typically paid by State, County, City, and local taxes. But the feds make schools really work and jump through lots of hoops and administer tests to tick off the boxes that allows them to tap into that 7% of funding.

Anyway, http://www.usgovernmentspendin... does a better job including some of these other tax revenue streams into the total picture.

If anyone is interested in one-upping Steve Ballmer, have at it. Lots of source data from the White House Office of Management and Budget:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/brow...
All the raw data is there in lots and lots of Excel spreadsheets. Not very well organized or visualized, but it's there.

I got interested in doing something like this after an engineering accounting class I took a decade ago:
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/...

From 12 reputable & reliable known sources in the security community.

APK

P.S.=> http://hosts-file.net/hphosts-...
http://hosts-file.net/ad_serve...
http://mirror1.malwaredomains....
http://someonewhocares.org/hos...
http://www.malwaredomainlist.c...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/ho...
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://www.malware.com.br/cgi/...
http://hostsfile.org/Downloads...
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/hosts...
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverl... ... apk

Puerto Rico has these "third world" jitney services.

They're actually pretty cool, when I was there all the drivers of the vans knew each other, and had their own cellphone social network going on, so if you called one for a pickup, and they weren't close to you, they would call another driver who was available to come pick you up.

Even better, they would do their own vanpooling of passengers, kinda like the airport shuttles work here in the US, but coordinated over their social network. So you might be going from town to town, and stop somewhere briefly to pick up and drop off some other paying passengers who called in and just happened to be along the way.

So much efficiency could be achieved...
Disclaimer: I essentially wrote my master's thesis on running mass transit networks more like a jitney service, with smaller, more flexible vehicles:
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/...

Of course, Virginia still gets some points for tolerating "Slug lines"... the instant carpools where people headed in or out of DC could pick up strangers lined up at bus/train stations so they both could ride the HOV lanes in.

Oh, this story takes me back to my days of trying to mirror linux distros on sunsite over a 14.4k external modem (I was too cheap to spend $50 on some of the 56K modems that were available in 2000.)

I would pretty much obsess over maxing out my connection 24/7, with various extra compression tricks and proxies to better-connected lower latency servers my friends had on the internet. At some point, I got a bill for $150 from Verizon because one of the condos I was renting at the time turned out to not have unlimited local phone service. I was really pissed about that. Oh yeah, I even bothered to write a diatribe way back then: http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/misc/verizontotallysucks.html

I'm glad I finally grew out of that phase in my life, but at the same time I'm delighted that there are people out there still trying to get the maximum out of their services :-D ... and I did end up going back to Verizon, for work, and then at home when they rolled out FiOS to my neighborhood. Unlike the guy in this article, though, I paid extra for the Business service so they'd unblock incoming SMTP and HTTP(S) ports. Getting transferred from the droll residential CSR to the sharp and peppy business CSR during that call was like night and day and sticks out in my mind.

Nowadays I'm on Frontier FiOS, which was an offshoot of Verizon, I guess, except they don't do any silly port blocking on the residential accounts.

Except I completely control it locally @ the fastest level of operations possible (the TCP/IP stack running in PnP designed kernelmode/rpl 0/ring 0 operations) as a filter:

---

APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:

http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74

---

(What custom hosts files do for me in added value for better speed, security, reliability, & even anonymity to an extent is listed there in 16 discrete points...)

* "Auto-Magically" populating & creating a custom hosts file from 14++ reputable & reliable sources for data for protecting vs. known malicious sites/servers/hosts-domains:

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://www.malware.com.br/cgi/submit?action=list_hosts_win_0000
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://safeweb.norton.com/buzz
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://amada.abuse.ch/palevotracker.php

APK

P.S.=> Best part is, it's not only of value for security, but also for added:

---

1.) Speed (via blocking adbanners as well as bogus sites online, but also via "hardcoding" your favorite sites into it for FASTER IP address resolution locally than from remote DNS servers (which have faults in them, many of which remain unpatched vs. the Kaminsky DNS redirection poisoning flaw, 1/2 a decade++ later AFTER its discovery -> )

2.) Reliability (vs. said unpatched flaw above OR downed remote DNS servers)

3.) To an extent, anonymity (vs. DNS request logs)

---

... apk

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online [abu

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER HOST FILES &/or HOST FILE ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do HOST FILEing for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) HOST FILE blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

HOST FILE Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/HOST FILE-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an HOST FILE addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) HOST FILE doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) HOST FILE won't get you to your favorite sites if a HOST FILE goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) HOST FILE doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make HOST FILE calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (HOST FILEs are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like HOST FILE does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a HOST FILE does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than HOST FILEs can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a HOST FILE & back to you).

