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HOSTS files = Superior (2 AdBlock &/or DNS alo
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED (and you own one already, & populating them from reputable & reliable sources is FREE too (only takes work with a text editor really)):
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)
Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online -
HOSTS files = Superior (2 AdBlock &/or DNS alo
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)
Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogs -
HOSTS files = Superior (2 AdBlock &/or DNS alo
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)
Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogs -
Hosts file = Better than AdBlock
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!)
Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc..
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanch -
APK DROPS "THE BOMB" ON ADBLOCK &/or DNS!
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added "layered"/"defense-in-depth" security + SPEED:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads (not anymore apparently, lol:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook!
(Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
* NOW - Some folks MAY think that putting an IP address alone into your browser's address bar will be enough, so why bother with HOSTS, right? WRONG - Putting IP address in your browser won't always work IS WHY. Some IP adresses host several domains & need the site name to give you the right page you're after is why. So for some sites only the HOSTS file option will work!
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanc -
Here's a few good ones (premade)... apk
6 good sources for "premade" HOSTS files from reputable & reliable sources online:
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://www.malware.com.br/cgi/submit?action=list_hosts_win_0000* There's others out there, around a dozen more I use, but they're not updated as often as those above... & some are lists for DNS server DNSBL lists, which I have written programs for converting those over to HOSTS format here over time (they aren't updated that often though).
However, those in my small list above are tiny (thus, they won't "hassle" w/ the DNS local clientside cache in Windows' deficiencies I noted in my other posts here), & those in the list above are kept up to date quite often, usually weekly (some daily)...
They're reputable & reliable in that list above, & can "get you started".
APK
P.S.=> I integrate them ALL (& many others from my now 20++ sources) into 1 large file here with a Python system (multiplatform) lately, that alphabetizes the entries, filters out exception sites I don't want blocked, & "normalizes/deduplicates" repeat entries (which bloat the file needlessly)...
... apk
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Glad it's working 4U (you'll like this I think)
Based on your success using a HOSTS file for added speed - you can also get more "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" added as well, & here are some of the sites I use online to populate my HOSTS file vs. various online threats (all current, updated regularly, & reputable):
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=all
http://amada.abuse.ch/palevotracker.php
http://www.malware.com.br/cgi/submit?action=list_hosts_win_0000
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
http://www.malwareurl.com/
http://mirror1.malwaredomains.com/files/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://doc.emergingthreats.net/bin/view/Main/HoneywallSamples* There you go - that'll "get you started" on the road to not only FASTER websurfing, but also SAFER websurfing as well...
APK
P.S.=> Now, as far as "integrating" them into your HOSTS file?
Those sites offer various tools for that (I have built my own over time & you can even use tools like MS-Access for the hard part, deduplication for unique entry data via SELECT DISTINCT queries if need be, but I think the best tool offered on 1 of those sites is a PERL deduplication script (you have to have PERL installed though) as far as the tools offered by others from those sources.
Thus, You may wish to look into the FREE tools offered on those sites, if not compare them as well, & just for the purposes of import, deduplication/normalization, + more as well!
So - enjoy & continued good luck to you (as well as "salutations" for trying a custom HOSTS file & experiencing what you have, thusfar)...
... apk
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Prove ur "big words" (more evasions from U next?)
You evade that constantly anyhow when ur asked: I already have, on many grounds (including commercially sold highly esteemed work for "enterprise class" systems that are millions of lines in length Client-Server design systems, & others for a Certified Microsoft Partner no less), & I've worked in the Fortune 100-500 many times (Lockheed Martin, Goulds Pumps, & others for example), doing MIS/IS/IT database information systems work (for "steady-eddy" bread-N-butter - shareware/freeware was just "sharpening the sword" on the side, learning more).
"I am a professional software author" - by hakahaka (2485890) on Monday October 31, @01:26PM (#37897132)
As I am, for over 17++ yrs. now no less, & one who's received a decent amount of acclaim for it no less here... how about you? Oh, we already KNOW you have ZERO ON THAT ACCOUNT, lol... your evasions prove that much for us, easily.
* So, prove what you said... no, you'll evade it once again, & you certainly couldn't show you've done MORE than I have, EARLIER, & TO BETTER ACCLAIM IN RESPECTED PUBLICATIONS as I had many times, all while YOU WERE STILL IN DIAPERS... lol!
APK
P.S.=> Now, if THIS makes me a "zero"? Then you are certainly LESS THAN ZERO, lol:
"All you have developed is some little crappy programs and go on and on about hosts file like it's some new miracle." - by hakahaka (2485890) on Monday October 31, @01:26PM (#37897132)
I never called it a miracle.
I only produced MULTIPLE PROOFS (you know - the thing you're "not big on" to back up your big talk but no action on your end, lol), & how it works for better speed, & online security...
In fact - Let's use Mr. Oliver Day of SECURITYFOCUS.COM on that account again, shall we?
---
SLASHDOT USERS EXPERIENCING SUCCESS USING HOSTS FILES QUOTED VERBATIM:
---
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I use a custom
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.or
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Re:Another benefit of blocking Facebook domains
What do you do when nytimes.com or wsj.com or some other favorite site refuses to load because the facebook ads or scripts can't load first? I'm seeing this more and more. BTW, I use the MVP hosts file http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
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GET MORE THAN THAT FREE (Using HOSTS files)
By far, & so can anyone else in 2 ways:
1.) Blocking out adbanners (which have been known to serve up malware many times in the past 7++ yrs. or more, no less)
&
2.) Hardcoding your favorite sites into it (so you avoid DNS lookups that take longer than 30-60ms or more to send back a host-domain name resolved to IP address, & also from possibly downed, OR "dns-poisoned" misdirected DNS servers)
Nice part is, it didn't cost ME "billions of dollars" to get a HELL OF A LOT MORE SPEED BACK FOR MY MONIES I PAY OUT TO BE ONLINE (as well as a hell of a lot better "layered security" to go with it), using HOSTS files...
APK
P.S.=> And, they're FREE, & data for them is as simple as pinging your fav. sites for their IP address (so you can LOCALLY "Self-Resolve" the host-domain name to IP address equation), & blocking adbanners has data widely available for it also (in addition to blocking out KNOWN bogus sites that serve up malware) for security too, such as this list of them:
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://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.malwareurl.com/
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/By this point in time, since 1997 with lists of my own? I have 1.6++ million bogus sites/servers/hosts-domains, adbanner servers, & far more that's "not good for your speed OR security online" blocked-out, & my DSL connection runs MORE like a GOOD CABLE CONNECTION instead for websurfing, easily!
... apk
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Re:facebook yahoo data sync?
You might want to add this to your list of privacy-enhancing tools: Should also work with Linux and Mac.
Example:
127.0.0.1 www.google-analytics.com #[Google Analytics]
127.0.0.1 4.afs.googleadservices.comGoogle, alone, has over 100 entries like the above in my HOSTS file. Speeds up surfing. In Firefox, at least, you do take a performance hit when you restart the browser after making any change to this, rather large, file. No noticeable lag at startup after that until you make another change to HOSTS.
I use just about every Firefox privacy plug-in/extension mentioned in this thread. This is the only one that actually, noticeably, improves browsing performance.
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Don't Use Your ISP's DNS Servers!
Screw your ISP's DNS servers. Just do not use them . Join OpenDNS. It's free. Then, use their DNS servers (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) instead.
Granted, this won't stop weird stuff happening if you mistype a domain name in a URL. But, AFAIK, OpenDNS doesn't serve up a page of affiliate links (they do serve up a list of links, but the spellings are obviously close to what you misspelled/mistyped -- once you switch to OpenDNS, try going to this site to see what I mean). And they definitely do not change links or banners in Web pages.
