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http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?showintro=0;hostformat=hosts
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/

ScriptSafe does about the same as NoScript.

Do you work for Google? Unless I have missed something or it has changed ScriptSafe is no where near as functionally selective as NoScript. If one is going to enable any scripting at all it should be as selectively minimal as possible and not every fucking script on a given URL. Say for instance you actually want to waste some time and bandwith at Hulu, then with noscript you can enable Hulu.com and Hulumim.com and watch the show without enabling the additional annoyance and spying links wanting you to socialize with them. Of course even with NoScript you may want to remove many of the default whitelisted sites, including the 3 Yahoo listings IMO. AdBlock+, for whatever reasons, doesn't block all the ads in the Hulu video player. That you can take care of via changing the hosts file. Of course once you do then the Hulu player figures out your blocking the ads and increases the time it waves the "click here to enable ads screen" in your face thus increasing your time to go to the restroom, wash your hands and go to the kitchen to make a sandwich and/or grab a drink.

Oh, and does anyone know why there are only half the blocking options in Ghostery when run in Chrome or just why it is that there is not available a valid substitute for NoScript or NoScript itself? If I have missed something about Chrome and ScriptSafe, please enlighten me as I would love to be wrong just as I would love for their to be a valid substitute for NoScript in Chrome and for things like Ghostery to be as fully functional in Chrome as they are in FireFox. Of course it would be best if none of those addons were even necessary because none of those problems existed or at least the necessary functions were incorporated into the browsers. Until it is then Firefox and its variants are the only options to just completely denying scripting or doing such browsing on a diskless computer etc.

Create an additional administrative account, with a complex password (but don't lose it). You will use this to effect repairs if malware infects your main profile. (Most Win6.x malware is confined to the user profile and C:\ProgramData folders to avoid the UAC prompt).

Download the Hosts file from http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm, which will protect you from all kinds of threats (and it hides a buttload of advertising, too).

It's apparent that the whole patent system is in dire need of an overhaul. The question is who will finally step up in the government to fix this mess.. It's something I hear of almost daily (patent trolls killing off innovation and screwing people out of money).

The double-click ads never land on my systems. I use a hosts file to block their stuff along with other ads. I did some searching around and found a few places which provide hots files which you can use on your computers. Here's a great site which maintains a hosts file which you can use in your computers.. http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm seems to find it acceptable.

> but MSE has a light effect on my Windows partition

Another vote that MSE is good enough - not bloated, doesn't bog the machine down like Norton / McAffe. However you really need a multi-pronged solution for security:

* Firewall - both Hardware & Software
* Hosts Blocking - http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt
* Anti-Virus (real-time) - MSE
* Anti-Cookies: Spybot Search N Destroy, Adaware

> use XP with NO virus protection for a month, visit the same websites these people visit, use a modern web browser (not IE 8), and see at the end of that period if you are actually infected.

A good hosts file (such as the one above) will block 99% of that crap.

No TLA agency code words would have been used. Google, Facebook, Microsoft would never see a document request that contains a code word.

Give the large number of requests agents would likely have desks in house. Agents would not have free access to company resources. As big as the big internet companies are they cannot give free unfettered access to company resources.

Queries still need to be crafted and tested. Company employees may not be privy to the secret target so agents may have to craft and run the search for data then validate that it gets the information in question then have the employee rerun the search on live data and modify the access control meta data bits of the output to deliver it to the agent.

The agent now with the data would have credentials to transfer the data to the home office via some resource that may or may not be described by some magic code word that the agent may not have a need to know the name of.

I think that the big G gets thousands of requests... and clearly the big internet companies have no way to validate the details of the search with dozens perhaps hundreds of test searches and a couple final searches a day.

Nothing keeps the big TLA agencies from running their own web search engines. Put up a web page and measure the different engines that touch it. Search engine companies are not the most interesting companies... the long list of hosts implicated in CSS files and flash content cookies are much more interesting.
# This MVPS HOSTS file:
# http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

After delivery nothing keeps the FISA requests from being combined (that I know of). When a massive search might be denied a largish number of large searches would pass inspection. Agent Aarron get all the A's, Agent Bob get all the B's..

