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CNET, IDC Find Rapid Increase In Behavioral Data Tracking
retroworks writes "According to columnist Elinor Mills at CNET, efforts to track consumer browsing behavior are 'rising dramatically.' In an interview with Gordon McLeod, CEO of data mining company Krux.com, advertising targeted at browsing habits has increased fourfold since 2010. IDC, according to McLeod, projects the browser-search-term-targeted advertising industry to grow from 'zero to $5 billion in less than 5 years.' Will health insurance companies see us crawling for information on family illnesses? After reading the article, I went hunting for a download of 2008 program antiphormlite, and found nothing remaining at any download site (including CNET). Is there another 'cookie camouflage' alternative to polluting the cookie stream with false positives? Or are we left to 'do not track' pledges and trusting Tor redirectors?"
Ghostery?
I have not read the article but the summary sounds like a lot of effort to avoid directly naming the FF/Chrome extension called ghostery.
"Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
Incognito/private browsing FTW. Use (for example) one browser for browsing where you don't mind cookies, and a second for items you don't want tracked.
You can have many browsers, any decent PC can run many browsers, so have at it.
"This post is an artistic work of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything posted here as fact."
There should be a simple option to "normalize" all information that usually varies: Fonts, screen size and depth, window size, etc.
Then forget everything when you close the browser: History, cookies, cache, DNS, etc.
Don't even store anything that isn't written by something from the domain in the URL bar. Strictly no inter-domain communication, not even with subdomains or cross-domain policies.
I was looking into Linode hosting the other day and did some google searches about it on my laptop. Then a few hours later I switched to my desktop with a different net connection, which has a spankingly fresh installation of Ubuntu so presumably the browsers haven't been laden down with trackers and cookies yet, especially because I haven't logged into any web services on that machine. But every page I looked at was plastered with ads for Linode.
It was a reminder of just how advanced tracking has become. And in turn, Ghostery has quickly become one of my favourite FF extensions.
Mainly in efficiency - it runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/PnP Kernelmode (on Windows), as merely a filter for the IP stack (no overheads of more driver layers OR browser level slower less efficient addons):
21++ ADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM HOSTS FILES (how/what/when/where/why):
Over AdBlock & DNS Servers ALONE 4 Security, Speed, Reliability, & Anonymity (to an extent vs. DNSBL's + DNS request logs).
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). A truly "multi-platform" UNIVERSAL solution for added speed, security, reliability, & even anonymity to an extent (vs. DNS request logs + DNSBL's you feel are unjust hosts get you past/around).
2.) Adblock blocks ads? Well, not anymore & certainly not as well by default, apparently, lol - see below:
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option )
AND, in only browsers & their subprogram families (ala email like Thunderbird for FireFox/Mozilla products (use same gecko & xulrunner engines)), but not all, or, all independent email clients, like Outlook, Outlook Express, OR Window "LIVE" mail (for example(s)) - there's many more like EUDORA & others I've used over time that AdBlock just DOES NOT COVER... period.
Disclaimer: Opera now also 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 (non-mozilla/gecko engine based) family based wares, So AdBlock doesn't protect email programs like Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows "LIVE" mail & others like them (EUDORA etc./et al), 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, OR make you reach them faster since you resolve host-domain names LOCALLY w/ hosts out of cached memory, hosts do ALL of those things (DNS servers are also being abused by the Chinese lately and by the Kaminsky flaw -> http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082908-kaminsky-flaw-prompts-dns-server.html for years now). Hosts protect against those problems via hardcodes of your fav sites (you should verify against the TLD that does nothing but cache IPAddress-to-domainname/hostname resolutions (in-addr.arpa) via NSLOOKUP, PINGS (ping -a in Windows), &/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 (or ELECTRICITY) 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 since hosts files run in MORE EFFICIENT & FASTER Ring 0/RPL 0/Kernelmode operations acting
...I clicked on that link and Ghostery blocked 8 sites.