8.) HOST FILE doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online [abu

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER HOST FILES &/or HOST FILE ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do HOST FILEing for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) HOST FILE blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

HOST FILE Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/HOST FILE-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an HOST FILE addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) HOST FILE doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) HOST FILE won't get you to your favorite sites if a HOST FILE goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) HOST FILE doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make HOST FILE calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (HOST FILEs are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like HOST FILE does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a HOST FILE does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than HOST FILEs can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a HOST FILE & back to you).

8.) HOST FILE doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option [slashdot.org] )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=o

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER HOST FILES &/or HOST FILE ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do HOST FILEing for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) HOST FILE blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

HOST FILE Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/HOST FILE-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option [slashdot.org] )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an HOST FILE addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) HOST FILE doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) HOST FILE won't get you to your favorite sites if a HOST FILE goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) HOST FILE doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make HOST FILE calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (HOST FILEs are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like HOST FILE does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a HOST FILE does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than HOST FILEs can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a HOST FILE & back to you).

8.) HOST FILE doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/moni

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option [slashdot.org] )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html [networkworld.com] for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ [someonewhocares.org]
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html [hostsfile.org]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm [mvps.org]
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/ [hostsfile.mine.nu]
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download [hosts-file.net]
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online [abuse.ch]

Sources for custom hosts file data for a myriad of purposes, all listed here (which THIS VERY PROGRAM uses):

---

APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:

http://www.start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&Itemid=74

---

SOURCES IT USES FOR CUSTOM HOSTS FILE DATA INTAKE:

http://safeweb.norton.com/buzz

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download

http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated

https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=all

http://www.malware.com.br/cgi/submit?action=list_hosts_win_0000

http://www.malwareurl.com/

http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt

http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/

http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts

http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext

http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/

---

* HOWEVER: You don't NEED TO KNOW THAT, since the program above uses most all of those sources listed above, & does the work for you, of - Import, Deduplicate & Filter/Normalize + Convert blocking address format used, Speed up hardcoded favorites (which ARE what can solve redirection problems in DNS & most likely here too with facebook mind you), & Save to hosts itself... from those very reliable & reputable sources for custom hosts file data online!

APK

P.S.=> Enjoy if you use the program I wrote above, & good on your part to see here that you have enough sense to take advantage of custom hosts files for better online speed, security, reliability, & of course, even better anonymity (to an extent, vs. DNS request logs OR vs. DNSBL's you may not like too)...

... apk

Jorge, you can name me all you want, but there is no shame is using a hosts file to block DDoS Packets. I have a foolproof list that blows away your arguments.

P.S.=> There's other methods also, via native to OS tools for network-wide propogation of fresh clean updated hosts files that program yields IF you only installed it on a "central server" for clean hosts for all nodes/workstations/servers:

I.E.-> Centrally managed hosts files? Easy as pie via logons scripts, or parse of autoexec in Windows @ bootup via GPEdit & group policies company-wide!

OR

Using taskscheduler on each workstation/server node periodically

P.P.S.=> Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the C&C servers, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. threats like bogus servers &/or maliciously scripted sites. Here's some good sources for that above & beyond mvps.org (I noted them above):

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/ (justdomains here)
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://www.apkgoatsestylepersonalpics.com/hostsfiles.htm
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/ (updater for Spybot "Search & Destroy" & it fortifies HOSTS files)

Those are some of my regular sources that are reputable & reliable for custom HOSTS file data populations vs. known threats online - I consolidate them here via programs I wrote that normalize/deduplicate repeated entries, sort/alphabetize the results, & change from larger + slower 127.0.0.1 (longer & loopback ops happen here) to the faster & smaller 0.0.0.0 (or even 0 on Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003): Enjoy!