Over the years since '78 data flows into but may never be deleted. There are voters that now have their entire lives spanned by these efforts.

Personally my opinion is the big O is too nice a guy and too naive to do anything bad. Naive opens the door for others with lesser or no principals to do harm.

Deep breath now.... it will be OK....

I know, right?...

I've been using a hosts file to block ads on my computers for years and years... Surprises the hell out of me when I use other people's computers and discover that the internet is over 80% ads. How anyone manages to use it that way and keep their sanity is beyond me.

Firefox even disregards the hosts file.
Sure, you can disable it, but why would it be ignioring it in the first place? Why would it have DNS cache and looking up things itself. Probably just so it is faster on paper then some other browser. Well, with those miliseconds gained, please deduct the hours I spend trying to figure out what the fuck went wrong when I could not get to localhost or any machine that was in my hosts file.

So, please stop adding shit to the browser that should belong in add-ons (if somebody wants them) or at least make it easier then to go through the about:config. Why not spend some time on making those settings more accessible?

Oh, a search shows that all browsers do this. Probably so we don't use mvps or other similar sites.

The reason I state this, is because I've been building up a successful blacklist (albeit NOT vs. "spam" or phishers only, but more vs. online threats in maliciously scripted sites &/or servers known to serve up malware etc.):

Yes, thus - I'd have to say, based on 15++ yrs. of experience doing it (based on reputable & reliable sites listed below) that yes, MOST of it comes from those nations (& that's why I said "unfortunately" in my subject-line - since I know their people are NOT "all bad", just that they have a lot of what you state going on).

I base this not only on "opinion" but HARD DATA too!

From a list I apply in custom hosts files of over 1,967,147 such bogus sites/servers that grows by almost 200 - 2,000 such sites each day, approximately (that *might* strike some of you as "fantastic", but it's real)... I get my data from the following sites:

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://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=lastupdated
http://safeweb.norton.com/noscript/
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://sysctl.org/cameleon/hosts
http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&showintro=1&mimetype=plaintext
http://www.safer-networking.org/dl/
http://amada.abuse.ch/palevotracker.php

AND, then I import, consolidate, sort, & deduplicate that data using this application I wrote to do so:

---

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

---

Why? Simple - it works, & on the SIMPLEST PRINCIPLE OF ALL: What you can't touch, can't hurt you... & I never was the type of person to just "sit around & take it" - I do something about it, IF possible. The above IS my possible, and it is possible & works (in combination with all I put into this security guide I authored from 1997-2007, here -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22How+to+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=PjNrUcDVGpSz4AOJuIHQDQ that works on the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING: "Layered-Security"/"Defense-in-Depth"... & yes, it works! )

APK

P.S.=> Any questions?

... apk

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

I only had two tiny in-line ads on TFA.
MVPS HOSTS file does the trick.
The only thing I still have problems with are "pre-roll" videos.

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]

I do it on the /etc/hosts level on my dns server. You can find large lists of ad domains that can be added to your hosts file with 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0 to cause them to fail. This covers all machines on your network that use your dns server. The one I use is http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt however they have become slow with updating it. You might want to invest some time in looking for one that is updated more frequently.

Sites will start blocking Firefox browsers. If enough popular sites do this, people will be switching to other browsers. Or people will start making Firefox masquerade as a different browser, which (if it becomes popular) will subsequently be made illegal. That is assuming that third-party cookie blocking won't just be made illegal.

It is appropriate to describe this as a first-strike, because there will be a retaliatory salvo, and much of our Internet freedom will get caught in the crossfire.

I block 3rd party cookies in all of the big 3: Chrome, IE, and Firefox, using the built-in settings, but I also block most advertising SITES completely. Blocking almost all ads in the process.

I do this by using MVP's ad blocking hosts file, which can be found here: http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

This blocks not just the ad's, but the cookies too, since if they cannot reach your computer, they cannot access or ad cookies either.

It's not a perfect solution, sometimes leaving blank spots on webpages, and ALSO blocking most coupon sites, but it can be easily edited to remove sites you want to allow. I personally have a few elevated batch files that add / remove sites to the hosts file, and another that renames it (essentially removing it), and renames it again (making it available again).