Well, there is firephorm:
http://www.ghacks.net/2008/10/14/firephorm-the-anti-phorm-firefox-extension/
Maurice W. Hilarius Voice: (778) 347-9907
Collusion plugin for Chrome/Safari from Disconnect.me blocks all known trackers. Since using it for a while, I have noticed a disappearance of eerily targeted ads in Google searches, etc.
[RIAA] says its concern is artists. That's true, in just the sense that a cattle rancher is concerned about its cattle.
Tor? Why? How about in Firefox or IE8 or 9 hit ctrl-shift-P. Tada, temporarily no more non-session cookies are preserved (among other privacy perks).
Doesn't using noscript block most of the sites that track one's browsing?
See point #8 here (8/15 sources I use for hosts are there) -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383743
* This drivel from you? LOL, it took the cake from you along w/ your obvious reading deficiencies, here:
"For all the overkill text you spewed out, I couldn't find a link to a hosts file that blocks trackers. It may be in there" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @09:46AM (#40384361)
Ahem: See above, & "eat your words" (flavored with the 'bitter taste of SELF-defeat' & YOUR FOOT IN YOUR TROLLING MOUTH!)...
(How do they taste? LMAO!)
---
"but I don't have time to do a detailed analysis of your post." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @09:46AM (#40384361)
No, you don't possess the technical KNOW-HOW to get the better of its 21 points in favor of hosts files I posted, that get end users of them the following:
---
1.) Better speed/bandwidth
2.) Better "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth"
3.) Better screen realestate
4.) Better tracking defense
5.) Better 'anonymity' (to an extent vs. DNS request logs, or vs. unjust DNSBL's (DNS blocklists) you feel are unjust)
6.) Better than browser addons for efficiency
---
& more...
Because, until the trolls around here do?
Well... they (and now, you) only remind me of what happened to the HULK (vs. Thor) in this clip from the excellent 2012 film "The Avengers" (where Hulk gets 1st FLOORED, & then pinned & trapped beneath Thor's hammer (& is unable to escape or move it)):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Attt4dVu0U&feature=related
Since everytime I post that list??
Not a SINGLE /. TROLL has managed to disprove its points... not a one, for years now... lol!
APK
P.S.=> Oh yes, & of course, the "usual" effete retaliation of trolls when blown away by facts & technical data proofs, in the "wannabe english teacher" troll:
"Also, by your writing style, I'd think you were actually trying to link me to some scam site." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @09:46AM (#40384361)
You LACK OF READING "style" (ability actually) is proven above... before YOU tell others how to write? I suggest you first learn HOW TO READ (you may learn something, troll, because I have "schooled you" easily)... apk
How many users did they have to track to obtain that finding?
Reminds me of watching the HULK get "pinned" beneath Thor's Hammer Mjolnir here (position 20 onwards in the YouTube player control in this clip from the excellent 2012 flick "The Avengers" in fact):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Attt4dVu0U&feature=related
Since everytime I post that list?? Not a SINGLE /. TROLL has managed to disprove its points... not a one, for years now... lol!
Good analogy apk. Funny and apt. Trolls lose to your hosts file points as always. All they have is downmods to try hide your challenges to them, nothing more, proving your points on the good custom hosts files can do for users of them.
I use Opera and the Ghostery extension along with WOT. Then I run CCleaner a few times a day. I ALWAYS log out of any site once I'm done with what I logged in to do, and that goes double for Google. Then run CCleaner. I take a small hit with some occasional unpredictable behavior on some sites with Ghostery running, but screw 'em. If they want my junk, I can find (95% of the time) what i want elsewhere. Strategy seems to work pretty well, low spam incidence in gmail and my "real" email addresses are rarely spammed as well. Recently checked Google's data on me through the privacy page and all clear.
"If the only tool that you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail." Donny Rumsfeld
Downmods of a fair challenge apk made isn't disproving his points on hosts files. Large fail that, trolls. He isn't posting mycleanpc drivel. He posts actual verifiable facts. There's a big difference.