... apk

P.P.P.P.S.=> There you go... it all works, GUI easily from my app, all the way out to any endpoint PC/Server on a LAN/WAN even... often as you like & CLEAN/FRESH too!

P.P.P.P.P.S=> It's good "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" & does things AdBlock, DNS, & even firewalls can't (like speed up access to fav. sites + make them reliable in the event of DNS poisoning redirects or being "downed" even...) & gets P.P.P.P.P.P.S.=> back SPEED/BANDWIDTH users pay for out of pocket along with their POWER BILL too...

P.P.P.P.P.P.P.S.=> I skipped P.P.P.S=>

"I get exactly the same effect with my Hosts file" - by fast turtle (1118037) on Sunday September 30, @03:00PM (#41507585)

Excellent - You get better:

1.) Speed/Bandwidth
2.) "Layered-Security"/"Defense-In-Depth"
3.) Reliability (vs. downed or dns-poisoned redirected dns servers)
4.) Anonymity (to an extent, vs. DNS request logs + DNSBL)
5.) MULTI-PLATFORM ability to do the same (think smartphones, you can apply hosts there too)
6.) MORE EFFICIENT OPERATIONS (ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode filtering @ THE IP STACK LEVEL, vs. ring 3/rpl 3/usermode layered on MORE INEFFICIENCY in browser addons)
7.) The ability to SHIELD OTHER APPLICATIONS from ads & threats (I used to do this using hosts for Opera before it was freewares, & Ubuntu users can do the same now (since part of it's adbanner sponsored now)

& FAR MORE... good choice on YOUR part, but... there's more you can do with hosts than merely adblocking (read on)!

---

"and for those that don't understand how they work, it's pretty god damn simple." - by fast turtle (1118037) on Sunday September 30, @03:00PM (#41507585)

They are, & SIMPLER than editing adblock lists, that is certain... hosts are just a text file with line records you can add/remove/alter etc. as you wish with tools you already own in text editors, but also for more?

Well, you can use the app I wrote that I posted about earlier... there's a reason I am noting this, since you are NOT USING custom hosts files TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL!

Seriously...

(The app handles filtering them vs. comments & other bloating crap hosts files makers put in (they mean well, it's usually documentation, except MVPS which puts WAY TOO MUCH B.S. in theirs), importing hosts data from reputable & reliable sources, deduplication of hosts repeat bloating entries + making the hosts use a MORE EFFICIENT parse by using smaller blocking addresses (0.0.0.0 vs. 127.0.0.1)... & more!

---

"I never make the connection to the god damn server - no ad/malware or other crap to see. " - by fast turtle (1118037) on Sunday September 30, @03:00PM (#41507585)

"EXACTAMUNDO" & that?

That also EXTENDS TO MALWARE LADEN SITES/SERVERS/HOSTS-DOMAINS as well as adbanners!

So - that's where you aren't using hosts to their FULL potential here (as well as the fact you can "hardcode in" your FAVORITE SITES into it, making them resolve even FASTER than remote DNS can do!)

My "APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++" does all that for you, & "automagically" IF YOU WISH (it has the option to run automatically)...

If you opt NOT to use my app? Here's the sources I import from for your reference:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://www.stopbadware.org/
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN bad servers blocked)

---

"As to updating the damn thing every week? I don't do that." - by fast turtle (1118037) on Sunday September 30, @03:00PM (#41507585)

Well, per what I wrote above? Vs. mal

Over AdBlock & DNS Servers ALONE 4 Security, Speed, Reliability, and even Anonymity to an extent:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions (in-addr.arpa) via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogspot

DO THE FOLLOWING (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

---

1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB) & install it

2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)

3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS

---

* DONE!

(Yes, it's THAT simple vs. hosts-domain based threats which ARE THE MAJORITY OF THEM OUT THERE (because hosts-domain names are recyclable unlike IP addresses)... &, it works - you CAN'T be burned if you can't go into the malware kitchen!)