To somewhat get around the misspelling issue, use your hosts file. If you consistently misspell/mistype a domain name, enter that misspelling into your hosts file mapped to the correct IP address. Indeed, you could enter a whole group of likely misspellings for a domain name and map them all to the correct IP address. You're address bar will start to act like Google's search bar. Better yet, proofread what you've typed into the address bar before hitting or clicking Enter. Wait, this is
If you use a hosts file like the one provided by winhelp2002, you will also be protected from a large number of malware/tracker sites. The hosts file you can download from winhelp2002 maps the domain names of known malware/tracker sites to 127.0.0.1. And, they update the downloadable hosts file regularly. Again, a free service.
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U KNOW I have 2 post this (HOSTS)... apk
Because of this single statement from the article here today, in regards to HOSTS files (which has been covered here by myself in points #4-#7 mainly below, & more, many times here @
"The methods are: using a VPN service, using your HOSTs file, using TOR, using freely available DNS lookup tools, changing your DNS server to a non-US server, using command prompt, using Foxy Proxy, and using MAFIAAFire." - Dangerous_Minds/Drew Wilson of ZeroPaid http://yro.slashdot.org/story/11/08/07/2221245/8-Ways-To-Circumvent-the-PROTECT-IP-Act
HOWEVER, a HOSTS file offers you a LOT MORE THAN JUST THAT, for FREE (better online SPEED, bandwidth, & YES, security + anonymity (vs. DNSBLs)):
My custom HOSTS file currently protects me vs. 1,554,666++ (& growing every 15 minutes) KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains that are KNOWN to be either maliciously scripted, or serving up malware-in-general, plus spamming/phishing sources as well as botnet C&C servers.
How/Why? Ok, read on:
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added layered security:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads in only 1-2 browser family, but not all (Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
6.) Hosts files don't eat up CPU cycles like AdBlock does while it parses a webpages' content, nor as much as a DNS server does while it runs. HOSTS file are merely a FILTER for the kernel mode/PnP TCP/IP subsystem, which runs FAR FASTER & MORE EFFICIENTLY than any ring 3/rpl3/usermode app can.
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/down -
THIS is how (a better way)
20++ ADVANTAGES OF HOSTS FILES OVER DNS SERVERS &/or ADBLOCK ALONE for added layered security:
1.) HOSTS files are useable for all these purposes because they are present on all Operating Systems that have a BSD based IP stack (even ANDROID) and do adblocking for ANY webbrowser, email program, etc. (any webbound program).
2.) Adblock blocks ads in only 1-2 browser family, but not all (Disclaimer: Opera now has an AdBlock addon (now that Opera has addons above widgets), but I am not certain the same people make it as they do for FF or Chrome etc.).
3.) Adblock doesn't protect email programs external to FF, Hosts files do. THIS IS GOOD VS. SPAM MAIL or MAILS THAT BEAR MALICIOUS SCRIPT, or, THAT POINT TO MALICIOUS SCRIPT VIA URLS etc.
4.) Adblock won't get you to your favorite sites if a DNS server goes down or is DNS-poisoned, hosts will (this leads to points 5-7 next below).
5.) Adblock doesn't allow you to hardcode in your favorite websites into it so you don't make DNS server calls and so you can avoid tracking by DNS request logs, hosts do (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions via NSLOOKUP, PINGS, &/or WHOIS though, regularly, so you have the correct IP & it's current)).
6.) HOSTS files protect you vs. DNS-poisoning &/or the Kaminsky flaw in DNS servers, and allow you to get to sites reliably vs. things like the Chinese are doing to DNS -> http://yro.slashdot.org/story/10/11/29/1755230/Chinese-DNS-Tampering-a-Real-Threat-To-Outsiders
7.) HOSTS files will allow you to get to sites you like, via hardcoding your favs into a HOSTS file, FAR faster than DNS servers can by FAR (by saving the roundtrip inquiry time to a DNS server & back to you).
8.) AdBlock doesn't let you block out known bad sites or servers that are known to be maliciously scripted, hosts can and many reputable lists for this exist:
GOOD INFORMATION ON MALWARE BEHAVIOR LISTING BOTNET C&C SERVERS + MORE (AS WELL AS REMOVAL LISTS FOR HOSTS):
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://www.stopbadware.org/
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN bad servers blocked)And yes: Even SLASHDOT &/or The Register help!
(Via articles on security (when the source articles they use are "detailed" that is, & list the servers/sites involved in attempting to bushwhack others online that is... not ALL do!)).
2 examples thereof in the past I have used, & noted it there, are/were:
-
Re:Why is that weird?
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm is a good place to start. Even though it is directed at Windows users, it works on any OS that uses a hosts file.
-
You want to help make ANDROID safer?
Try this (loading a custom HOSTS file onto it that's updated vs. maliciously scripted sites, botnet C&C Servers, KNOWN malware makers sites/servers/hosts-domains, & even bogus DNS servers too + anything you wish to add to it for security (and yes, even speed, by hardcoding your fav. sites into it also, which is a LOT faster IP address resolution than calling out to any DNS server by far)):
DO THE FOLLOWING STEPS BELOW: (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm , which isn't "MEGA HUGE" either & kept VERY up to date (soon to be updated again this month too))
---
1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB) & install it
2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)
3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS
---
DONE!
* Yes, it's THAT simple... &, it works to help make ANDROID phones more secure than they are by default!
APK
P.S.=> Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the servers this thing "talks to" & what not as well as where it comes from (if you choose to do that of course) to blockout, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. this threat & others like it...
Anyhow/anyways - Enjoy, it works to help make ANDROID phones a bit more secure!
... apk
-
I've seen FireFox addons that do it
I do it here too, albeit via a Python script that my nephew & I wrote up earlier this year!
Fact is - I was going to alter my deduplication/normalization routine in a Delphi program I wrote for it too years earlier... but Python got ahold of me!
The program was much like MVPS' HOSTMAN program they feature there on mvps.org here in terms of function & design (logic made them the same pretty much & "great minds think alike" lol):
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
It can do the job, automagically for you too, updates remotely & all iirc!
(However - Because I was using a Delphi app before that one even existed, circa iirc, 2002-2010 timeframe here, because in that timeframe, especially early on, HOSTS files didn't really get much larger than 16k lines or so typically - my algorithm more than "did the job" then, for speed/time constraints of operation & Delphi ROCKS @ strings work natively (but algorithms & datasizes ARE everything (DataStructures courses show you this for instance, on sortations))
Then - the malware problem really "exploded" around late 2004 onwards is why!
Plus, more valid reputable & reliable HOSTS file data sources popped up too, & the data began coming FASTER & around the clock from international sources (valid reputable ones that track botnets & malware sources etc. + bogus servers/sites/hosts-domains for adbanner malicious script & more)...
The data got HUGE in 2008 onwards, & the Delphi app began taking TOO long (2 hrs. on FULL list, much less if I "busted up the data into 48 parts" (was a temp fix I was using, took it down to FAR less), only minutes of time...).
Still too long, especially on an Intel Core I7 920 CPU here!
Until then?
Like I said - The Delphi app (APK Hosts File Grinder 4.0++) did FINE using a "Brute Force" deduplicaiton method (between two list constructs in GUI, & a QuickSort for sortation before that)
However, my nephew was looking to write an app (he's a junior @ RIT in CIS/Comp. Security concentration) & I said, "Heck, you're free to take that idea, & run with it... especially since you're majoring in security related work!"
He did, & came up with the rough prototype (he's good @ regexp, his strength in fact imo)!
Then, I took & ran with adding in threaded timed operations, filtering vs. sites/servers/hosts-domains not to block, filters vs. stray character various HOSTS files makers use (pain in the butt & non-std. between them all), the ability to convert over DNSBL's too, & more "structured coding" using parameter passing functions (lessening the lines for the PyThon interpreter to parse etc./et al too), & more...
Works great - I don't have to lift a finger, it does the work "automagically" for me from a temp copy of the original HOSTS file, filtering it, sorting it alphabetically, deduplicating/normalizing it, & committing it back in the end to the final real HOSTS file itself!