I think you're confused. My post, with my complete lack of interest, is not there to prove or disprove your rantings about AdBlock.
I get no joy from provoking emotional responses on the internet. Your response actually made me shed a tear. All that typing on Slashdot for fuck all.
#No one cares
Stick that in your newly invented hosts file.
This post contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
Troll downmods of a challenge to them's only showing apk wins as usual. Hulk trolls pinned by apk's hammer.
You care since you post n fail to meet his challenge. We know that. You make me laugh to the point of tears in watching you run away from disproving apk's points on hosts files here troll http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383743
"Huge, but useful post" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @10:49AM (#40385203)
Thank-you: BIG "fan" of detail here is why - miss those here on /.? You get "annihilated" by nitpickers... this site'll teach ANYONE that much!
Now, per my subject-line above??
Good app!
I've tested it vs. my own here:
http://securemecca.com/public/APKHostsFileInstaller/
(That's one set of custom hosts file data providers that's hosting it for me, & another is hpHosts/malwarebytes).
This is a "FIRST" by the way - I've never posted links for it to ANYONE except those testing it (which has been going on since 2006 here in fact).
Which I am FINALLY releasing to the "general public" for consumption & use by others for the reasons noted in my 'huge post'... why?
Well, I told myself that IF by 2012, things didn't get better on the malware online in general front? OUT SHE'D GO to others...
You simply extract its files to ANY folder you like (usually one you create for it, doesn't matter where, but you MUST run it as administrator (simple & the "read me" tab shows how easy THAT is to do):
---
Sooo... What's it do for you?
It's a custom hosts file mgt. program that does the following for end users (Calling it "APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++")
---
1.) Offers massively noticeable increased speed for websurfing via blocking adbanners
2.) Offers increased speed for users fav. sites by hardcoding them into the hosts file for faster IP address-to-host/domain name resolutions (which sites RARELY change their hosting providers, e.g.-> of 250 I do, only 6 have changed since 2006 - & when sites do because they found a less costly hosting provider? Then, they either email notify members, put up warnings on their pages, & do IP warnings & redirectors onto the former IP address range to protect vs. the unscrupulous criminal bidding on that range to buy it to steal from users of say, online banking or shopping sites).
3.) Better "Layered-Security"/"Defense-In-Depth" via blocking host-domain based attacks by KNOWN bad sites-servers that are known to do so (which IS, by far, the majority of what's used by both users (hence the existence of the faulty but for most part working DNS system), AND even by malware makers (since host-domain names are recyclable by they, & the RBN (Russian Business Network & others)) were doing it like mad with "less than scrupulous", or uncaring, hosting providers)
4.) Better 'anonymity' to an extent vs. DNS request logs (not vs. DPI ("deep packet inspection"))
5.) The ability to circumvent unjust DNSBL (DNS Block Lists) if unjust or inconveniences a user.
6.) Protection vs. online trackers
7.) Better security vs. the DNS system being "dns poisoned/redirected" (a known problem for recursive DNS servers via port 51/53 misdirection)
8.) Write protecting the hosts file every 1/2 second (supplementing UAC) - even if/when you move it from the default location via this registry entry (which if done, can function ALMOST like *NIX shadow passwords because of this program):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Tcpip\Parameters
And changing the "DataBasePath" parameter there (I do this moving it to a faster media, a "true SSD" using DDR-2 RAM, in the 4gb Gigabyte IRAM I have).
9.) Automatic downloading & Alphabetic sorting of hosts files' records entries (for easier end user mgt. manually) from 15 reliable sources (of 17 I actually use).
10.) Manual editing of all files used (hosts to import list, hosts itself in its default location of %windir%\system32\drivers\etc, the hosts files to import/download & process, & favorite sites to reverse dns ping to avoid DNS (noted above why)).
11.) Removal scanners (if the users decide to remove hosts entries from imported data they can check
Via this program I wrote, & I've finally posted links to it here http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40385557
* Feel free to try it IF you wish...