APK

P.S.=> Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the C&C servers, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. threats like bogus servers &/or maliciously scripted sites. Here's some good sources for that above & beyond mvps.org (I noted them above):

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/ (justdomains here)
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/ (updater for Spybot "Search & Destroy" & it fortifies HOSTS files)

Those are some of my regular sources that are reputable & reliable for custom HOSTS file data populations vs. known threats online - I consolidate them here via programs I wrote that normalize/deduplicate repeated entries, sort/alphabetize the results, & change from larger + slower 127.0.0.1 (longer & loopback ops happen here) to the faster & smaller 0.0.0.0 (or even 0 on Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003): Enjoy!

... apk

* DONE!

(Yes, it's THAT simple vs. hosts-domain based threats which ARE THE MAJORITY OF THEM OUT THERE (because hosts-domain names are recyclable unlike IP addresses)... &, it works - you CAN'T be burned if you can't go into the malware kitchen!) No more malware, no disk corruption!

This concept & technique is VERY simple to understand, as far as how to install a custom HOSTS file, how to get data to populate it (& if need be? An Access import & "SELECT * DISTINCT FROM (tablename) ORDER BY ASC" type query & export can do the deduplication/normalization end even).

E.G.-> I've taught it to people who have NO CLUE in computing in fact, & they took to it like ducks to water - especially custom editing their custom HOSTS file with text editors once they understand what speeds them up (hardcodes) & secures them + how, by blocking out bogus sites/servers!

(And? Heck - They ought to like it & take to them fast! Especially considering a custom HOSTS file acts as a security layer AND more-or-less, an "online turbocharger" for speed too, for free! You already own one anyhow, with any OS that uses a BSD based IP stack (which IS most))...

P.S.=> Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the C&C servers, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. threats like bogus servers &/or maliciously scripted sites. Here's some good sources for that above & beyond mvps.org (I noted them above):

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/ (justdomains here)
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/ (updater for Spybot "Search & Destroy" & it fortifies HOSTS files)

Those are some of my regular sources that are reputable & reliable for custom HOSTS file data populations vs. known threats online - I consolidate them here via programs I wrote that normalize/deduplicate repeated entries, sort/alphabetize the results, & change from larger + slower 127.0.0.1 (longer & loopback ops happen here) to the faster & smaller 0.0.0.0 (or even 0 on Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003): Enjoy!

... apk

http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/aircraft/

"The arrow" for straight-line distance.

"The flying wing" for glide slope.

"The super guppy" for cargo capacity (usually water).

"The basic glider" is good for loops and stunts.

"The slant-nose glider" for wet terrain (it has landing gear that help keep the wings dry).

http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/aircraft/ (/shameless plug)

Most planes like the one in the article sort of fly like darts, so of course it had a pretty lousy glide slope. They might have done a bit better with a glider design, that might have rode thermals for a while, but it probably would have been harder on the structural design.

My friends and I tried to make paper airplanes out of large poster boards back in high school, but they didn't do too well (one of my "reader's rides" on my site has video of an attempt to make a posterboard version one of my aircraft). Unfortunately, paper airplanes don't scale up very well. The best results I've seen look more like actual conventional glider aircraft that just happened to be built up using ribs and spars made of paper and covered with a light sheet of paper skinning material.

Indeed. And the worst part is, it's silly expensive!

If you want a 3D printer DO NOT GET THIS. Get something from Makerbot or Ultimaker, they sell easier to build kits that give higher quality prints for less money. RepRap is a fun project, but it takes quite a while to get usable results (lots and lots of tweaking). I have an Ultimaker myself, and took me 8 hours to build and get my first print working.

As for people wondering about the quality of these kinds of machines: http://daid.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20120125_211716.small.jpeg this is printed on mine.

DO THE FOLLOWING (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

---

1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB) & install it

2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)

3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS

---

* DONE!

(Yes, it's THAT simple vs. hosts-domain based threats which ARE THE MAJORITY OF THEM OUT THERE (because hosts-domain names are recyclable unlike IP addresses)... &, it works - you CAN'T be burned if you can't go into the malware kitchen!)