Best part?
Python makes it "write once/run anywhere" portable, & it's an EASY language to pick up on imo!
(I code in roughly, whew, maybe 15 of them since 1982... perhaps this is why I think it's essentially "VB-EZ" to learn (only 2-3 months into it now, & I am only NOW just beginning to appreciate its power, up there with PERL for RegExp abilities (which IS what you need for this, better than VB/Delphi/C++ string handling by far imo, & hosts are basically ALL string processing))).
Anyhow... there you are. Perhaps HOSTSMAN is your answer though! See that mvps.org page for it (it's free as in beer etc.).
OR THE FIREFOX ADDONS FOR IT HAVE SEEN!
You CAN alternately (so you know) use MySQL or Access even, & gather the data YOURSELF (I know of 17 reputable & reliable sources for it, for HOSTS), & do a "SELECT * DISTINCT FROM (fully qualified device/table name)" to do the same though... that's
-
Here are 3 better pre-emptive moves...
To stall this & other threats like it, "en masse" pre-emptively, via "layered security concepts":
---
1.) DNSBL vs. malware-in-general such as Norton DNS -> http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2306598&cid=36696360 (if not HOSTS files such as I use, which currently in its "temp file" for actual HOSTS overwrite houses 1,468,088++ KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains & bogus DNS servers + botnet C&C servers too - it updates from 17 reputable sources online for that type of data, every 15 minutes here, "automagically"). Combining HOSTS, with DNSBL, & Firewall rules tables (@ both hardware & software levels)?? An excellent "pre-emptive move/strike" beforehand...
---
In fact, on HOSTS file efficacy?
2.) See this: How about DIRECT quotes from users here on
---
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I use a custom
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org]" - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)
"you're right about hosts files" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage
"put in your
---
And, THERE YOU GO DIRECT QUOTES FROM SLASHDOT USERS TOO, & ON HOSTS FILES USEFULNESS TO THEY AS WELL!
---
Also, how about a DIRECT QUOTE from a respected security pro (from securityfocus.com, a division of SYMANTEC/NORTON) on the note of HOSTS files too?
Resurrecting the Killfile
Oliver Day, 2009-02-04
FROM -> http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
---
PERINTENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS:
"The host file on my day-to-day lapt
-
DNSBL such as Norton DNS help
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2306598&cid=36696390
I use it, it works (based on a constantly updated DNSBL as well by Norton Safeweb), in combination with HOSTS files usage for doing the same in "layered security fashion" here!
(Which my personal custom HOSTS file here updates every 15 minutes here from 17 reputable + reliable sources to supplement those from Norton DNS also, via a Python script system for that!)
It works, albeit @ a different level (right in the IP Stack itself, no added filtering drivers necessary either, as HOSTS are merely a filter for the IP stack itself, & running @ the FASTEST MOST EFFICIENT LAYER POSSIBLE, Ring 0/RPL 0/kernel mode (actually "PnP" level in Windows OS since XP onwards)).
ON HOSTS FILES AS A "LAYERED SECURITY SUPPLEMENT"?
How about DIRECT quotes from users here on
---
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I use a custom
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org]" - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)
"you're right about hosts files" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage
"put in your
---
And, THERE YOU GO DIRECT QUOTES FROM SLASHDOT USERS TOO, & ON HOSTS FILES USEFULNESS TO THEY AS WELL!
---
Also, how about a DIRECT QUOTE from a respected security pro (from securityfocus.com, a division of SYMANTEC/NORTON) on the note of HOSTS files too?
Resurrecting the Killfile
Oliver Day, 2009-02-04
FROM -> http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
---
PERINTENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS:
"The host file on
-
Re:Hosts file
You can download one from here It's about 600kb and works fairly well.
-
It's a BIG part of why I use a HOSTS file
To block known maliciously scripted sites that pull this kind of crap on people online. Every 15 min. a Python script runs here to snag more known bogus sites/servers/hosts-domains that pull that kind of crap on folks, & from 17 reputable sites out there that provide that kind of infomation as well & it updates by overwrite of the main/master HOSTS file here from a temp/"scratch file" that's sorted alphabetically & de-duplicated/normalized (& converts the larger/slower 127.0.0.1 "loopback adapter address" to a blackhole smaller & faster + just as "universal" 0.0.0.0 block vs. these bogus sources of malware infestations).
(Seems to work out well for myself, family & friends (in combination with firewall rules tables), because none of us have been infected in many years (for myself, since 1996 in fact) & that's even with my little niece who is only 8 yrs. old & my Mom who is a complete PC noob as well (which is odd, considering she worked on mainframes for 22++ yrs.)).
* E.G.-> As of writing this, my 'temp/scratch' file is ready to commit 1,467,811++ TOTAL unique entries of KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains that are KNOWN for this kind of thing (& other "malicious intent online").
APK
P.S.=> Others, even "/.'ers" like yourselves, enjoy the benefits of this trick/tip/technique as well, here's what they said about it via quotes, or posts I have done about them that help in terms of "layered security":
---
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I use a custom
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org]" - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)
"you're right about hosts files" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage
---
HOSTS MOD UP -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1907266&cid=34529608
HOSTS MOD UP -> -
I block their C&C servers via HOSTS files
HOSTS files, combined with firewalls rules tables (for IP address based ones).
It's easy enough to do, the data's out there by the TRUCKLOAD on Conficker and many other known botnets, sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malware-in-general (virus/spyware etc./et al).
Here are 15 or so that I use for anyone that's interested in protecting themselves in this manner:
---
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malwaredomains.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html (Spybot Search & Destroy has an IMMUNIZE feature that works on HOSTS files here)
http://safeweb.norton.com/buzz
---
HOSTS files are the main route I took because they offer not just security benefits, but also speed benefits (very noticeable ones), & even anonymity ones to an extent (vs DNSBL)
HOSTS files, imo @ least, are even easier to deal with than a firewall (software OR router based) rules table if you ask me!
I did so again - Because of layered security they offer (combinations of Norton DNS (dnsbl filtering DNS vs. malware online threats & botnets), & firewall rules tables)) AND SPEED GAINS POSSIBLE TOO, via an easily edited route in a text file (which is all HOSTS are, a filter that works at the fastest & most efficient level there is, the IP subsystem).
I.E -> HOSTS are EASY to edit as well with any text editor also (which, face it, anyone can handle using) to add or even remove (or # symbol comment off temporarily even) data from its internal records list.
It works & on the SIMPLEST PRINCIPLE THERE IS for security: You can't get burnt if you don't go into the malware/botnet kitchen!
(I do so based on the principle of "layered security", especially vs. online threats...)
E.G.-> So, if one protective scheme fails, the others is there to kick in to protect you!
(They all work in combination w/ one another seamlessly-transparently... so, it's basically the same idea I suppose, as folks putting deadbolts, door handle knob locks, & chain locks on a door for 'triple layer security' really!)
It works & on the SIMPLEST PRINCIPLE THERE IS for extra speed, & bandwidth YOU PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET also:
See, nicest part about HOSTS files though, is that it's easy to insert other things (say for blocking adbanners) that speed you up online (via hardcoding your fav. sites into it, host-domain name to IP Address resolved, ea
-
Custom HOSTS files can achieve the same
Here's an EASIER trick, with a FREE "Tool" you already own, that's only a single text file filter for your IP stack: A custom HOSTS file, that yields the same results!
(I think it'd be interesting to see this service, COMBINED w/ what I am about to speak of in custom HOSTS files usage, and benefits to the end-user).
"According to the article, the speed boost comes from two things" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 08, @12:42AM (#36371418)
The gains HOSTS files offer in both speed, & security, are twofold:
---
FOR ADDED SPEED:
1.) Blocks out adbanners & the lag they introduce into webpage loads/downloads for consumption
2.) Hardcoding in your favorite website (to avoid DNS roundtrip lookup & result return time)
---
FOR ADDED SECURITY:
1.) Blocks out KNOWN malicious sites/servers/hosts-domain names
2.) Protection vs. DNS issues (such as the "Kaminsky flaw", or downed/compromised DNS servers that have been "redirect poisoned")
---
They work, they're free, and you can obtain one easily!