(It's decent and does the job (data accuracy in it is excellent & the code's been rated that by Mr. Steven Burn of hpHosts/malwarebytes).
* It imports, normalizes (removes duplicates & non-functional entries), & finalizes a custom hosts file from 12 sources in about 15 minutes time on an Intel Core I7 920 CPU system w/ 3gb DDR2 RAM onboard.
(Details of what it can do for you are in the link above, as well as a download link for it).
APK
P.S.=> So, so much for this sarcasm from you since I don't lift a finger to do anything to it, since I no longer have to, since I automated it YEARS ago:
"He has a hobby: Constantly updating his hosts file." - by nigelo (30096) on Wednesday June 20, @11:08AM (#40385487)
Nope - that program I wrote does it for me, every 12 hours (& I have a version here that does it every 15 minutes in fact, to a temp copy that's pristine, & overwrites the actual master HOSTS file so even IF it were "bushwhacked"? It gets "clean" & with more current data vs. known bad hosts-domains/sites/servers that serve up malware or malscripted exploits + adbanners)... apk
It took me exactly 2 minutes to find (part of) the source code of said program...
http://web.archive.org/web/20080821182640/http://www.antiphorm.com/software/latest/AntiPhormLite1_33.dba
Very interesting! (adding both of your posts to my Evernote for later detailed reading/analysis).
Any plans to offer the "APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++" at "normal" looking website, with FAQs, screenshots etc (OTOH, I can understand privacy/safety concerns of any individual challenging the multi-billion dollar scamming/advertisement industry)? It does everything (and more?) HostsMan does for me: automatic updates from multiple sources, 127.0.0.1->0.0.0.0 conversion, comments and duplicates removal... Moving "DataBasePath" to RAM - how much does it speed the process up?
Just in case you did not see this, here is the link to the page of Fravia (who had unfortunately deceased in 2009 :-( ) on blocking malicious IP ranges (is there such a functionality in APK?):
http://www.searchlores.org/antiadve.htm#rout
"Very interesting! (adding both of your posts to my Evernote for later detailed reading/analysis)." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
Thank you, & I hope you find it useful...
---
"Any plans to offer the "APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++" at "normal" looking website, with FAQs, screenshots etc." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
Yes, eventually, Mr. Burn of hpHosts/malwarebytes + Henry Hobbitt of hostfile.org asked me the same... right now, I am building in filtration for the NEW "gTLD's" that are coming out... it's important, for the future.
The version you can get now doesn't account for them (tld's like these -> http://newgtlds-cloudfront.icann.org/sites/default/files/reveal/strings-1200utc-13jun12-en.csv )
It will, soon... about a week, tops.
---
"(OTOH, I can understand privacy/safety concerns of any individual challenging the multi-billion dollar scamming/advertisement industry)?." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
I'm not "Bruce (ad) Banner's" (lol) enemy...
OR
That of the security industry (be that antivirus/antispyware or even the DNS system itself with all of its faults I noted) either - I'm actually MORE THEIR FRIEND...
Simply by pointing out they have issues that needed supplementing via this tool or one like it!
---
"It does everything (and more?) HostsMan does for me: automatic updates from multiple sources, 127.0.0.1->0.0.0.0 conversion, comments and duplicates removal... ." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
A bit more, but all of what it can do, afaik... & it imports from as many, if not MORE, sources for valid hosts file data (all sources are known & reputable). It even checks or can check, sites you MAY wish to remove (but should be checked vs. known databases of malicious sites first, prior to removal, for safety).
---
"Moving "DataBasePath" to RAM - how much does it speed the process up?." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
It does so (here) by my moving the hosts file to a TRUE SSD (Gigabyte IRAM 4gb DDR2 based ramdrive board), & that's for FASTER SEEK/ACCESS (since they're known for that vs. std. HDD's), & then, the diskcaching subsystem in the OS does the rest (caching hosts file data to RAM), since the hosts file is just a file, like any other...