APK

P.S.=> Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the C&C servers, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. threats like bogus servers &/or maliciously scripted sites. Here's some good sources for that above & beyond mvps.org (I noted them above):

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/ (justdomains here)
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/ (updater for Spybot "Search & Destroy" & it fortifies HOSTS files)

Those are some of my regular sources that are reputable & reliable for custom HOSTS file data populations vs. known threats online - I consolidate them here via programs I wrote that normalize/deduplicate repeated entries, sort/alphabetize the results, & change from larger + slower 127.0.0.1 (longer & loopback ops happen here) to the faster & smaller 0.0.0.0 (or even 0 on Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003): Enjoy!

... apk

3D printing land is going FAST right now. A year ago they where producing ugly blobs with RepRaps. Now they are producing this:
http://davedurant.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/ultimaker-faq-but-what-about-the-quality-of-prints/
And even those pictures are... deprecated.
This is something I printed myself, in the first week or so: http://daid.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20110929_235158.jpeg or how about this one: http://daid.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20111213_232929.jpeg it's only 4cm large. And that's WITH mechanical problems in my machine which effect quality. (I got a set of faulty bearings, Ultimaker is going to give me new ones)

3D printing land is going FAST right now. A year ago they where producing ugly blobs with RepRaps. Now they are producing this:
http://davedurant.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/ultimaker-faq-but-what-about-the-quality-of-prints/
And even those pictures are... deprecated.
This is something I printed myself, in the first week or so: http://daid.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20110929_235158.jpeg or how about this one: http://daid.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20111213_232929.jpeg it's only 4cm large. And that's WITH mechanical problems in my machine which effect quality. (I got a set of faulty bearings, Ultimaker is going to give me new ones)

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions (in-addr.arpa) via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions (in-addr.arpa) via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php

Yeah, hopefully gkrellm gets sound effects someday, so I can tell when my SSD is up to something :-P It's also neat hearing my cooling fans spin up when my CPU/GPU is loaded.

The e16 theme was one of the NeXTStep-ish ones that came with the Debian/Ubuntu enlightenment themes package... will try to look it up when I get home. I actually like light-on-dark themes, so I made an amateurish attempt to customize it:
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/pictures/misc/Screenshot-enlightenome_dark.png

Unfortunately, I dorked something up so irrevocably that I somehow permanently broke e16, and ended up migrating to compiz-fusion soon after :-/ I miss having different desktop backgrounds on each virtual desktop, though.

I really wish someone would update WindowMaker with compositing and other modern features... I really loved the desktop/workspace paradigm, and the workspace-sensitive clip. It was also dirt-simple to make nice-looking customized themes for.

Word... E16 was pretty much my favorite desktop, and one of the few compositing window managers that also supported active thumbnails for my virtual desktops
(The little displays along the bottom left )
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/pictures/misc/Screenshot-enlightenome.png

I didn't hate gnome that much, though... still like creating a minimalist panel for notifications and a handful of quicklaunch apps/drawers.
Also I'm a sucker for composited translucent gnome-terminals

I love having gkrellm on the side for all of my system stats. But I'm also one of those people who get annoyed/nervous when I can't hear my hard disk heads seek under load.

Nowadays, I sort of use compiz-fusion, and maybe sometimes cairo-dock, but I don't really like it as much. But it's also more configurable and better maintained (e16 had some compositing artifacts with full-screen windows)

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED (you already own one, & sources for populating one vs. adbanners + known malicious sites/servers are below (only takes work with a text editor to do so)):

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED (you already own one, & sources for populating one vs. adbanners + known malicious sites/servers are below (only takes work with a text editor to do so)):

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED (you already own one, & sources for populating one vs. adbanners + known malicious sites/servers are below (only takes work with a text editor to do so)):

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogs

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED (and you own one already, & populating them from reputable & reliable sources is FREE too (only takes work with a text editor really)):

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogs

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogs

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)

Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanch

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:

Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option

http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )

in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!

(Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanc

Yes and no. It largely depends on the level of detail you want. I've been designing and printing a few props for DnD, which works great. Example: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11777
(I still need to upload a few others on Thingiverse)

But full miniatures would be hard. Maybe a dragon could be done: http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20110929_235158.small.jpeg (about 7cm in length)
Or if you are in to Warhammer 40k http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20111007_010722.small.jpeg (5cm long)

I'm still tweaking my machine, but I think if you print slow and make a good design, you can make miniatures that work with some sanding and a layer of paint.