(OR, just combine ALL of the ones listed in my 'p.s.' below, & a db import of the file using a SELECT DISTINCT query can do it for example, as a way, or mvps.org offers a tool called HOSTSMAN that does it also (there are others like it as well, I designed one, & so have others)).
You already can do this yourself since any OS that uses a BSD derived IP stack already has one (even ANDROID phones), easily, & populate the custom HOSTS file yourself from the sources noted above!
(I consolidate them all into a single de-duplicated/normalized version, that which currently blocks out 1,429,303++ KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains, AND, speeds me up VERY noticeably (via blocking out adbanners, a possible threat for years now in malicious code in them & a bandwidth + speed hog OR, by 'hardcoding in' my favorite sites (to bypass DNS lookup & return roundtrip time) also))
APK
P.S.=> Here are some reputable, & reliable sources for said HOSTS file security data (as well as prebuilt HOSTS files for instant download & usage on your parts):
http://safeweb.norton.com/buzz
http://doc.emergingthreats.net/bin/view/Main/HoneywallSamples
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://www.malwaredomains.com/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
... apk
-
Do the same w/ a custom HOSTS file
Here's an EASIER trick, with a FREE "Tool" you already own, that's only a single text file filter for your IP stack: A custom HOSTS file!
"They offer a security product for websites, and in the process of designing it so that it didn't add much latency, they inadvertently made it into a CDN that speeds things up. There. Now we all know what the trick is." - by Anubis IV (1279820) on Wednesday June 08, @12:56AM (#36371492)
The gains it offers in both speed, & security, are twofold:
---
FOR ADDED SPEED:
1.) Blocks out adbanners & the lag they introduce into webpage loads/downloads for consumption
2.) Hardcoding in your favorite website (to avoid DNS roundtrip lookup & result return time)
---
FOR ADDED SECURITY:
1.) Blocks out KNOWN malicious sites/servers/hosts-domain names
2.) Protection vs. DNS issues (such as the "Kaminsky flaw", or downed/compromised DNS servers that have been "redirect poisoned")
---
They work, they're free, and you can obtain one (or combine ALL of these, a db import of the file using a SELECT DISTINCT query can do it for example, as a way, or mvps.org offers a tool called HOSTSMAN that does it also (there are others like it as well, I designed one, & so have others)).
You already can do this yourself since any OS that uses a BSD derived IP stack already has one (even ANDROID phones), easily, & populate the custom HOSTS file yourself from the sources noted above!
(I consolidate them all into a single de-duplicated/normalized version, that which currently blocks out 1,429,303++ KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domains, AND, speeds me up VERY noticeably (via blocking out adbanners, a possible threat for years now in malicious code in them & a bandwidth + speed hog OR, by 'hardcoding in' my favorite sites (to bypass DNS lookup & return roundtrip time) also))
APK
P.S.=> Here are some reputable, & reliable sources for said HOSTS file security data (as well as prebuilt HOSTS files for instant download & usage on your parts):
http://safeweb.norton.com/buzz
http://doc.emergingthreats.net/bin/view/Main/HoneywallSamples
http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/hostslist/hosts.txt
http://www.malwaredomains.com/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
... apk
-
You can use HOSTS files on ANDROID OS Phones
Per my subject-line above, & this quote from you:
"Now if only I could use a HOSTS file on my Android phone." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday June 02, @08:39AM
DO THE FOLLOWING (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm )
---
1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB) & install it
2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)
3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS
---
DONE!
APK
P.S.=> And, there you are... though I suspect you are trying to "harass & troll me" here, because the AC stalker/troller always does on my ideas on HOSTS files? This time, you're going to "eat your words" & actually GAIN by it though... apk
-
My HOSTS updates "automagically" every 15 min.
Via a PyThon script, that does the following:
---
1.) Removes duplicates/normalizing the HOSTS file
2.) Alphabetizes it
3.) Changes the larger & slower 127.0.0.1 loopback adapter std. address MOST hosts files use typically, opting for the smaller & FASTER read in (and with no loopback, pure "blackholing" only) 0.0.0.0 address!
4.) It also removes any # comments that bloat hosts, along with "trailing nulls or blanks" many have that additionally bloat the HOSTS file.
---
Once she's read up into the DNS client cache (must turn this off for large ones like mine, currently @ 1,017,970++ entries strong), OR, into the local DISKCACHE (since it's just a filtering file for the IP Stack)?
She's fast as nobody's business!
APK
P.S.=> That's how I do it, & all that, & from these reputable & reliable sources for HOSTS file data vs. adbanners &/or KNOWN bad sites/servers/hosts-domain names:
http://www.malwaredomains.com/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN
bad servers blocked):http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
& it works... even many slashdotters use them, by the by, & my list of 20++ points in favor of HOSTS files quotes their results as well (for some "peer evidences" from the likes of your fellow posters on this website in fact, in addition to myself).
... apk
-
There's MANY valid sources you can use
http://www.malwaredomains.com/
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN
bad servers blocked)http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
---
"You ARE a spamming nutbag" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage
Oh, really? Do you have your:
---
1.) A PHD in Psychiatry to your name/credit?
2.) A license to practice it professionally??
3.) Years-to-Decades of professional experience in the field of psychiatry???
4.) A formal examination of myself in a professional environs to make your "instant snap prognosis" of my alleged mental state according to you, the "/. SiDeWaLk PsYcHo-AnALySt"????
---
No to ALL/EACH of the above????? So much for THAT "ad hominem" effete attempt on your part directed MY way then, eh??????
I.E.-> You personally just don't have the credentials to make your assessments in calling me a nutbag, period. In fact, you're libelling me in doing so... don't you KNOW that?????? There's LAWS against it you fool!
Instead - Why don't you attempt to attack the 20 points in favor of HOSTS files I put out??????
---
Oh, that's right - YOU ALSO SAID THIS:
"although you're right about hosts files" - by drinkypoo (153816) on Thursday May 26, @01:21PM (#36252958) Homepage
That's right I am RIGHT... always am!
APK
P.S.=> Take your pick... I just happen to consolidate them ALL, into 1 file here (via a PyThon script engine that does so every 15 minutes, removing duplicates/normalizing it, and alphabetically sorting them also, & changing the larger + slower 127.0.0.1 loopback address (slower due to loopback ops) to the faster & smaller + most compatible 0.0.0.0 blackhole address instead)... apk
-
Use HOSTS to block ANDROID malwares
Here is how (very easy to do):
---
ANDROID OS allows for the usage of custom HOSTS files, & that's how you stop this botnet from communicating "back to mama" (it's C&C botnet servers):
DO THE FOLLOWING (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm )
---
1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB) & install it
2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)
3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS
---
DONE!
APK
P.S.=> Yes, it's THAT simple... &, it works/helps - Of course, your HOSTS file will need to have the domain/hosts name of the C&C servers, & that you have to obtain for this to work vs. this threat + others! I've posted this here before & it did alright, being "modded up" +1 INSIGHTFUL:
http://mobile.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1930156&cid=34713952
... ap
-
HOSTS files can do the same... apk
See subject-line. You already have an alternate viable working solution vs. this FireFox ONLY browser addon: It's called your HOSTS file, and it works on ALL webbrowsers (in fact, ANY webbound program, e.g.-> External to webbrowser email programs like Outlook &/or Outlook Express, among others)!
So, if you're able to edit a text file, which most folks CAN & have done before? You can work with it, easily.