I started using my hosts file to block ad sites when Double Click began tracking cookies between websites, and then stopped about 6 months later, because I believe in supporting the free websites I use, and know that if the free website model cannot be self-sustaining, that the only real alternative is to pay for every online service. Meaning no free email, search engines, help sites, or News.

My problem is that advertisers keep pushing the envelope of performance, and thus have made my 2 year old ASUS x64 netbook (my main computer, since I've returned to school) as slow a sh*t on the internet, causing some webpages to take minutes to load (because of multiple, heavy, ads), and others to freeze (because of heavy CPU usage). So about 9 months ago I began blocking sites again with the hosts file, purely as self-defense, because I can't afford to upgrade my computers every year and a half.

Blocking sites with my hosts file also has the side-effect / ?advantage? of blocking ALL traffic from my computer to those data-collection websites, not just traffic from my browser. Meaning that any ad-driven software I've installed cannot pull ads from any site listed in my hosts file. This is not because I am unwilling to "pay" for the ad-driven software, but have been forced to takes steps to keep my computer usable, and those pieces of software are simply "collateral damage".

If advertisers would be willing to limit the size and CPU usage of their ads based on the capacity of the target computer, I might be willing to open up my hosts file to them again. Until then, I will advise others to use their hosts file to block ads.

Sites will start blocking Firefox browsers. If enough popular sites do this, people will be switching to other browsers. Or people will start making Firefox masquerade as a different browser, which (if it becomes popular) will subsequently be made illegal. That is assuming that third-party cookie blocking won't just be made illegal.

It is appropriate to describe this as a first-strike, because there will be a retaliatory salvo, and much of our Internet freedom will get caught in the crossfire.

I block 3rd party cookies in all of the big 3: Chrome, IE, and Firefox, using the built-in settings, but I also block most advertising SITES completely. Blocking almost all ads in the process.

I do this by using MVP's ad blocking hosts file, which can be found here: http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

This blocks not just the ad's, but the cookies too, since if they cannot reach your computer, they cannot access or ad cookies either.

It's not a perfect solution, sometimes leaving blank spots on webpages, and ALSO blocking most coupon sites, but it can be easily edited to remove sites you want to allow. I personally have a few elevated batch files that add / remove sites to the hosts file, and another that renames it (essentially removing it), and renames it again (making it available again).

I started using my hosts file to block ad sites when Double Click began tracking cookies between websites, and then stopped about 6 months later, because I believe in supporting the free websites I use, and know that if the free website model cannot be self-sustaining, that the only real alternative is to pay for every online service. Meaning no free email, search engines, help sites, or News.

My problem is that advertisers keep pushing the envelope of performance, and thus have made my 2 year old ASUS x64 netbook (my main computer, since I've returned to school) as slow a sh*t on the internet, causing some webpages to take minutes to load (because of multiple, heavy, ads), and others to freeze (because of heavy CPU usage). So about 9 months ago I began blocking sites again with the hosts file, purely as self-defense, because I can't afford to upgrade my computers every year and a half.

Blocking sites with my hosts file also has the side-effect / ?advantage? of blocking ALL traffic from my computer to those data-collection websites, not just traffic from my browser. Meaning that any ad-driven software I've installed cannot pull ads from any site listed in my hosts file. This is not because I am unwilling to "pay" for the ad-driven software, but have been forced to takes steps to keep my computer usable, and those pieces of software are simply "collateral damage".

If advertisers would be willing to limit the size and CPU usage of their ads based on the capacity of the target computer, I might be willing to open up my hosts file to them again. Until then, I will advise others to use their hosts file to block ads.

> Slashdot, Google and the whole rest of the internet is much more annoying, since to disable ads you have to download AdBlock.

Eh? Try blocking at the hostname-ip-lookup level.
i.e.
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt

Why aren't you blocking ads at the router level?
e.g.
http://lifehacker.com/5060053/set-up-universal-ad-blocking-through-your-router

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

On all my systems I replace hosts with this nice updated ad/spy/trojan blocking one:
        http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt

Can fellow /. readers recommend any other good ones?