Yes and no. It largely depends on the level of detail you want. I've been designing and printing a few props for DnD, which works great. Example: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11777
(I still need to upload a few others on Thingiverse)

But full miniatures would be hard. Maybe a dragon could be done: http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20110929_235158.small.jpeg (about 7cm in length)
Or if you are in to Warhammer 40k http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20111007_010722.small.jpeg (5cm long)

I'm still tweaking my machine, but I think if you print slow and make a good design, you can make miniatures that work with some sanding and a layer of paint.

Under 2k? DONE! (It will need assembly for that price)
https://shop.ultimaker.com/
http://store.makerbot.com/

FYI: I got an ultimaker, my first print was done after 8 hours of receiving the kit. However, fast is relative, http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20110929_235158.small.jpeg this print took 3 hours (I was printing on slow speed, normally printing at double that speed, and experimenting with 4x speed)

Then build one. There are many options out there, to name a few RepRap, Up!, MakerBot, Ultimaker.

I got an Ultimaker myself, which is a great machine. Expensive, but great. And 3D printing isn't as easy as marketing wants it to look. Seeing how flimsy this toy is build I don't think it will be fast, nor accurate. Which might be good, as I see no place for the plasic reel, so you cannot print large things. Also they say it's "safe", I see no doors that are kept shut while the extruder is hot. And a 200C extruder end is not safe. (I've burned myself a few times already)

http://daid2.mine.nu/~daid/IMG_20111008_121041.small.jpeg - in the background you can see my ultimaker, the black circle on the side is a 2kg reel of plastic.

What a kitchen PC might have looked like "light years" ago:
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/pictures/Hairball_Incarnate/tn/20050601_070657.med.jpg

Because of this single statement from the article here today, in regards to HOSTS files (which has been covered here by myself in points #4-#7 mainly below, & more, many times here @ /.):

"The methods are: using a VPN service, using your HOSTs file, using TOR, using freely available DNS lookup tools, changing your DNS server to a non-US server, using command prompt, using Foxy Proxy, and using MAFIAAFire." - Dangerous_Minds/Drew Wilson of ZeroPaid http://yro.slashdot.org/story/11/08/07/2221245/8-Ways-To-Circumvent-the-PROTECT-IP-Act

HOWEVER, a HOSTS file offers you a LOT MORE THAN JUST THAT, for FREE (better online SPEED, bandwidth, & YES, security + anonymity (vs. DNSBLs)):

My custom HOSTS file currently protects me vs. 1,554,666++ (& growing every 15 minutes) KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains that are KNOWN to be either maliciously scripted, or serving up malware-in-general, plus spamming/phishing sources as well as botnet C&C servers.

How/Why? Ok, read on:

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added layered security:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads in only 1-2 browser family, but not all (Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/down

Meh, I run Linux Mint, so someone else already made the right decision for me and give me a recent version of Ubuntu with the Unity stuff removed.

I know if I left it up to myself, I'd end up trying to use some monstrosity like Enlightenome or something.
http://hairball.mine.nu/~rwa2/pictures/misc/Screenshot-enlightenome.png

20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added layered security:

1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).

2.) Adblock blocks ads in only 1-2 browser family, but not all (Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).

3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.

4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).

5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).

6.) HOSTS files protect you vs. DNS-poisoning &/or the Kaminsky flaw in DNS servers, and allow you to get to sites reliably vs. things like the Chinese are doing to DNS -> http://yro.slashdot.org/story/10/11/29/1755230/Chinese-DNS-Tampering-a-Real-Threat-To-Outsiders

7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).

8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:

GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://www.stopbadware.org/
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN bad servers blocked)

And yes: Even SLASHDOT &/or The Register help!

(Via articles on security (when the source articles they use are "detailed" that is, & list the servers/sites involved in attempting to bushwhack others online that is... not ALL do!)).

2 examples thereof in the past I have used, & noted it there, are/were:

http://it.slashdot.org/com

Via a PyThon script, that does the following:

---

1.) Removes duplicates/normalizing the HOSTS file

2.) Alphabetizes it

3.) Changes the larger & slower 127.0.0.1 loopback adapter std. address MOST hosts files use typically, opting for the smaller & FASTER read in (and with no loopback, pure "blackholing" only) 0.0.0.0 address!

4.) It also removes any # comments that bloat hosts, along with "trailing nulls or blanks" many have that additionally bloat the HOSTS file.

---

Once she's read up into the DNS client cache (must turn this off for large ones like mine, currently @ 1,017,970++ entries strong), OR, into the local DISKCACHE (since it's just a filtering file for the IP Stack)?

She's fast as nobody's business!

APK

P.S.=> That's how I do it, & all that, & from these reputable & reliable sources for HOSTS file data vs. adbanners &/or KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domain names:

http://www.malwaredomains.com/

https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download

http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml

http://www.malwareurl.com/

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html

http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/

http://www.stopbadware.org/

http://blocklistpro.com/download-center/view-details/blocklist-pro-blocklists-mirror/1632-hosts.zip.html

Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN
bad servers blocked):

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

& it works... even many slashdotters use them, by the by, & my list of 20++ points in favor of HOSTS files quotes their results as well (for some "peer evidences" from the likes of your fellow posters on this website in fact, in addition to myself).

... apk

http://www.malwaredomains.com/

https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online

https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php

http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download

http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml

http://www.malwareurl.com/

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html

http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/

http://www.stopbadware.org/

http://blocklistpro.com/download-center/view-details/blocklist-pro-blocklists-mirror/1632-hosts.zip.html

Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN
bad servers blocked)

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

---

"You ARE a spamming nutbag" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage

Oh, really? Do you have your:

---

1.) A PHD in Psychiatry to your name/credit?

2.) A license to practice it professionally??

3.) Years-to-Decades of professional experience in the field of psychiatry???

4.) A formal examination of myself in a professional environs to make your "instant snap prognosis" of my alleged mental state according to you, the "/. SiDeWaLk PsYcHo-AnALySt"????

---

No to ALL/EACH of the above????? So much for THAT "ad hominem" effete attempt on your part directed MY way then, eh??????

I.E.-> You personally just don't have the credentials to make your assessments in calling me a nutbag, period. In fact, you're libelling me in doing so... don't you KNOW that?????? There's LAWS against it you fool!

Instead - Why don't you attempt to attack the 20 points in favor of HOSTS files I put out??????

---

Oh, that's right - YOU ALSO SAID THIS:

"although you're right about hosts files" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage

That's right I am RIGHT... always am!

APK

P.S.=> Take your pick... I just happen to consolidate them ALL, into 1 file here (via a PyThon script engine that does so every 15 minutes, removing duplicates/normalizing it, and alphabetically sorting them also, & changing the larger + slower 127.0.0.1 loopback address (slower due to loopback ops) to the faster & smaller + most compatible 0.0.0.0 blackhole address instead)... apk

What is this zeustracker bullshit? Are you blind? Can you not read? The script gets hosts data from:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/Downloads/BadHosts.unx.zip
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/Hosts
http://support.it-mate.co.uk/downloads/hphosts.zip
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
which are all of the sources you claimed to be using. Have you actually resorted to bare faced lies now?

"There's nothing wrong with a few duplicate entries in your hosts file." - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)

If doing a shit job is "ok by you", then fine. It's NOT with me. Your "script kiddie" *NIX shellscript would leave many, Many, MANY 1,000's by missing the fact it does NOT account for:

---

1.) Capital letter occurences (toUpperCase OR toLowerCase functions are what you are missing, my "APK Hosts File Grinder 4.0++" program, does not - this creates duplicates):

e.g.-> MySite.com

vs.

mysite.com

2.) Trailing # symbols added @ the end of HOSTS file line items entries (which mvps.org & someonewhocares.org are FULL of, unfortunately & it's dumb - adds size/bloat to the file AND creates duplicates)

e.g.- mysite.com #hijack

3.) I also believe the script doesn't knock off "trailing blanks" that some tools (like Access, since it can do a SELECT * DISTINCT (fieldname) FROM (tablename) ORDER BY (asc/desc), to also remove duplicated hosts files entries) leave behind, on exports.