APK
P.S.=> It's a matter of editing/adding to a simple text file for HOSTS files, from reputable/reliable sources, such as these:
---
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
http://www.malware.com.br/lists.shtml
https://spyeyetracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
---
(The last one also has an EASY TO USE "point-N-click" GUI easy tool to help manage the HOSTS file, called HOSTSMAN, which allows for auto-update as well, very little user interaction required... & it removes duplicate entries and keeps you updated as well, "automagically"!)
Yes, a simple text file which YOU, the end user, has COMPLETE control over, which is all the HOSTS file really is, a text file based filter for the IP Stack running in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernel mode (PnP driver design in MacOS X & Windows case - not 100% sure of Linux, but probably similar & kick "on" fully, on demand by usermode code programs) for the best in speed/efficiency over this add on also, since the addon runs in Ring 3/RPL 3/usermode... apk
-
Re:Gutenberg
Warning, the above tinyurl in the posters sig sends you to http://www.tkqlhce.com/ a site banned by the hosts file I get from http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/
That's Commission Junction, Newegg's affiliates provider. Perhaps the software that makes your hosts file can't deal with redirects and somebody else uses CJ and has crap on their website?
-
Re:Gutenberg
Warning, the above tinyurl in the posters sig sends you to http://www.tkqlhce.com/ a site banned by the hosts file I get from http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/ .
-
Your sources vs. mine (AND myself, a source on it)
"I do so enjoy pointing [paretologic.com] out [adoko.com] the total [dslreports.com] uber fail [ehow.com] of your magical woobie so" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
There's YOUR sources, & then? There's mine (an actual security guru's in the mix, and HE read MY WORK back from the late 90's on it & is RECOMMENDING using them now, in the 21st century for added protection - so does mvps.org, highly respected themselves in this capacity):
How about Mr. Oliver Day & his article from 2009 called "A Return to the Killfile":
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
---
PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS from SecurityFocus (a division of Symantec):
"The host file on my day-to-day laptop is now over 16,000 lines long. Accessing the Internet â" particularly browsing the Web â" is actually faster now."
"From what I have seen in my research, major efforts to share lists of unwanted hosts began gaining serious momentum earlier this decade. The most popular appear to have started as a means to block advertising and as a way to avoid being tracked by sites that use cookies to gather data on the user across Web properties. More recently, projects like Spybot Search and Destroy offer lists of known malicious servers to add a layer of defense against trojans and other forms of malware."
---
(Thus, as you can see - SPEED and LAYERED SECURITY is the gain... it's huge on both, noticeable, & yes - EFFECTIVE!)
---
Folks can read that, & decide for themselves...
Oh, wait: Many
How about all the folks from this site that use them (since we're here):
PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS:
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years, ever since one of those annoying GIF popups" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org] " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)
Amongst MANY others here, but I think that'll do with myself included to outnumber 9:1 for starters, vs. YOUR "mere opinion" (which is now, for shit, after the post you replied to shows only SOME of your many Sub - BestBuy Techie skillz level, lol!)
(So... go on, ask ANY of them how or WHY they use HOSTS files (which are free, you have one already, & to fill it there are PLENTY of reputable sources like mvps.org , they DO come here after all!)
(That again, in addition to the 1,000's using mvps' HOSTS file (highly esteemed & recognized/respected too -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (which is FREE, current, & WORKS!):
APK
P.S.=> As to myself being a VALID & highly esteemed source on "things PC-security"? Ok, & for 15 yrs. now no less, to great acclaim:
I also created the 1st guide for secu
-
Your sources vs. mine (AND myself, a source on it)
"I do so enjoy pointing [paretologic.com] out [adoko.com] the total [dslreports.com] uber fail [ehow.com] of your magical woobie so" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
There's YOUR sources, & then? There's mine (an actual security guru's in the mix, and HE read MY WORK back from the late 90's on it & is RECOMMENDING using them now, in the 21st century for added protection - so does mvps.org, highly respected themselves in this capacity):
How about Mr. Oliver Day & his article from 2009 called "A Return to the Killfile":
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
---
PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS from SecurityFocus (a division of Symantec):
"The host file on my day-to-day laptop is now over 16,000 lines long. Accessing the Internet â" particularly browsing the Web â" is actually faster now."
"From what I have seen in my research, major efforts to share lists of unwanted hosts began gaining serious momentum earlier this decade. The most popular appear to have started as a means to block advertising and as a way to avoid being tracked by sites that use cookies to gather data on the user across Web properties. More recently, projects like Spybot Search and Destroy offer lists of known malicious servers to add a layer of defense against trojans and other forms of malware."
---
(Thus, as you can see - SPEED and LAYERED SECURITY is the gain... it's huge on both, noticeable, & yes - EFFECTIVE!)
---
Folks can read that, & decide for themselves...
Oh, wait: Many
How about all the folks from this site that use them (since we're here):
PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS:
"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years, ever since one of those annoying GIF popups" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575) on Thursday August 05 2010, @01:52AM (#33147212)
"Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org] " - by TempestRose (1187397) on Tuesday March 15, @12:53PM (#35493274)
Amongst MANY others here, but I think that'll do with myself included to outnumber 9:1 for starters, vs. YOUR "mere opinion" (which is now, for shit, after the post you replied to shows only SOME of your many Sub - BestBuy Techie skillz level, lol!)
(So... go on, ask ANY of them how or WHY they use HOSTS files (which are free, you have one already, & to fill it there are PLENTY of reputable sources like mvps.org , they DO come here after all!)
(That again, in addition to the 1,000's using mvps' HOSTS file (highly esteemed & recognized/respected too -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (which is FREE, current, & WORKS!):
APK
P.S.=> As to myself being a VALID & highly esteemed source on "things PC-security"? Ok, & for 15 yrs. now no less, to great acclaim:
I also created the 1st guide for secu
-
Hairyfeet's single solutions FAILURES? See inside
"I also personally consider it a public service to point people to solutions [superantispyware.com] that actually [comodo.com] work [malwarebytes.org] instead of relying on magical woobies and anecdotes" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
The effectiveness of those solutions is FAR from perfect & everyone knows it... but, in case they do NOT? See here:
---
MULTIPLE EVIDENCES OF ANTIVIRUS &/or ANTISPYWARE PROGRAM FAILURES + SHORTCOMINGS:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/12/04/win_2000_virus_tests/
http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1839
http://it.slashdot.org/it/08/11/07/1545238.shtml
---
From COMPLETELY VALID & RESPECTED SOURCES no less, as is per my usual!
APK
P.S.=> No, single solutions (even HOSTS, which I have NEVER ONCE said is "the end all/be all" of security - just a great layered added part vs. known malicious sites &/or servers (botnet C&C ones etc.) for security, and SPEED (blockout adbanners & hardcode your favs for reliability vs. DNS poisoning, DNSBL, & DNS request logs etc.) too + more - it's VERY "versatile", free, & you can get them from reputable sources like this one -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
As to my "know how" & experience in security for a PC (as well as in the real world where I was the manager for a couple years in THAT VERY CAPACITY)? Ok:
I also created the 1st guide for securing Windows, highly rated @ NEOWIN (as far back as 1998-2001) here:
http://www.neowin.net/news/apk-a-to-z-internet-speedup--security-text
AND, more currently, the MOST viewed & highly rated one there is for years now since 2008 online:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000%2FXP%22&go=&form=QBRE
Which has well over 300,000++ views online (actually MORE, but 1 site with 75,000 views of it went offline/out-of-business) & it's been made either:
---
1.) An Essential Guide
2.) 5-5 star rated
3.) A "sticky-pinned" thread
4.) Most viewed in the category it's in (usually security)
5.) 2.) Got me PAID by winning a contest @ PCPitStop (quite unexpectedly - I was only posting it for the good of all, & yes, "the Lord works in mysterious ways", it even got me PAID -> http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2007/09/04/pc-pitstop-winners/ (see January 2008))---
Across 15-20 or so sites I posted it on back in 2008... have YOU done better, troll?
No, obviously.