"I use a "white list" DNS server written w/ "python" running on my computer. python => smaller than an /etc/hosts file, less memory and i/o than an /etc/hosts file, & NO BUGS (pythons eat bugs lol => true fact!)" - BQL by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 07, @03:34PM (#42509307)

1.) You use Python interpreted SLOW code (many orders of magnitude slower than a single self-contained TRUE 'stand-alone' executable, let alone DRIVERS (tcpip.sys & the local kernelmode diskcaching subsystem, which power mine - far, Far, FAR FASTER... tons so!)

2.) You use USERMODE/ring 3/rpl 3 SLOW code (vs. tcpip.sys + the local kernelmode diskcaching subsystem) since PYTHON CAN'T DO KERNELMODE DRIVERS (many orders of magnitude faster than usermode, & certainly even moreso than your INTERPRETED SLOW python code).

3.) My 20 favorites @ THE VERY TOP OF MY HOSTS file outperforms hashtable indexes (up to 2++ million entries). You don't deny this - the math proves me right!

---

A.) You also CLAIM a 'whitelist' DNS list - what about blacklist for protection vs. KNOWN online threats? You WILL perform DNS lookups eventually, you know, and in recursive mode (more than potentially hazardous)!

B.) Your DNS locally IS in recursive mode, opening up the door to DNS-poisoning redirection too!

C.) Even I perform remote DNS lookups, albeit only perhaps 1 in every 100 lookups since I know where I go online & spend 95%++ of my time, & perform OCCASIONAL dns lookup queries, albeit, to FAST remote DNS servers NOT WRITTEN in SLOW INTERPRETED CODE, & that also filter vs. online malicious threats - yours doesn't apparently: YOU'RE LEAVING THE BARN DOOR OPEN TO "LET THE TRASH COME BLOWING IN"...

---

Here's what custom hosts files can do, for SPEED alone (from your own /. peers, & a security-expert from a division of SYMANTEC as well):

(Especially on the note of loads & parsing (which you claim is 'slow'))

---

SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING MORE SPEED USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

"I have several notorious slow adservers in my /etc/hosts" - by jandrese (485) on Friday August 17 2007, @01:00PM (#20263547)

"They're visually annoying and distracting. They're a waste of bandwidth. Sometimes they're even noisy. I block them with a hosts file" - by Kris_J (10111) on Monday October 10 2005, @11:12PM (#13761572)

"Am I the only one that uses a hosts file? Takes care of more than just ads. It's to the point now that when I see ads, I'm shocked. I've had them blocked for years. They may be able to stop adblock, but good luck trying to outlaw a hosts file." - by mrbcs (737902) on Friday November 23, @06:59PM (#42077997)

"127.0.0.1's in my hosts file. Some shady ads do cause trouble, and similar methods can be used

"The hosts file edits you do are considered a "hacked up" non-solution. The wrong way to do things. It's not what the hosts file is intended for." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday January 03, @01:43PM (#42464951)

Oh, really? See my subject-line above & this list of your peers' findings regarding custom hosts files usage:

---

77++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by

"The hosts file edits you do are considered a "hacked up" non-solution. The wrong way to do things. It's not what the hosts file is intended for." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday January 03, @01:43PM (#42464951)

Oh, really? See my subject-line above & this list of your peers' findings regarding custom hosts files usage:

---

77++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by

-1 spam

Added to the HOSTS file.
There's no place like 127.0.0.1.

> A good hosts file will be more effective in the long run than any AV software you install
FTFY. :-)

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

I have a scheduled process (twice a month) to download (and rename and properly place) this fine file: http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt Entirely free, works VERY VERY well.

Not everybody can afford to download a 5MB video every time they want to read 3kb of text. Where's MVPS hosts for non-rooted cellphones and tablets?

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

Per my subject-line above? Your /. peers thoughts on custom hosts files:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012)

"It's a good write up on something everybody should use, why you were modded down is beyond me. Using a HOSTS file, ADblock is of no concern and they can do what they want."

Per my subject-line above? Your /. peers thoughts on custom hosts files:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012)

"It's a good write up on something everybody should use, why you were modded down is beyond me. Using a HOSTS file, ADblock is of no concern and they can do what they want."