---

However, IF doing a shitty job (apparently that's "ok by you") is fine with you? Then, so be it...

After all - I can't make anyone do quality work, I can only point the direction you need to take to "perfect" it (perhaps juasko can, which is WHY I pointed him to your shoddily written script in the 1st place (he does PERL work, makes sense he will be able to handle shell scripting, & perfect your poor quality job)).

---

"The performance hit would be completely insignificant" - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)

Aha - you give yourself away: However, it's there, nonetheless, in ANY size of HOSTS file, & further compounds itself the larger the file gets (no questions asked).

Especially in larger hosts files, and your statement concedes it!

Same as Microsoft's OWN SENIOR MGT. had to with me also (Foredecker, the Senior VP of Microsoft's "Windows Client Performance Division", who posts here on /., on occasion...)

---

PERTINENT QUOTE/EXCERPT:

"Of course, larger files take longer to load." - by Foredecker (161844) * on Wednesday December 09, @10:34PM (#30384666) Homepage

FROM -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1467692&cid=30384918

(Which was in regards to MS taking away the ability to use 0 as a blocking "IP Address", which is SMALLER/FASTER/MORE EFFICIENT than using either 127.0.0.1 (the "loopback adapter address", which is larger/slower than them all, AND has a "loopback operation" incurred also), or 0.0.0.0, since MS "Patch Tuesday" 12/09/2008 - where the ability to do so was pulled from VISTA, Windows 7, & Windows Server 2008... which is funny, because Windows 2000 SP#2 onwards right up thru XP, into Windows VISTA it worked, for more than a decade!)

---

So - Read it, & weep... lol!

---

"unless you're a complete moron whose hosts file is already 14 megs (apk I'm looking at you)." - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)

As of this a.m.? The file is 25mb in size, + 921,028 item line record HOSTS file entries blocked off vs. that many KNOWN bad sites/servers!

QUESTION:

I am currently protected vs. 921,028 KNOWN BAD SITES, from reputable/reliable & regularly updated sources for HOSTS files data shown below:

---

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.n

"And this protects you from basically nothing except some advertising." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday December 30, @09:05PM (#34717748)

You're WRONG... see below:

---

HACKERS USE ADBANNERS ON MAJOR SITES TO HIJACK YOUR SYSTEM: -> http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2007/11/doubleclick

THE NEXT AD YOU CLICK MAY BE A VIRUS: -> http://it.slashdot.org/story/09/06/15/2056219/The-Next-Ad-You-Click-May-Be-a-Virus

NY TIMES INFECTED WITH MALWARE ADBANNER: -> http://news.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/09/13/2346229

MICROSOFT HIT BY MALWARES IN ADBANNERS: -> http://apcmag.com/microsoft_apologises_for_serving_malware.htm

2 MAJOR AD NETWORKS FOUND SERVING MALWARE: -> http://tech.slashdot.org/story/10/12/13/0128249/Two-Major-Ad-Networks-Found-Serving-Malware

ISP's INJECTING ADS AND ERRORS INTO THE WEB: -> http://it.slashdot.org/it/08/04/19/2148215.shtml

ADOBE FLASH ADS INJECTING MALWARE INTO THE NET: http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/08/20/0029220&from=rss

---

By blocking out adbanners, not only do you get more SPEED, but... also more SECURITY, against malwares that have been shown to exist in some adbanners maliciously embedded & obfuscated code in javascript.

Additionally, by my populating my hosts file, nearly hourly, from reputable sites for that vs. KNOWN BAD SITES/SERVERS?

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN bad servers blocked)

I can't get burned, if I can't go into the KNOWN BAD SITES' "malware kitchen"...

(Very simple, & it works!)

"Ever since I've installed a host file (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) to redirect advertisers to my loopback, I haven't had any malware, spyware, or adware issues. I first started using the host file 5 years ago." - by TestedDoughnut (1324447) on Monday December 13, @12:18AM (#34532122)

FROM http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1907528&cid=34532122

APK

P.S.=> Ah, I just gotta say it, as per my usual: "too, Too, TOO EASY", just '2EZ'... apk