That, & SuperFetch in Windows does the rest (better, since it keeps frequently accessed data better & doesn't 'flush' as easily as caches do, so as long as you're surfing & thus, using the hosts file for fav. sites especially hardcoded into it (going to be GOOD on July 9th 2012, when the DNSChanger trojan starts getting 'flushed' worldwide)).
---
"Just in case you did not see this, here is the link to the page of Fravia (who had unfortunately deceased in 2009 :-( ) on blocking malicious IP ranges (is there such a functionality in APK?):
http://www.searchlores.org/antiadve.htm#rout" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:39AM (#40385939)
NO, I do IP addresses in firewalls (since hosts files can't stop those) via PowerShell scripts for "enmasse import"... but, the GREAT MAJORITY of what malware makers use? Hosts-Domain names!
Why? First - they pay for them, & they do, because they're "recyclable"/reuseable... the RBN (Russian Business Network), a known gang of criminals online in the past, was notorious for it.
(Makes sense - because once IP Addresses are known bad? Th
Are you on topic troll? No. Go away now, shooo little troll...
APK
P.S.=> Thus - Once more this challenge goes out to you off-topic trolls who clearly don't possess the technical KNOW-HOW to get the better of my 1st post here's 21 points in favor of hosts files I posted -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383743 , that get end users of them the following:
---
1.) Better speed/bandwidth
2.) Better "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth"
3.) Better screen realestate
4.) Better tracking defense
5.) Better 'anonymity' (to an extent vs. DNS request logs, or vs. unjust DNSBL's (DNS blocklists) you feel are unjust)
6.) Better than browser addons for efficiency
---
& more...
Because, until the trolls around here do?
Well... they (and now, you) only remind me of what happened to the HULK (vs. Thor) in this clip from the excellent 2012 film "The Avengers"(where Hulk gets 1st FLOORED, & then pinned & trapped beneath Thor's hammer (& is unable to escape or move it)):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Attt4dVu0U&feature=related
Since everytime I post that list??
Not a SINGLE /. TROLL has managed to disprove its points... not a one, for years now... lol, & I wager you'll do more "FAIL" of the same vs. facts I posted on hosts file usage & benefits... apk
"What I'd want to know is how he managed to get such a long post through before /. truncates it - usually you get maybe a short essay's worth of text before the "Read more of this comment" link shows up. This guy managed maybe five times that length." - by tlhIngan (30335) on Wednesday June 20, @11:54AM (#40386163)
From the film "Daredevil", so - see subject-line, & that's HOW... if you've seen that film, it's his statement to Electra:
"Ah, baby... you're good! But me? I'M MAGIC!"
* Fact is, a LOT on this site doesn't apply to me like it does to the rest of you (including the ac 10 posts per 24 hours unfair restriction on us AC users).
APK
P.S.=> And, that's that... apk
Not selling a thing here. I am freely giving it away here http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40385557
* So, so much for your off-topic trolling b.s. here:
"Are you... selling something? And trying to do so by insulting potential customers? I don't get it." -
See above, & of course you don't "get it" - you're a troll, complete with typical troll IQ of 10 below plantlife!
(LMAO - that's only further proven by your clear inability to disprove points I make on custom hosts files here... lol!)
This? Well... you KNOW I've gotta say it, as-is-per-my-inimitable style:
This?? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2EZ'", & it's NOT MY FAULT doltish trolls like you make it so for me, everytime (you always make me look GOOD though, I'll give you THAT much... thanks!)
APK
P.S.=> Once more, so it "sinks in" to your dull trollish brain:
This challenge goes out to you off-topic trolls who clearly don't possess the technical KNOW-HOW to get the better of my 1st post here's 21 points in favor of hosts files I posted -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383743 , that get end users of them the following list of benefits:
---
1.) Better speed/bandwidth
2.) Better "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth"
3.) Better screen realestate
4.) Better tracking defense
5.) Better 'anonymity' (to an extent vs. DNS request logs, or vs. unjust DNSBL's (DNS blocklists) you feel are unjust)
6.) Better than browser addons for efficiency
---
& more...
Because, until the trolls around here do?
Well... they (and now, you) only remind me of what happened to the HULK (vs. Thor) in this clip from the excellent 2012 film "The Avengers"(where Hulk gets 1st FLOORED, & then pinned & trapped beneath Thor's hammer (& is unable to escape or move it)):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Attt4dVu0U&feature=related
Since everytime I post that list??
LOL - Yes... Not a SINGLE /. TROLL has managed to disprove its points - not a one, for years now... lol, & I wager you'll do more "FAIL" of the same vs. facts I posted on hosts file usage & benefits... apk
It's still there if you know where to look. The script source, anyway. Dunno how well it will work with an up-to-date browser. Wonder too if random browsing is necessarily the best approach. You might need something more...directed. YMMV.
"Another problem with the Windows hosts file: if you're running Microsoft Security Essentials, it will view modificaitons to the hosts file as a virus and remove them." - by arbulus (1095967) on Wednesday June 20, @01:17PM (#40387273)
Funny - it doesn't do that here on Windows 7 64-bit, & with the latest update to MS Security Essentials, both the app itself AND its updated data files, daily.
* I wonder WHY that's happening for you...
---
I can, however, tell you 1 thing, for sure/certain, where MS is erring:
The local DNS clientside cache service has to be 'shutdown' with relatively LARGER hosts files...
I've shown + proven other facts about errors in that service, and things MS did to hosts files period, VISTA onwards, here:
All systems (VISTA after 12/09/2008 hotfix "Patch Tuesday" by Microsoft did so and now VISTA &/or Windows Server 2008 will NOT work using 0, but can use 0.0.0.0 for example & Windows 2000 pre Service Pack #1 will do the same - it will not use anything but 127.0.0.1).
REPORTED TO MICROSOFT by APK here -> http://blogs.msdn.com/b/e7/archive/2009/02/25/feedback-and-engineering-windows-7.aspx?CommentPosted=true&PageIndex=3#comments
And here on www.slashdot.org to a Richard Russell who posts as FOREDECKER there (he is a senior VP at Microsoft and leader of the "Windows Client Performance Division" there, or was then, & may have moved to another division)
Yes, and he conceded my points on HOSTS files also:
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1467692&cid=30384918
So, why are 0, &/or 0.0.0.0 faster & better on disk and reads than 127.0.0.1? Well, the first octet(s) IS/ARE 2-7 bytes (16 bits) smaller each entry used is why: COMMON-SENSE & over a large amount of entries this makes for FASTER loadtime from disk into your local Cache and since 0 and perform no "loopback operation" and are essentially analogs to a DROP request vs. 127.0.0.1 doing essentially a DENY request (as in firewalls) and a loopback operation directing back to itself, you have more efficient operations doing 0 or 0.0.0.0 vs. 127.0.0.1, the "loopback adapter" and its address (yes, even on Windows where there is a loopback adapter one may bind to a protocol (which is only a dummy driver for systems that have no NIC in them, see here in that regard ->
http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/john-savills-windows-faqs/what-is-the-microsoft-loopback-adapter-and-why-do-i-need-it-for-sql-server-.aspx
APK
P.S.=> I don't recall "messing with" ANY of MS Security Essentials options either, & simply run it in 'default' settings mode afaik (but, I can check on that, unless YOU can tell me differently in regards to its settings)... apkPageIndex=3#comments
And here on www.slashdot.org to a Richard Russell who posts as FOREDECKER there (he is a senior VP at Microsoft and leader of the "Windows Client Performance Division" there, or was then,
Not sure why it was happening, either. It was on both XP and 7. Everything with MSE was the default settings. I've seen malware fiddle with hosts files before, but it seemed odd that it would assume that all modifications are malicious.