"Your ads are worse that Microsoft's." - by Tarlus (1000874) on Thursday November 08, @01:29PM (#41921607)

Funny - the RESULT of my "ad" as you call it is better:

---

1.) Speed/Bandwidth
2.) Global protection (vs. browser addons like AdBlock &/or Ghostery - advertiser owned, crippled & tracking as they are now)
3.) "Layered Security"/"Defense-in-Depth"
4.) Reliability (vs. downed or "dns-poisoned" redirected DNS servers)
5.) Efficiency of ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode operations (vs. far slower ring 3/rpl 3/usermode operations of browsers AND worsening it with another layer onto of THAT, in addons)
6.) Efficiency of C & Assembly code (vs. slower interpreted languages that are used in AdBlock)

---

& far, Far, FAR MORE vs. "the competition" in Adblock + Ghostery... would you like specifics? Ask! I can post them in seconds...

APK

P.S.=> Per my subject-line - Here's the thoughts, findings, & feelings of others custom hosts file users on /. (your peers) as well as ratings they've given my posts on custom hosts files vs. various threats online, and that of a security expert also for your reference:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them

"Your ads are worse that Microsoft's." - by Tarlus (1000874) on Thursday November 08, @01:29PM (#41921607)

Funny - the RESULT of my "ad" as you call it is better:

---

1.) Speed/Bandwidth
2.) Global protection (vs. browser addons like AdBlock &/or Ghostery - advertiser owned, crippled & tracking as they are now)
3.) "Layered Security"/"Defense-in-Depth"
4.) Reliability (vs. downed or "dns-poisoned" redirected DNS servers)
5.) Efficiency of ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode operations (vs. far slower ring 3/rpl 3/usermode operations of browsers AND worsening it with another layer onto of THAT, in addons)
6.) Efficiency of C & Assembly code (vs. slower interpreted languages that are used in AdBlock)

---

& far, Far, FAR MORE vs. "the competition" in Adblock + Ghostery... would you like specifics? Ask! I can post them in seconds...

APK

P.S.=> Per my subject-line - Here's the thoughts, findings, & feelings of others custom hosts file users on /. (your peers) as well as ratings they've given my posts on custom hosts files vs. various threats online, and that of a security expert also for your reference:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them

Per my subject-line above, see this -> http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3239985&cid=41920163

* That troll "blew it" on Windows 8, hosts files, & Windows Defender already man... see the link above!

(However, per the OTHER part of my subject-line? It's the thought that counts, & YOU in particular? You're one of my FAVORITE users of custom hosts files... lol, because you're 1 of 100's here that use them, & I quote you when I put that information out in fact (you gave a hell of a rundown on them is why & what good they've done for you online)).

APK

P.S.=> In any event? Thank-You, & here's the others that have found hosts files useful as you do on /. (with your testimonial included also of course), as well as some posts of mine that were upmodded regarding custom hosts also (love your reply the best, & it's part of WHY it's "topmost")...:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

"you're righ

Per my subject-line above, see this -> http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3239985&cid=41920163

* That troll "blew it" on Windows 8, hosts files, & Windows Defender already man... see the link above!

(However, per the OTHER part of my subject-line? It's the thought that counts, & YOU in particular? You're one of my FAVORITE users of custom hosts files... lol, because you're 1 of 100's here that use them, & I quote you when I put that information out in fact (you gave a hell of a rundown on them is why & what good they've done for you online)).

APK

P.S.=> In any event? Thank-You, & here's the others that have found hosts files useful as you do on /. (with your testimonial included also of course), as well as some posts of mine that were upmodded regarding custom hosts also (love your reply the best, & it's part of WHY it's "topmost")...:

---

70++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

"you're righ

The OP is not a parent. Calling someone a troll without any evidence simply because they are extremely verbose makes you look like a fool.

You HAVE heard of the hosts blocking right??
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

"I have used host files and pac files in the past. Host files is *the* slowest way (up to 1/4th a second per lookup past 200k in the file). It is also broken in win7 and above as in some cases it can be ignored all together." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 04, @04:20PM (#41552741)

Really? First of all - You're talking about a Ring 3/RPL 3/Usermode app LAYERED ONTOP OF A BROWSER (more complexity)...