(So much for your attempts @ "discrediting me" with "std. troll disinformation protocol", because it falls apart in the light of FACTS... easily! Just "too, Too, TOO EASILY" in fact!)... apk
-
Only thing constantly changing's your "math"
"As in you HOPES that one of the 300,000+ constantly changing" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
Your "math" (lol)! To wit:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35686444
and
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35686566
as well as this:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35686630
& more... lmao!
(So, tell us another one, about "math"... lol!)
Here, on MY end though: Yes, things are always "in flux" but I don't type it out as you stupidly accused me of & not since 2004 in fact (first using Delphi code I wrote for it as a local app to populate my HOSTS file)... Because I went up from roughly 944,000++ known bad sites/servers (C&C) last night, up to nearly 948,000 last night without my raising a finger to protect myself, guaranteed, against them (because UNLIKE YOU, I can automate ANY process via code - & testing a new PYTHON-based screen scrape script to do so this round (going "web" this round is why!)).
---
"That you HOPES nobody notices your only "proof" is anecdotes, often by your own sock puppets like Kingsjester?" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
Oh, I don't *think* so (heck I KNOW not) - from here on down:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35667576
In thet exchange I posted links to from this site's where you stalked me to, trolled me, & LIBELLED me? Those are no "mere anecdotes"... and on KingsJowker?
He's not I - you'll find that out soon enough (we actually got to be pals & he's coming to rent out space in 1 of my rental properties in fact): Poor guy had a stroke/brain aneurism though & that's why nobody's heard from him since.
By the by - how do you know him?
---
"If there is ANYONE that should be LOLing it is me, for pointing out there are still morons that believe 16Mb HOPES files can do anything but block ads since ad servers are" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Friday April 01, @02:27PM (#35689938)
Hahaha, ok: "Sure"! How about the 1,000's that use them over @ http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm & use them for protection as I do vs. malicious sites/servers?
How about Mr. Oliver Day & his article from 2009 called "A Return to the Killfile":
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
How about all the folks from this site that use them (since we're here):
PERTINENT QUOTES/EXCERPTS:"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)
"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)
"^^ One of the many reasons why I like the user-friendliness of the
"I do use Hosts, for a couple fake domains I use." - by icebraining (1313345) on Saturday December 11, @09:34AM (#34523012) Homepage
"They've been on my HOSTS block for years, ever since one of those annoying GIF popups" - by ScottCooperDotNet (929575)
-
Slow U to a CRAWL? Stop DNSClient service
Which one of "Dumb & DUMBER" are you? Jim Carrey OR Jeff Daniels??
Because you keep posting DUMBER AND DUMBER mistakes noob. To wit:
"who is advocating slowing your machine to a crawl with a 15Mb - by hairyfeet (841228) on Wednesday March 30, @12:31PM (#35667932)
You had best "Brush Up" on your basic services and IP know how, because even mvps.org notes that you HAVE TO STOP YOUR LOCAL DNS CACHING CLIENT with larger HOSTS files.
See here -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
PERTINENT QUOTE/EXCERPT:
---
Editors Note: in most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine.
To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"
Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and select: Properties - click Stop
Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
Select: Manual (recommended) or Disabled click Apply/Ok and restart. [more info]When set to Manual you can see that the above "Service" is not needed
---
This entire exchange you brought on yourself is only caused by your OWN stupidity & ignorance technically, and for your stalking, trolling, & libelling of myself here.
Thanks though, hairyfeet... In the past, I have WARNED you, even NICELY before, not to troll, stalk & harass me here, but you never stop!
Well, now you paid for it... you like?
This time you libelled me and fell on your ASS the entire way here:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35668740
and here where you f' up on how malware works and removing bad sites:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35679634
and here with your "math" & tools you use being shown as not 100% effective even though you said they were before:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35679938
and here ON STATIC vs. DYNAMIC banners (which is as bad as your screwup here - VERY NOOB, lol!):
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35681060
and, here showing your motivations (geek angst at my beating you to pulp before technically after you trolled me yet again) AND why you tried to troll ME when you stalked me here and also many other times first:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35681500
and here on your incomplete information based posts:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35683280
AND of course, THIS screwup on the "slow your machine to a crawl" dumb ass
( LOL... & you CLAIM you know Windows?)
LMAO!
B.S. - this entire exchange here proves QUITE otherwise, & you mostly did it to yourself.
---
LOL, man... THAT's what YOU GET, for trying to libel me, and I turned that over as I always do, with SOLID verifiable facts (right after you came in here libelling myself):
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35668740
You only did this, to yourself... "sow the wind - reap the whirlwind" chump.
APK
P.S.=> OH, & of course, as is per my usual? I also showed your "opinion" of HOSTS files (which you never said did NOT work as I stated) is outnumbered 20++:1 with modded up posts I have done here, 1 of the TOP TECH S
-
Libelling me now, Hairyfeet? ok, proof vs. that
Oh, really? Then, I'd have to be the DUMBEST THERE IS then, because I've been showing the PLANET how to secure vs. that on Windows for 14++ years, to EXCELLENT ratings!
To wit/E.G.:
"He is a known troll and malware writer" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Thursday March 31, @05:45PM (#35683144)
So, does THIS link I showed here before, which was + 5 INFORMATIVE rated no less here:
---
COMPUTER ASSOCIATES BUSTED FOR ACCOUNTING FRAUD:
http://news.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1884922&cid=34350102
---
NOT prove that much? Sure does!
In a way? Thanks - You're only allowing me to expose my false accusers publicly once again for the slime they are, & to vindicate myself of your libel... thank you!
Also - CA & others like they have done the same to Dr. Mark Russinovich of Microsoft, and Nir Sofer of NIRSOFT as well - calling THEIR wares, malware too, & they're KNOWN in this field as decent... so, I suppose I am in TRULY, "good company" on this account no less!
Again, IF I were a "malware maker/hacker-cracker"? I'd have to be the STUPIDEST one there is, because I also created the 1st guide for securing Windows, highly rated @ NEOWIN (as far back as 1998-2001) here:
http://www.neowin.net/news/apk-a-to-z-internet-speedup--security-text
AND, more currently, the MOST viewed & highly rated one there is for years now since 2008 online:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000%2FXP%22&go=&form=QBRE
Which has well over 300,000++ views online (actually MORE, but 1 site with 75,000 views of it went offline/out-of-business) & it's been made either:
---
1.) An Essential Guide
2.) 5-5 star rated
3.) A "sticky-pinned" thread
4.) Most viewed in the category it's in (usually security)---
Across 15-20 or so sites I posted it on back in 2008... have YOU done better, troll?
No, obviously.
(So much for your attempts @ "discrediting me" which ALWAYS FALLS APART IN THE LIGHT OF DOCUMENTED, CONCRETE & VERIFIABLE facts!)
APK
P.S.=>
"There is a reason why everyone abandoned HOSTS files" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Thursday March 31, @05:45PM (#35683144)
LOL, again: Oh, really? See here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
MANY 1,000's use them for better layered security, speed, & even ANONYMITY (vs. DNS request logs) & vs. DNSBL too!
HOW ABOUT MR. OLIVER DAY & SECURITYFOCUS.COM TOO?
E.G./to wit:
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/491
Dated from 2009 no less... that doesn't look like the 1990s!
(You've never even DISPROVED the 20 points I post that HELP USERS here either... lol!)
(SO - How stupid do you wish to keep appearing, hairyfeet?)
Apparently, even STUPIDER than HERE already:
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2061048&cid=35681060
LMAO - It appears that you don't even KNOW the diff. between the word STATIC (IP addressed) or DYNAMIC (domain/hostname based)... and yet YOU claim to be a TECH? Please.
---
"while giving NO protection from malware" - by hairyfeet (841228) on Thursday March 31, @05:45PM (#35683144)
Again, see Mr. Day's article above, AND mvps.org (the most highly rated HOSTS file on the planet & BOTH are NOT from the 1990's OR abandoned!)
OR my highly rated & W
-
A SIMPLER solution for END USERS (HOSTS)
HOSTS file users can bypass using DNS altogether & let END USERS especially be:
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1.) Safe(r)
2.) Faster
3.) More 'secure/anonymous' online
4.) SAVE MONEY/COIN$/DEAD-PRE$IDENT$
& more, FOR FREE! no less, & you already have one!
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(ALL THAT, & far more (see url below) via hardcodes of your fav. sites in your HOSTS file, which makes you faster, offloads DNS servers (which even DNS admins of them MIGHT love even), & keeps you OFF their "DNS Request Logs" too (security/anonymity part)).
FOR an "end user" though? They make SURE, or can (via hardcodes of your fav. sites into HOSTS) you get to where you wanted to, legitimately, even IF DNS servers you use are compromised (say via DNS poisoning), & faster, or even if the DNS is down.
How? See above... & more detail, ESPECIALLY vs. DNS faults, are in the URL below, IN GREAT DETAIL with backing facts/documentation from reputable sources!
The added benefit is, that IF you also blockout adbanners you get more speed (and security too, because they've been hit TONS of times (see below) with maliciously scripted adbanners))
The DNS system acts as an online Certificate Authority - being compromised thus as this article notes? Makes DNS the WEAK point in the chain here partially...
HOSTS make you avoid DNS if you wish & "do it right" per what I noted above.
For the "FULL GAMUT" of what HOSTS can do for you, & how/when/where/why/how? Refer to the post of mine "everyone here hates":
http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2038142&cid=35493238
(lol, plenty of users do users here (10 or so I can rattle off & supply data for, in addition to mvps.org's 1,000's) & like them here though as well, + more & more over time the more they become aware of it)
Yes, & my posts DO help them on that note (especially if they are unaware of it)...
I post it for "the good" of the masses, NOT the profiteers that use "the art of good business is putting people together" (advertisers & webmasters, literally USING users this way)!
However, I truly suspect the ONLY people that REALLY "hate" HOSTS files are, imo & experience @ least:
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1.) Malware makers
2.) Hacker/Crackers
3.) WebMasters
4.) Advertisers
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WELL, to they, I can only say 1 thing: TOUGH COOKIES, & "The times they are a changin'"!
TO webmasters &/or advertisers:
Simply because more & more folks (and even the U.S. Military recently here http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2039242&cid=35512150 are cutting out adbanners because they're a KNOWN bandwidth hog ( to gain back bandwidth taxpayers PAY for & for speed/performance purposes to aid the poor Japanese peoples) are "wising up" to the fact it's YOUR MONEY online & your SPEED that adbanners 'cut into'
To END USERS: (vs. malware makers/hackers-crackers)
It's your systems security, your data, your record even (being framed by a malware making YOU appear to be doing 'wrong' online etc.) + again, YOUR MONEY & BANDWIDTH YOU PAY FOR, after all!
A fool & his money are SOON parted, but online vs. adbanners...? SO IS YOUR BANDWIDTH & SECURITY nowadays, unless you do measures such as I note here now... & FAR MORE gains in the URL above (especially considering phones charge by bandwidth use, and so do many ISP/BSP's moving to it)... & so is your online time YOU PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET!
*Think about it!* & IF you're unaware of HOSTS file benefits for speed, security, & yes... even some "anonymity" vs. logs or DNSBL (DNS Block Lists)? HOSTS ARE "4U" & FREE (with many good sources for good ones, such as MVPS.ORG's -> http://www.mvps.org
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Re:Rather surprising
Not when you have this *awesome* HOSTS file.
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Re:As a long time IE basher
Better than an ad blocker, imo. Hosts file entries: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
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Re:Your "script kiddie script" doesn't work fully
What is this zeustracker bullshit? Are you blind? Can you not read? The script gets hosts data from:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/Downloads/BadHosts.unx.zip
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/Hosts
http://support.it-mate.co.uk/downloads/hphosts.zip
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
which are all of the sources you claimed to be using. Have you actually resorted to bare faced lies now? -
Forget browser-based ad-blocking, use a hosts fileThe first line of defense should be a modified hosts file, regularly updated. Simple, old school, browser-independent.
PeerBlock is also your friend.
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I am being civil man, just telling truth
"I addressed my post incorrectly. I was replying to the thread as a whole, which was not correctly conveyed." - by djdanlib (732853) on Wednesday February 23, @01:32PM (#35292166) Homepage
Fair enough... try not do it again I suppose! LOL, that made you look pretty poorly, but fair enough.
(Again, stressing it, as I did to others here: Logon scripts can do the job updating a HOSTS file... which work vs. DNS poisoning redirectes bigtime, & are easily updated + distributed, via logon scripts (when it matters most, when a user signs onto a machine to use it)).
APK
P.S.=>
"Logon scripts that copy from where?" - by djdanlib (732853) on Wednesday February 23, @01:32PM (#35292166) Homepage
From your fastest server I suppose (that's how I went about it in LAN/WAN scenarios)... OR, there ARE other methods, other than logon scripts!
E.G.-> See MVPS.ORG (they make a pretty "famous" HOSTS file, much smaller & less comprehensive than mine, but well known).
They have a tool for it (I built one myself years before it in fact, but I use it only for my personal uses, APK Hosts File Grinder 4.0++)...
Anyhow/anyways - See this page:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Look for "HOSTSMAN" there...
I.E.-> it is capable of doing remote HOSTS file updates in fact, & from a VERY "reputable & reliable" source, mvps.org!
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"Still, it wouldn't kill you to be civil.." - by djdanlib (732853) on Wednesday February 23, @01:32PM (#35292166) Homepage
I am, per my subject-line...
I only stated fact when I said you're sitting there with "egg on your face" accusing me of stating I was using P2P setups to update HOSTS files is all... because I never said it!
Fact is, the post you replied to of mine? Even has me SAYING I used logon scripts to update hosts in networked environs! You "skimmed over" that... fact! apk
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Re:Another reason to block Facebook
Put in
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
Facebook is now blocked. Problem solved.
Oh, and to clean up a lot of other crappy websites, download the latest
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get rid of adds
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm And you'll be fine with that link. Btw, what better way to celebrate virii than an add-infected site.
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This can help you conserve bandwidth... apk
"Normal users won't use that much, however for businesses and such that need more bandwidth Virgin should offer higher priced plans with more bandwidth." - by falconwolf (725481) on Thursday January 13, @10:00PM (#34873012)
You could consume less bandwidth, simply by blocking out adbanner content, & that's easy enough to do on any cell phone that has a BSD based IP stack... because that means it has a HOSTS file, & with that file, you can block out all the adbanners there are using a file like MVPS.ORG supplies here -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
E.G.-> I've uploaded a larger HOSTS file than that one (my personal model combines 8 custom HOSTS from others with my own data vs. known bad sites/servers as well as adbanner servers) onto an ANDROID OS based phone, & it works great for more speed, & more security, ala:
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Android Trojan Found, Spreading From Chinese App Stores:
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1930156&cid=34713952
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Where I used the technique noted to block out known bad sites being reported on to protect ANDROID OS users from the malware being discussed.
(So, if it can be done on ANDROID OS using ADB (android debugging bridge)? My guess is that other phones have development &/or testing tools of this nature as well, & can be used for the SAME idea!)
APK
P.S.=> The SAME IDEA/TECHNIQUE can be used here, albeit for blocking out adbanners (to conserve bandwidth used)... apk
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You can lessen your bandwidth usage (here's a way)
"the Verizon data plan page says there is a 2GB cap on smartphone plans." - by SuperKendall (25149)
on Tuesday January 11, @11:43AM (#34836662)That's ok, because this is going to show you a way to LESSEN YOUR BANDWIDTH USAGE, substantially!
Try applying a variation of purpose for an idea I have already implemented on ANDROID:
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http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1930156&cid=34713952
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Except this time, on this Verizon/IPhone system instead, & instead of blocking out KNOWN BAD SITES/SERVERS (host/domain names)? Block out another "bandwidth killer": Online adbanners!
Good HOSTS files are obtainable for this from -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(This IS "doable", provided the IP stack used on the cell phones concerned is BSD derived, which it most likely is, & that dev. tools like ANDROID's ADB exist for other phone units (and yes, they do))...
APK
P.S.=> I mean, hey - First of all: It's YOUR MONEY & online speed + security, after all! Secondly/For example, & a single one only (because there's a lot more you can use this for)?
Using HOSTS to block out adbanners & such alone would cut a huge hunk out of the bandwidth usage!
(Let alone security ideas like the one I noted above that HOSTS files are also good for)... apk
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Untrue: There IS "something you can do about it"
"This fundamental limitation applies to EVERY wireless plan, worldwide, and there's not much you can do about it" - by cpghost (719344) on Saturday January 08, @10:54PM (#34811250) Homepage
There IS something you can do about it, on PC's & yes: EVEN ON CELLPHONES!
Instead of downloading who KNOWS how much bandwidth, speed, and online efficiency away on ad banners, just block them out. It'll make your cap last longer: Pretty simple - &, for example? I've done it on ANDROID OS, like so:
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DO THE FOLLOWING (after obtaining a good reputable solid HOSTS file, like mvps' -> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [mvps.org] )
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1.) Get ahold of the "Android Debugging Bridge" (ADB), & install it
2.) Mount your system mountpoint as READ + WRITE (as powerful of priveleges as you need is this)
3.) Using the PULL command, copy the file over from your PC (or even on your ANDROID if its there already) using PULL & overwrite the etc. folder's copy of HOSTS
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DONE!
(Yes, it's THAT simple... &, it works!)
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(IN FACT? I've been doing this, on PC's, for coming up on 2 decades now - & on an ANDROID PHONE, for months lately... See, because of this use of a custom HOSTS file? Well - To me, "HBO 'no commercials' internet" IS, the net, albeit, the "fuel-injection" efficient version... faster, safer, more co$t effective, etc./et al, & "you name it" - & it works!).
APK
P.S.=> In fact, I think @ least, that it'd be interesting to see just HOW MUCH longer one of these capped or "pay as you use" accounts would last (and it would, it's only a question of how much longer) due to cutting out that content that slows you down, infects you with malware even at times, & more (tracking etc.) - After all: It's YOUR MONEY, when you come right down to it (and your online speed, + security)! apk
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Nothing wrong? If you like doing a shitty job, ok!
"There's nothing wrong with a few duplicate entries in your hosts file." - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)
If doing a shit job is "ok by you", then fine. It's NOT with me. Your "script kiddie" *NIX shellscript would leave many, Many, MANY 1,000's by missing the fact it does NOT account for:
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1.) Capital letter occurences (toUpperCase OR toLowerCase functions are what you are missing, my "APK Hosts File Grinder 4.0++" program, does not - this creates duplicates):
e.g.-> MySite.com
vs.
mysite.com
2.) Trailing # symbols added @ the end of HOSTS file line items entries (which mvps.org & someonewhocares.org are FULL of, unfortunately & it's dumb - adds size/bloat to the file AND creates duplicates)
e.g.- mysite.com #hijack
3.) I also believe the script doesn't knock off "trailing blanks" that some tools (like Access, since it can do a SELECT * DISTINCT (fieldname) FROM (tablename) ORDER BY (asc/desc), to also remove duplicated hosts files entries) leave behind, on exports.
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However, IF doing a shitty job (apparently that's "ok by you") is fine with you? Then, so be it...
After all - I can't make anyone do quality work, I can only point the direction you need to take to "perfect" it (perhaps juasko can, which is WHY I pointed him to your shoddily written script in the 1st place (he does PERL work, makes sense he will be able to handle shell scripting, & perfect your poor quality job)).
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"The performance hit would be completely insignificant" - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)
Aha - you give yourself away: However, it's there, nonetheless, in ANY size of HOSTS file, & further compounds itself the larger the file gets (no questions asked).
Especially in larger hosts files, and your statement concedes it!
Same as Microsoft's OWN SENIOR MGT. had to with me also (Foredecker, the Senior VP of Microsoft's "Windows Client Performance Division", who posts here on
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PERTINENT QUOTE/EXCERPT:
"Of course, larger files take longer to load." - by Foredecker (161844) * on Wednesday December 09, @10:34PM (#30384666) Homepage
FROM -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1467692&cid=30384918
(Which was in regards to MS taking away the ability to use 0 as a blocking "IP Address", which is SMALLER/FASTER/MORE EFFICIENT than using either 127.0.0.1 (the "loopback adapter address", which is larger/slower than them all, AND has a "loopback operation" incurred also), or 0.0.0.0, since MS "Patch Tuesday" 12/09/2008 - where the ability to do so was pulled from VISTA, Windows 7, & Windows Server 2008... which is funny, because Windows 2000 SP#2 onwards right up thru XP, into Windows VISTA it worked, for more than a decade!)
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So - Read it, & weep... lol!
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"unless you're a complete moron whose hosts file is already 14 megs (apk I'm looking at you)." - by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday January 04, @04:25PM (#34758352)
As of this a.m.? The file is 25mb in size, + 921,028 item line record HOSTS file entries blocked off vs. that many KNOWN bad sites/servers!
QUESTION:
I am currently protected vs. 921,028 KNOWN BAD SITES, from reputable/reliable & regularly updated sources for HOSTS files data shown below:
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http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.n -
And this protects you from basically nothing?
"And this protects you from basically nothing except some advertising." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday December 30, @09:05PM (#34717748)
You're WRONG... see below:
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HACKERS USE ADBANNERS ON MAJOR SITES TO HIJACK YOUR SYSTEM: -> http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2007/11/doubleclick
THE NEXT AD YOU CLICK MAY BE A VIRUS: -> http://it.slashdot.org/story/09/06/15/2056219/The-Next-Ad-You-Click-May-Be-a-Virus
NY TIMES INFECTED WITH MALWARE ADBANNER: -> http://news.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/09/13/2346229
MICROSOFT HIT BY MALWARES IN ADBANNERS: -> http://apcmag.com/microsoft_apologises_for_serving_malware.htm
2 MAJOR AD NETWORKS FOUND SERVING MALWARE: -> http://tech.slashdot.org/story/10/12/13/0128249/Two-Major-Ad-Networks-Found-Serving-Malware
ISP's INJECTING ADS AND ERRORS INTO THE WEB: -> http://it.slashdot.org/it/08/04/19/2148215.shtml
ADOBE FLASH ADS INJECTING MALWARE INTO THE NET: http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/08/20/0029220&from=rss
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By blocking out adbanners, not only do you get more SPEED, but... also more SECURITY, against malwares that have been shown to exist in some adbanners maliciously embedded & obfuscated code in javascript.
Additionally, by my populating my hosts file, nearly hourly, from reputable sites for that vs. KNOWN BAD SITES/SERVERS?
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/
http://hostsfile.org/hosts.html
http://hostsfile.mine.nu/downloads/
http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/monitor.php?filter=online
Spybot "Search & Destroy" IMMUNIZE feature (fortifies HOSTS files with KNOWN bad servers blocked)I can't get burned, if I can't go into the KNOWN BAD SITES' "malware kitchen"...
(Very simple, & it works!)
"Ever since I've installed a host file (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) to redirect advertisers to my loopback, I haven't had any malware, spyware, or adware issues. I first started using the host file 5 years ago." - by TestedDoughnut (1324447) on Monday December 13, @12:18AM (#34532122)
FROM http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1907528&cid=34532122
APK
P.S.=> Ah, I just gotta say it, as per my usual: "too, Too, TOO EASY", just '2EZ'... apk