I was using hosts for web filtering for a small business client of mine. They wanted some computers to have limited access to the web, while allowing others full access. Hosts files were the easiest solution. But not long after I implemented it, MSE flagged them all as viruses and removed my modifications.
This was several months back, though. Maybe MSE has had an update that resolved the issue since then.
I needed a birth certificate, proof of my national insurance number and all my bank details.
I had to sign a waiver about my bank account and agreed to have some of my wages docked for this and that reason.
Then the interview began.
After we had to sit through all the advertising bullshit for Morrisons, the company employing the agency running the scam... (I wish I could get hold of some of the presentation videos. If you remember the deer in the headlights clip of Tony Blair visiting the USA after realising he'd just got rogered into a phoney war, it was like that) they wanted to know just how desperate we were and how reliable we'd be.
I wonder just how many of these sorts of scams people like the large supermarkets pull. Their in house "agency" only running the personnel office of that one branch not the whole chain.
And only offering a few days here and there as needed and no sick pay if you fail to meet their stringent quarantine laws. It's back to the Victorian era in time for the Jubilee.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jun/04/jubilee-pageant-unemployed?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9038
What a pity it is illegal to enquire back. Anyone here know anyone from Anonymous, know what I mean, wink, nudge?
See subject-line, & I hope that helps, because I honestly do NOT see that issue here (again, on Windows 7 64-bit + MS Security Essentials 64-bit model, version # 4.0.1526.0 , filename -> mseinstall.exe - download date here was 4/24/2012... )
* Who knows though? I just MAY have "toyed" with its options to stop it from messing w/ hosts file data, but I can't recall it (I started using MS Security Essentials since day #1 it was releasted - however/again: I do KNOW it's gotten a few updates since then too, so... there you are, good luck, & I hope it helps to simply update the executable for it + its signatures)
APK
P.S.=> Above ALL else here though? Well... it is NICE to see another person that's aware of what hosts files can do for folks though - you're not alone in that regarding custom hosts files amongst slashdot users (I list a few quotes in my init. post from them), & GOOD to see you applying it also for yourself & others!
(There's a HELL OF A LOT that that single file can do for folks which I enumerated FULLY in my init. post here -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383743 because it is SO versatile & "ubiquitous")... apk
For all your trolling, you run from this, "Forrest" -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383951
* Why's that troll? Too much of a challenge for your 10 below plantlife IQ??
(Yes, obviously... lmao @ U, troll!)
All "little troll" Inda had, was an effete moddown!
(Now, before any /. "genius" tries to tell me that a registered 'luser' can't do that AND post in a thread? Bullshit - you downmod first, then logout of your registered 'luser' account, so the tracking cookie doesn't remove your downmod, & then troll by AC!)
APK
P.S.=> Oh, & WHERE ARE MY MANNERS? I must THANK you, for making ME, look GOOD, as you effete off-topic trolls ALWAYS do... apk
For all your trolling, you run from this, "Forrest" -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383951
* So, please - tell us: Why's that troll? Too much of a challenge for your 10 below plantlife IQ??
(Yes, obviously... lmao @ U, troll!)
All "little troll" has is effete moddowns & further off-topic trolling... lol, thanks for proving that point for me also!
(Now, before any /. "genius" tries to tell me that a registered 'luser' can't do that AND post in a thread? Bullshit - you downmod first, then logout of your registered 'luser' account, so the tracking cookie doesn't remove your downmod, & then troll by AC, and log back in & "POOF" - your bogus downmods do NOT disappear...!)
APK
P.S.=> Oh, & WHERE ARE MY MANNERS? Once more - I must THANK you, for making ME, look GOOD, as you effete off-topic trolls ALWAYS do - especially when you RUN FORREST (lol) from a challenge I put to you to disprove my points on hosts files... apk
Having a custom hosts file is all fine and good, but that does not mitigate Deep Packet Inspection:
FTA:
The company's proposed advertising system, called Webwise, is a behavioral targeting service (similar to NebuAd) that uses deep packet inspection to examine traffic... and the ISP BT Group has been criticised for running secret trials of the service.
"Having a custom hosts file is all fine and good, but that does not mitigate Deep Packet Inspection: FTA: The company's proposed advertising system, called Webwise, is a behavioral targeting service (similar to NebuAd) that uses deep packet inspection to examine traffic... and the ISP BT Group has been criticised for running secret trials of the service." - by nullchar (446050) on Wednesday June 20, @06:19PM (#40391691)
Hmmm, maybe I am blind (or I am otherwise "off" & haven't had my coffee yet this a.m. either, lol), but I couldn't find that quote from the source article..
* Can you point me to a link that has the quote you used? Thanks...
(I'd be more than willing to discuss this too - sounds interesting enough is why, & maybe I can learn something also...)
APK
P.S.=> Thanks for getting me the source link to the quote you used, because I honestly couldn't find it either in the CNET link here http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57456273-83/behavioral-data-tracking-rising-dramatically-q-a/ OR here from the Register http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/16/antiphormlite/ ... apk
"4.) Better 'anonymity' to an extent vs. DNS request logs (not vs. DPI ("deep packet inspection"))" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday June 20, @11:12AM (#40385557)
FROM -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40385557
* There, I was discussing what a custom hosts file mgt. program I wrote does for users - & thus, there, you can see I covered your point, & MANY hours earlier than you did (I posted about DPI vs. hosts files @ 11 a.m., vs. your post time of 6:19 p.m.).
(Still - it is good you pointed that out anyhow, & that YOU are aware of it!)
APK
Or was this b.s. from you supposed to be on topic -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40383867
?
"I think you're confused." - by Inda (580031) on Wednesday June 20, @10:43AM (#40385113)
Ahem - I know that I am not, & especially about what's in my subject-line above (as does anyone else reading your crap in the link above).
* No, I am most definitely NOT "confused" about you, little trolling WORM... not @ all!
---
"My post, with my complete lack of interest, is not there to prove or disprove your rantings about AdBlock. - by Inda (580031) on Wednesday June 20, @10:43AM (#40385113)
Face facts: You're too STUPID to be able to disprove it, and I know it, YOU know it, & based on this evasive bullshit from you? So does anyone else reading...
---
"I get no joy from provoking emotional responses on the internet. Your response actually made me shed a tear. All that typing on Slashdot for fuck all. - by Inda (580031) on Wednesday June 20, @10:43AM (#40385113)
Funny - your response only made me laugh, realizing you're just another "ne'er-do-well" troll... nothing more.
---
"#No one cares" - by Inda (580031) on Wednesday June 20, @10:43AM (#40385113)
Funny - my initial post is rated +3 informative (was interesting before that)... & others' replies here show clearly otherwise, such as this one -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2926641&cid=40385203 , also...
(So, so much for your "opinion", you worthless scumbag troll).
---
"Stick that in your newly invented hosts file. - by Inda (580031) on Wednesday June 20, @10:43AM (#40385113)
LOL, "run forrest, run"... that's about ALL I have to say to you, since you're unable to disprove my points on hosts files...
APK
P.S.=> "RUN, FORREST... RUN!"... apk
I installed this software a little less than a month ago. Since then, it has blocked and logged 12,834 attempts to track me without my knowledge or consent. I had thought the figure would be in the high hundreds - THAT's why we need informed, explicit consent to track and why do-not-track by default is important....
There's more about Ghostery you evidently aren't aware of http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2931443&cid=40412193 and you may not like it. I didn't. I don't like 1/2 truths, and people pissing down my neck and telling me it's raining!
There's more about Ghostery you evidently aren't aware of http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2931443&cid=40412193 and you may not like it. I didn't. I don't like 1/2 truths, and people pissing down my neck and telling me it's raining!!!
There's more about Ghostery you evidently aren't aware of http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2931443&cid=40412193 and you may not like it. I didn't. I don't like 1/2 truths, and people pissing down my neck and telling me it's raining.