Hosts files, by way of comparison?

Hosts files "RUN" IN A FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENT LAYER OF OPERATION: Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode (acting as a filter for the IP stack).

(So, you stating that hosts are SLOWER, especially once cached into RAM? LOL!)

---

Secondly:

I'll let others from /. show otherwise by THEIR experience using hosts files (for speed alone, & it does a HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN JUST THAT, & more + BETTER THAN ADBLOCK - which I'll also "get into" in my 'p.s.' below) which RADICALLY DIFFERS from yours:

---

8 SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM, ON SPEED (along with a security expert noting the same from SYMANTEC):

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

"Web browsing is really very fast, provided you turn off advertising. I set them up with a combo of Ad Block Plus on Firefox, and a customised hosts file. They can't believe the difference." - by VShael (62735) on Monday June 29 2009, @11:35AM (#28514655)

"I have several notorious slow adservers in my /etc/hosts" - by jandrese (485) on Friday August 17 2007, @01:00PM (#20263547)

---

Then, there is also the words of respected security expert, Mr. Oliver Day, from SECURITYFOCUS.COM to "top that all off" as well:

A RETURN TO THE KILLFILE:

http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491

Some "PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS" to back up my points with (for starters):

---

"The host file on my day-to-day laptop

Or you can just cut them all (ads, malware, spyware) off at the ankles and install a HOSTS file like the one at http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm.

Last time I tried the hosts file trick, which was several years ago, I kept getting bombarded with annoying "Document Contains No Data" pop ups every time something got rerouted to 127.0.0.1

That pretty much made Web browsing impossible. Is there a way to suppress that error? I remember searching for a solution back then, and all I found were the same question with no answers.

"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

Or you can just cut them all (ads, malware, spyware) off at the ankles and install a HOSTS file like the one at http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm.

Here's a link to Virus Bulletin for a comparison of free and paid packages. I'd also recommend a multi-tiered strategy of OpenDNS and and a hosts file to block bad sites, MalwareBytes to scan and check for malware (paid version provides real-time protection), and I also use Tracking Protection Lists. Takes all the joy out of it, doesn't it.

On top of noscript and adblock, I block complete domains with http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
And I also edit the css of the most visited websites with http://userstyles.org/

50++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM (as well as security pros quoted below also):

---

"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012)

"It's a good write up on something everybody should use, why you were modded down is beyond me. Using a HOSTS file, ADblock is of no concern and they can do what they want." - by Trax3001BBS (2368736) on Monday December 12, @10

50++ SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM (as well as security pros quoted below also):

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"I want my surfing speed back so I block EVERY fucking ad. i.e. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm FTW" - by UnknownSoldier (67820) on Tuesday December 13, @12:04PM (#38356782)

"this is not a troll, which hosts file source you recommend nowadays? it's a really handy method for speeding up web and it works." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday March 22, @08:07PM (#39446525)

"I use a custom /etc/hosts to block ads... my file gets parsed basically instantly ... So basically, for any modern computer, it has zero visible impact. And even if it took, say, a second to parse, that would be more than offset by the MANY seconds saved by not downloading and rendering ads. I have noticed NO ill effects from running a custom /etc/hosts file for the last several years. And as a matter of fact I DO run http servers on my computers and I've never had an /etc/hosts-related problem... it FUCKING WORKS and makes my life better overall." - by sootman (158191) on Monday July 13 2009, @11:47AM (#28677363)

"I actually went and downloaded a 16k line hosts file and started using that after seeing that post, you know just for trying it out. some sites load up faster." - by gl4ss (559668) on Thursday November 17, @11:20AM (#38086752)

"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)

"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)

"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the /etc/hosts file." - by lennier1 (264730) on Saturday March 05, @09:26PM (#35393448)

"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)

"I'm currently only using my hosts file to block pheedo ads from showing up in my RSS feeds and causing them to take forever to load. Regardless of its original intent, it's still a valid tool, when used judiciously." - by Bill Dog (726542) on Monday April 25, @02:16AM (#35927050)

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

"APK's monolithic hosts file is looking pretty good at the moment." - by Culture20 (968837) on Thursday November 17, @10:08AM (#38085666)

"I also use the MVPS ad blocking hosts file." - by Rick17JJ (744063) on Wednesday January 19, @03:04PM (#34931482)

"I use ad-Block and a hostfile" - by Ol Olsoc (1175323) on Tuesday March 01, @10:11AM (#35346902)

"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012)

"It's a good write up on something everybody should use, why you were modded down is beyond me. Using a HOSTS file, ADblock is of no concern and they can do what they want." - by Trax3001BBS (2368736) on Monday December 12, @10

Here -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file) that "ticked me off" some, since I would go up against whoever maintains that page ANY DAY OF THE WEEK on what I was adding to it as being dead-up 100% solid & correct (which the bastard kept removing & it was 100% dead-on correct on my part)...

* This is 1 area that I am highly into for the benefits it gains end users in added speed/bandwidth, "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth", reliability, & even anonymity to an extent (vs. DNS request logs) & more...

Now, I see the ASTOUNDING AUDACITY of someone maintaining a page attempting to dispute the 'horses-mouth' authority of an author of the material the page is about? LMAO, please... that's ironically droll!

APK

P.S.=> Lastly, in closing summation: What was it I attempted repeatedly to addto the link above on Wikipedia on custom HOSTS files that kept being removed, even though I used SOLID backing behind it, not just my own know-how on the topic?

Ok (& I welcome ANYONE to dispute & DISPROVE more importantly, these points):

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EXTENDED APPLICATION SECTION: ;Custom HOSTS files can speed up of resolutions of IP addresses:

This is possible using the local HOSTS file also - This is known as "hardcoding" an IP-address-to-HOST/DOMAIN name. Doing so locally results in far faster resolutions of hosts/domain names to IP addresses, since this typically takes 30-hundreds of milliseconds response from remote DNS Servers (which have also been subject to "DNS Poisoning" redirects for exploit over time and many recently also, per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNS_cache_poisoning ), vs. mere 7-10ms access of the HOSTS file from harddisk (or faster once the hosts file is cached into memory either by the local kernelmode diskcache subsystem in modern operating systems, or when using smaller hosts files, as larger files aren't good with the local DNS clientside cache service in Windows (which has a flaw in it with them due to a fix-size buffer/array/list/queue in use, noted here for work-arounds vs. it http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm see below next)... apk

Possible Workaround for using the MVPS HOSTS file and leaving the DNS Client service enabled (set to: Automatic)

If you find after a period of time that your browser seems sluggish with the DNS Client service enabled you can manually flush the DNS cache
Close all browser windows ... open a "Command Prompt" from the Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
(type) ipconfig /flushdns (press Enter) Then close the Command Prompt ...

A better Win7/Vista workaround would be to add two Registry entries to control the amount of time the DNS cache is saved.

Flush the existing DNS cache (see above)
Start > Run (type) regedit
Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxCacheTtl
Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxNegativeCacheTtl
Next right-click on the MaxCacheTtl entry (right pane) and select: Modify and change the value to 1
The MaxNegativeCacheTtl entry should already have a value of 0 (leave it that way - see screenshot)
Close Regedit and reboot ...
As usual you should always backup your Registry before editing ... see Regedit Help under "Exporting Registry files"

* THE WORK-AROUND I HAVE FOUND THAT WORKS BEST WITH LARGER HOSTS FILES is to simply shut down the local DNS clientside cache for DNS via services.msc (setting its startup type to disabled) with larger HOSTS files. This saves CPU cycles, RAM, & other forms of I/O used by said service once it is turned off (plus electricity as well as a bonus b

Tell me, why is it that you feel the need to reply twice to virtually every single post directed at you? Do you go on frantic Google searches trying to find ammo for your hopeless arguments?

Ok....here's a response to one of your points:

You claim blocking sites via a hosts file results in speed. That was your first point in the parent post to this one.

Only one problem with that:
A large hosts file will actually slow down the PC, resulting in...well....not speed.
By the time you get all the ad servers, virus C&C servers, malware servers, drive by download servers, etc, all in there, it's going to be huge.

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

Editors Note: in most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine.