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Do Not Track Ineffective and Dangerous, Says Researcher
Seeteufel writes "Nadim Kobeissi, security researcher, describes the Do Not Track standard of the W3C as dangerous. 'In fact, Google's search engine, as well as Microsoft's (Bing), both ignore the Do Not Track header even though both companies helped implement this feature into their web browsers. Yahoo Search also ignored Do Not Track requests. Some websites will politely inform you, however, of the fact that your Do Not Track request has been ignored, and explain that this has been done in order to preserve their advertising revenue. But not all websites, by a long shot, do this.' The revelations come as Congress and European legislators consider to tighten privacy standards amid massive advertiser lobbying. 'Do not track' received strong support from the European Commission."
Do Not Do Not Track?
The days of the wild west on the net are gone...If the big boys in the industry cant get their shit together soon, we will get legislation, and that will be bad for everyone!
Just once I wish these companies could see that it is in the best interest of everyone to keep the government out and work together to reach a policy that will be adopted as a general standard without a law mandating it...
Many of us here have been saying DNT is a bad idea since it first appeared (and often, on slashdot, we've been downmodded for it). The right way to do this is NOT to depend on the good will of the remote side. Even you passed laws that demand compliance, the data collection will just move out of the jurisdiction of those laws, and anyway, the companies involved will buy themselves exceptions and find creative loopholes. You can't win, that way.
You CAN avoid giving them much data in the first place. You don't have to load their web bugs, their trackers, accept their cookies, or flash objects, and you can obscure your user agent string, and if you're really paranoid, even your IP address. Don't give them the data, and they can't track you with it, or at least, can't tie it to any real world identity.
And it goes without saying, don't use bloody Facebook.
For a long time, advertisement didn't bother me. I refused to use ad blocking addons, and considered ads just part of a trade. Sites give me content, I look at the ads.
Then came pop-ups. Pop-unders. Flash adds. Ads with music. Ads that would make my cockatiel go into convulsion, and start to drool and chase the neighbor's cat. And I have to tell you, my neighbor really loves her cat. And being chased by a drooling cockatiel will really humiliate a cat, and all dogs will start making fun of it. Not an idea situation.
So, back to the issue at hand. What MOST sites did was poison the well: no one can drink front it. It got so bad that I eventually had to start using ad blocking addons.
Now people want to implement VOLUNTARY sensitive advertisement and privacy practices. Obviously, they are trying to convince people we no longer need our ad blocking addons. By saying they will do something that is exactly the opposite of what they have done so far, ostensibly.
Sure, some sites will do the would Do Not Track dance. But those are the same sites that already respect our privacy and my neighbor's cat. Exactly the ones that don't need it.
The ones that need it the most, will just ignore it.
Fun, isn't it?
Fuck Do No Track. I will keep my Javascript and Ad blocking addons.
morcego
They still act like there are just 3 network TV stations, and that if they write a witty line in an ad, 50 million people will see it and go buy their crap. Like "Think Mink", or "Got Milk?". They still think they can bombard the public's eyeballs with ads and force us to robotically buy whatever they are selling. "Do Not Track" isn't even a speed-bump for these geniuses.
The poster asserts that DNT is a (not very good) technical solution to a technical problem, and proposes other technical solutions.
The problem is that DNT is neither a technical solution, nor is it trying to solve a technical problem.
DNT is the first step in a legal solution to a social problem.
You may argue whether legal or technical solutions (or both, or neither) are more effective against this social problem. However, put DNT into the right bucket first!
I seem to remember the imputus for this stupid technology was that a Mozilla researcher was about to make available some technology that either blocked tracking cookies or made them relatively anonymous, but then Google and others stepped in and stopped it, and came up with this easily ignorable solution instead. Has anyone else heard of this or am I making it up? Since the story first broke I haven't been able to find any references to it.
Anything that leaves your privacy on the "good will" of the companies is inefficient to protect my privacy.
If I do want to protect it, I'll use tools like Ghostery and DNT+ where I can choose *myself* what info I send, and not rely on them honoring the DNT.
I know I will be flagged "flame" but honestly the DNT looks a lot like the "evil bit" to me.
Next up, being unarmed and begging pretty please shown not to prevent robberies.
This is just like the evil bit. Anything requiring cooperation from assholes is doomed to failure.
They use it as yet another indicator of your personality to better target ads.
Relying on the people who want to track you to honor your "Please don't" request is just guaranteeing disappointment.
Now there are plenty of ways you can clamp down on the tracking and cross-site leakage, from NoScript to RefControl, but the single easiest cross-browser cross-platform way to do it is Ghostery: https://www.ghostery.com/
Most importantly, unlike the other methods (NoScript in particular) it only very rarely breaks a page. So it's just set up and forget.
I'm sure it's not as effective as some other tactics, but the 'works on everything' and 'just works' is really key to just using it all the time everywhere.
I don't even understand the point of the "Do not track" feature in web browsers if the websites you visit can forcibly ignore it. Isn't that the whole point of it being there anyway?
Here's a question to the /. crowd; has anyone made an application/program/extension that forcibly makes websites not track you? Has anyone used one? And if so do websites prevent you from viewing their content when it's on?
-And to the point about advertising:
1) Almost zero ads shown to me, apply to me.
2) Didn't someone just post on here that malware is prevalent in legitimate ads? I've know this for a while and so I never click ads ever.
3) There are plenty of extensions that specifically block only ads, and lots of people use them.
So stating that they ignore the do not follow for ad purposes seems moot.
-Anonymous Coward because I'm too lazy to do a "I forgot my password" on /.
Advertisers need to STFU as they are the reason all this happened. Most people really don't mind non-invasive ads that much. They'll let them happen and likely not even complain. However the advertisers seem to think that more obnoxious, more invasive, etc is the way to get attention. Eventually, it pushes people over the edge and they will block it.
Happened to me. I was fine with ads, I understand the need. However I really hated popups. No problem, popup blocker. Then game the fucking flash ads, ok fine so a flash blocker with click to pay for the stuff I want. Then, HTML 5 ads that take over a page. Ok, fuck you, all ads are blocked, I've had enough.
Happens with more people I know too. They'll ask me if there's a way to deal with it and I'll point them to Adblock.
Advertisers really need to understand that if you don't want your market to go away, you have to stop being dicks about it. Keep the ads low key and not fraudulent, and people will probably be ok with it by and large. Some won't, but most won't mind, at least not enough to do something. However the more invasive you are, the more people will block it out.
Exaggerating much? DNT is worthless at most. I don't see any reason why anyone will be able to better protect their own privacy without the existence of DNT. If they don't understand how DNT works, then they likely won't understand how their privacy is violated when they browse the web either. Even when they take other measures and use other tools to avoid being tracked, if they do not understand how tracking works, they will inevitably leak out enough information to get tracked.
This blog post sounds like just another "researcher" looking for attention by making more noise.
There is a trivial, 99% effective fix for this problem. In firefox, go to Edit:Preferences:Privacy and tell it to forget all cookies when you end a browser session. There is also a facility for whitelisting cookies from certain sites so that, for example, you don't have to log in to slashdot every time. Cookies from the whitelisted sites are remembered across browser sessions.
Find free books.
FTA:
That's the main problem (the article doesn't claim any secondary problems)? That doesn't make it dangerous. Everyone knows it has no teeth, and anyone unaware of that clearly isn't concerned about online privacy/security to begin with.
I personally will continue to leave the "Do Not Track" box ticked because it is a great idea that is important to support. Think of it this way: If the websites gathering data see only 12% of users have DNT enabled, they'll surmise that nobody minds being tracked so they can continue to ignore it and possibly employ more invasive privacy violations. On the other hand, if these data gathering websites see 65% of users with DNT enabled (even though it may be ineffective), it sends a strong message that people do care about online privacy, and has the potential to encourage stronger privacy solutions.
Just because big companies are openly ignoring their users' wishes to not be tracked is no reason to disable DNT. In fact, the message it sends is that perhaps we need to reconsider what companies we support.
What a surprise: sleazy advertisers remain sleazy.
Here's something that I wrote in 2010 on the subject:
Ads can go to hell. I've had enough malware served up that I don't give a rat's ass about "ad revenue".
Sorry website owners, your advertisers have proven they cannot be trusted. Until that changes, their ads will not be viewed. If you try to circumvent this, I will gladly do without your useless little site; there are no unique sites on today's Internet.
It's intrusive and/or obnoxious behavior. I don't use a form of ad blocking on all my machines, and the ones I see that I can confidently say are influenced by the other sites I've visited are generally tolerable. Compared to the canned ads for the wireless company/car manufacturer/etc that has a contract with the media company who bought out a website I frequent they look reasonable. They generally don't autoplay any audio or video, nor do they take up my whole screen if my mouse accidentally violates their airspace.
It sounds like a serious comittee and companies got an inspiration from the Evil Bit proposal, even though that one was an april fools joke.
Eventually the government will get involved "for the children" or "for the " and will create computer registration, aka Computer Safety. Remotely installable "Assult Software" will be banned and only applications approved by the local Housing Authority will be approved, unless you take a computer safety course with the appropriate insurance purchased, of course. Houses with more than 5 computer will eventually be banned and zoning restrictions, for energy conservation, of course, will be enforced with rigor.
Both in terms of the idea and design. There is no level of Trust in the design of "Do Not Track". The server on the other end has no real obligation to honor the flag. The client has no real way to check if it is honoring the flag.
Also something people miss: You can't legislate trust. How do you prove violations? Random audits on paper sound like the way to tackle conformance but again who is building that tool? Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc? Again we have a lack of trust....
For me, I don't care whether the site honors that header or not. If they're going to abuse tracking, they're not likely to suddenly come over all ethical and change their servers to not track. What the DNT header does is give a standard, recognized signal present in every single browser request that I do not consent to tracking. It's like the fence with the locked gates and "Private Property - No Trespassing" signs around a property: it's not going to keep trespassers out, but it's a clear and more importantly legally-recognized demarcation. If they jump over the fence onto my land and get in trouble because of being there, the court's going to look at the fact the land was clearly posted and tell them "Sorry, we don't accept your claim that you didn't know it was private property.". With the DNT header, no Web site can claim they didn't know I didn't consent to tracking. They can't claim implicit consent, because there's explicit non-consent in the very request they serviced. And this is why the advertisers are making such a play to get the DNT header dismissed and abandoned. Up to now they've taken the position of "You must consent as a condition of access, you accessed so we can assume your consent.". As long as there's no standard way of saying "I do not consent.", they can get away with that. But with a standard DNT header they can't argue that it's infeasible to check every possible way of not consenting. There's just one, and it's not ambiguous. The counter-argument of "If they don't want to allow access to those who don't consent, why did they not simply return an HTTP error when they saw the DNT header?" becomes rather more convincing.
The secret the advertisers don't want to state up front is that they don't want to require consent to tracking. They just want to track everybody whether they consent or not. Anything that provides a clear, unambiguous message to them about consent or lack thereof is a threat to that position, because it makes it harder for them to argue a basis for their assuming consent.
And a message to every Web-site and ad-network operator out there: if you're serious, stop whining and configure your servers to return 403 Forbidden to every request with the DNT header set. It's not that hard.
I'm surprised that this is a minority view. This is a legal issue. There are no technical means to utterly prevent tracking, but this provides a legal means for punishing people who do it. Anyone who says DNT is harmful is selling something, or bought something stupid from someone who is.
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Just use a good ad and cookie blocker, and Do Not Track becomes a moot issue. My cookie blocker allows me to alternate between blocking the cookie entirely, replying with random gibberish, or replying with whatever crap I want to put into it. "123';drop table;" is a favorite, though I don't resort to that unless the web site blocks the back button or uses popunders or commits some similar sin that is deserving of such a response.
I suspect Microsoft is behind a lot of the litigation against Google. And in almost every case, Microsoft is doing the same thing.
We've created a completely, utterly useless specification that every single (mainstream) browser now implements as a feature. In all, countless megabytes (gigabytes?) and countless manhours and processing-hours have been wasted, all for the sake of doing nothing.
Of course, anyone with half a brain saw this coming.
Ya know, last time I checked it was still illegal.
And I bet it's been lobbied into existence by some manager who wanted to make sure we can't get rid of 'em... sneaky bastards...
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Hmm... if someone comes illegally onto my property after I clearly marked it, I may shoot him in defense. Say... does that work on that DNT too?
Please, oh please say yes...
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
My subject says it all. I don't really care about being tracked, I just really don't want to see *any* ads and will actively block obtrusive or irrelevant ads through various browser extensions and Proxomitron.
It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
You mean, when all the major browsers enable DNT by default, everybody ends up just ignoring the flag, putting us back to where we started? I'm shocked.
Hosts file and no script, only enable the stuff that you need. Plus with all of that worthless javascript wasting cpu cycles and memory gone, you can use your computers resources for something more useful, like a hundred more tabs.
Ghostery's true background (Score:3, Interesting)
"Seems like a lot of people are praising Ghostery, which leads me to believe that you haven't heard the backstory.
Evidon, which makes Ghostery, is an advertising company. They were originally named Better Advertising, Inc., but changed their name for obvious PR reasons. Despite the name change, let's be clear on one thing: their goal still is building better advertising, not protecting consumer privacy. Evidon bought Ghostery, an independent privacy tool that had a good reputation. They took a tool that was originally for watching the trackers online, something people saw as a legitimate privacy tool, and users were understandably concerned. The company said they were just using Ghostery for research. Turns out they had relationships with a bunch of ad companies and were compiling data from which sites you visited when you were using Ghostery, what trackers were on those sites, what ads they were, etc., and building a database to monetize.
When confronted about it, they made their tracking opt-in and called it GhostRank, which is how it exists today. They took an open-source type tool, bought it, turned it from something thatâ(TM)s actually protecting people from the ad industry, to something where the users are actually providing data to the advertisers to make it easier to track them. This is a fundamental conflict of interest.
To sum up: Ghostery makes its money from selling supposedly de-indentified user data about sites visited and ads encountered to marketers and advertisers. You get less privacy, they get more money. That's an inverse relationship. Better Advertising/Evidon continually plays up the story that people should just download Ghostery to help them hide from advertisers. Their motivation to promote it, however, isn't for better privacy; it's because they hope that you'll opt in to GhostRank and send you a bunch of information. They named their company Better Advertising for a reason: their incentive is better advertising, not better privacy."
http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2931443&cid=40412193
"I know I will be flagged "flame""
Why, are you a homosexual?
Of my "Please Do Not Mug" t-shirt.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
We have an online world where advertisers are willing to bare faced lie.
* Adverts try to fake the UI of the web site that hosts them, example Facebook and SourceForge.
* Adverts saying "You have a message", "Three friends have unfriended you" - yet they can't know this and in the case of a test account - it didn't have any friends or anyone to send it messages.
* Messages like "According to our records you are owed £3056.23 in PPI" - If you're going to lie to me why should I trust you with financial details?
With things like this common place do we expect them to honour DNT?
"Ads can go to hell. I've had enough malware served up that I don't give a rat's ass about "ad revenue"." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 13, @09:10PM (#42891241)
Per my subject above: NoScript's FF's BEST addon, bar-none, but Adblock "just ain't what it used to be" (proofs below)!
Plus, "oddly enough" (lol, "not"), the advertisers + webmasters OMIT 1 VERY IMPORTANT FACT:
Fact being they not only INFECT you via adbanners (numerous examples below from reputable sources cited in that regard) BUT they also ROB YOU of your bandwidth/speed you PAID FOR MONTHLY TO YOUR ISP for online access! To the tune of 40% of the "weight" of every site online that displays ad banners no less on average!!!
I decided to do something about it, and you can too, should you elect to try this application I designed (works with a native tightly integrated feature of the IP stack itself in the hosts file @ ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver, fast as it gets & right off the bat, making adblock REDUNDANT actually, since browsers & addons CANNOT operate without knowing where to go, first, & hosts load @ OS startup once the IP stack loads (@ bootup & fully on 1st request to the internet, in Windows &/or MacOS X)):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SI
Actually legislation helps a lot. By outlawing spam you have over 99% of companies in countries that have outlawed it not sending spam any more. By outlawing spam, ISPs get a legal reason to filter spam. There have been lawsuits against ISPs in the past from companies claiming large losses due to ISPs filtering their spam and the spam thus not reaching the ISPs subscribers. Yes, even though it's illegal in quite a few countries, it still happens. However, it's substantially less and legislation has helped the technical solutions to stay in place. Both have to work together in this case. The same should apply to privacy laws. If a certain company refuses to obey a countries privacy laws, it should be taken to court and fined so hard that any profit they might have gained will be taken from them plus an extra amount to make sure they or others will never try to do this again. Technical ways to stop tracking people are very hard to implement and the only real solution is to not visit web sites that track you any more. Either that, or have proper legislation in place and active prosecution of companies not following the rules.
I was promised a flying car. Where is my flying car?
It took like bloody 12 or more years to come out after switching developers and publishers, and losing half its team.
We are talking about Duke Nukem Forever, right? Forever starts with a T, right? I mean, F is just T with his other hand down at his side.
"Sadly, I have "real intelligence" when a large enough to be profitable portion of the words population don't" - by Omestes (471991) on Thursday February 14, @02:21AM (#42893107) Homepage
Sadly, you're wrong (per my subject-line above) since AdBlock doesn't block all ads anymore, by default (& can't do 10++ things custom hosts files can, listed below) - same goes for Ghostery & even DNS servers!
Additionally: I hate doing this too, but it's "doesn't" in that case per your quoted words above, not "don't" in that turn of a phrase (grammar picking yes, sorry - ordinarily I don't do that, as it is off-topic, but it fits here!).
THIS creates that custom hosts file I note from 10++ reputable & reliable sources, "automagically":
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help you avoid DNS request logs (hosts can via hardcoded favorites)
8.) AdBlock can't
Per my subject-line above, custom hosts files = superior to browser addons!
(Since hosts are a TIGHTLY INTEGRATED native part of the IP stack itself, running in Ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode, vs. layering ontop of far, Far, FAR SLOWER Ring 3/rpl 3/usermode browsers, slowing them down even more (known issue, stack a few FF addons up, & see for yourself))!
In fact, Proxomitron is 1 of the FEW tools like it that actually works WELL with custom hosts files that I know of!
HOWEVER: Proxomitron http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxomitron bills itself as "the universal filter"... it's NOT AS UNIVERSAL AS CUSTOM HOSTS FILES ARE!
(Which again, are part of ANY OS' IP stack that's based on the BSD original & most all today, if not all, ARE based on it - even on smartphones, & does Proxomitron run on those? Not afaik... hosts, can & do (may have to run a DosToUnix utility over them IF you import them from Windows (ASCII vs. EBCIDIC & other issues are overcome that way), but that's about it for complexity of import/export)):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app
Per my subject-line above: See the list of evidences of that over time, listed below...
And?
Witness this program below, since it is a both TECHNICALLY SUPERIOR method of blocking vs. browser addons & more efficient also!
(Since browser addons for that purposed noted below run in already SLOWER ring 3/rpl 3/usermode, vs. hosts being part of tcpip.sys/IP stack & merely a filter for it, running via device driver ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode too... far, Far, FAR FASTER, & addons slowup webbrowsers (known fact, stack up a few in FireFox for example, & see))!
This program below I designed simply builds up what is a NATIVE TIGHTLY INTEGRATED PART OF THE IP STACK ITSELF UP vs. adbanners (& other threats online such as known maliciously scripted sites/servers/hosts-domains, vs. botnets + their C&C Servers & bogus DNS servers & more...) from 10++ reputable & reliable sources for custom hosts file data!
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help y
"And a message to every Web-site and ad-network operator out there: if you're serious, stop whining and configure your servers to return 403 Forbidden to every request with the DNT header set. It's not that hard." - by Todd Knarr (15451) on Wednesday February 13, @10:45PM (#42892005) Homepage
Per my subject-line above: I created a solution vs. trackers & FAR more that is malicious to end-users/consumers of website data - vs. botnet C&C servers, trackers, spammers, phishers, maliciously coded scripts on sites & yes, in adbanners (tons of evidences of that over time are listed below for your reference & that of others)...
A solution that is far MORE efficient than competing 'solutions' that are either advertiser OWNED, or crippled by default, in browser addons, no less & even over DNS servers, which custom hosts, the end result of the program below, can actually supplement & reinforce on a NUMBER of levels no less!
(Most DNS servers worldwide, especially worst @ the ISP level, remain unpatched for 1/2 a decade vs. the Kaminsky redirection dns-poisoning flaw, see link below for proof, when setup in recursive mode especially & MOST are, & have to be).
It's more efficient than browser addons OR even DNS servers in usermode, since it operates in Ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode as a native TIGHTLY INTEGRATED part of the IP stack itself! The IP stack has over 44++ yrs. of refinement & optimization poured into it also... for efficiencies' sake as well as for security too!
(Which is far, Far, FAR faster & more efficient via tcpip.sys itself in kernelmode & loads as your OS does + fully on 1st request by web-bound client programs, which makes things like Adblock or Ghostery REDUNDANT & WASTEFUL in fact because of that very fact!)
It's better overall, vs. browser addons layering in over already SLOWER webbrowsers running in usermode/ring 3/rpl 3, & addons end up even slowing them down even more!
(TEST - Stack up a few addons in FireFox, see what I mean on that account - it is a KNOWN issue with browser addons in messagepassing alone (even if "in process"))
&
The program builds up a simple easily edited single-file solution that's TRULY "universal" & to ANY OS that runs a BSD-derived IP stack (most all, if not ALL today, do), including smartphones (might have to run a DosToUnix converter on it IF you import it from Windows though)).
Fact is - I kept it to myself 2003-2012, & I had it done before competitors did, long before...
I did so since I was NOT out to harm websites mainly who draw revenues from adbanners, & thus/again - I kept it to myself, that is, until adbanners began to show malicious script (see lists below)!
&
Also the fact ADBANNERS SUCK UP UP TO 40% OF AN AVERAGE WEBPAGE DOWNLOAD in mass sent/received, as well as CPU cycles, RAM, & other forms of I/O also, that you pay for in electricity AND your monthly bill to your ISP for online access!
(Thus, ads steal your bandwidth/speed YOU PAY FOR, in other words, as well as infesting you!)
However: The "explosion" of malware-in-general made me release it "to the masses"... mostly!
(From bad scripts, bad adbanners, malware servers, botnets etc./et al)
That happened mostly 2005 onwards imo since I've built up a custom hosts file here since 1997 & have a pretty GOOD idea when it really "kicked into gear" as to exploits in general online REALLY starting up more!
That prompted its release from me to the "general public", as well as adbanners themselves HOUSING MALICIOUS SCRIPT (last link @ the bottom of this post SHOULD interest you on that very note in fact...)):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
As to advertiser b.s. & also "solutions" vs. it (advertisers owned (ghostery), or crippled by default (adblock), or full of security issues (DNS)):
Per my subject-line above:
I created a solution vs. trackers & FAR more that is malicious to end-users/consumers of website data - vs. botnet C&C servers, trackers, spammers, phishers, maliciously coded scripts on sites & yes, in adbanners (tons of evidences of that over time are listed below for your reference & that of others)...
A solution that is far MORE efficient than competing 'solutions' that are either advertiser OWNED, or crippled by default, in browser addons, no less & even over DNS servers, which custom hosts, the end result of the program below, can actually supplement & reinforce on a NUMBER of levels no less!
(Most DNS servers worldwide, especially worst @ the ISP level, remain unpatched for 1/2 a decade vs. the Kaminsky redirection dns-poisoning flaw, see link below for proof, when setup in recursive mode especially & MOST are, & have to be).
It's more efficient than browser addons OR even DNS servers in usermode, since it operates in Ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode as a native TIGHTLY INTEGRATED part of the IP stack itself! The IP stack has over 44++ yrs. of refinement & optimization poured into it also... for efficiencies' sake as well as for security too!
(Which is far, Far, FAR faster & more efficient via tcpip.sys itself in kernelmode & loads as your OS does + fully on 1st request by web-bound client programs, which makes things like Adblock or Ghostery REDUNDANT & WASTEFUL in fact because of that very fact!)
It's better overall, vs. browser addons layering in over already SLOWER webbrowsers running in usermode/ring 3/rpl 3, & addons end up even slowing them down even more!
(TEST - Stack up a few addons in FireFox, see what I mean on that account - it is a KNOWN issue with browser addons in messagepassing alone (even if "in process"))
&
The program builds up a simple easily edited single-file solution that's TRULY "universal" & to ANY OS that runs a BSD-derived IP stack (most all, if not ALL today, do), including smartphones (might have to run a DosToUnix converter on it IF you import it from Windows though)).
Fact is - I kept it to myself 2003-2012, & I had it done before competitors did, long before...
I did so since I was NOT out to harm websites mainly who draw revenues from adbanners, & thus/again - I kept it to myself, that is, until adbanners began to show malicious script (see lists below)!
&
Also the fact ADBANNERS SUCK UP UP TO 40% OF AN AVERAGE WEBPAGE DOWNLOAD in mass sent/received, as well as CPU cycles, RAM, & other forms of I/O also, that you pay for in electricity AND your monthly bill to your ISP for online access!
(Thus, ads steal your bandwidth/speed YOU PAY FOR, in other words, as well as infesting you!)
However: The "explosion" of malware-in-general made me release it "to the masses"... mostly!
(From bad scripts, bad adbanners, malware servers, botnets etc./et al)
That happened mostly 2005 onwards imo since I've built up a custom hosts file here since 1997 & have a pretty GOOD idea when it really "kicked into gear" as to exploits in general online REALLY starting up more!
That prompted its release from me to the "general public", as well as adbanners themselves HOUSING MALICIOUS SCRIPT (last link @ the bottom of this post SHOULD interest you on that very note in fact...)):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=
http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42893891
* :)
APK
P.S.=>
"Hosts file and no script, only enable the stuff that you need. Plus with all of that worthless javascript wasting cpu cycles and memory gone, you can use your computers resources for something more useful, like a hundred more tabs." - by wakeboarder (2695839) on Thursday February 14, @01:24AM (#42892845)
Since you have the GOOD sense to use custom hosts files?
(Vs. other INFERIOR & less efficient + less easily managed advertiser owned (Ghostery), crippled by default (AdBlock), or full of security faults/flaws (DNS))
?
Well - You *MAY* find the program listed there in the link above QUITE useful for automating the acquisition, deduplication, & more in a custom hosts file: From 10++ reputable & reliable sources for that data, no less - as well as other data listed in the link above too...
... apk
Per my subject-line above: It's a "fox guarding the henhouse" & you'd have to be a 'CLUCK' to use it after knowing that (no offense intended, you *MAY* not be aware of what's listed below is why), in other words!
(Especially vs. this solution which is FAR superior technically, & in efficiency as well) - evidence of that is below:
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help you avoid DNS request logs (hosts can via hardcoded favorites)
8.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. TRACKERS (hosts can)
9.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. DOWNED or "DNS-poisoned" redirected DNS servers (hosts can by hardcodes)
10.) Hosts are EASIER to manage, they're just a text file (adblock means you had BEST know your javascript, perl, & python (iirc as to what languages are used to make it from source)).
& more... as a tiny 'sampling' & proofs thereof!
---
Same with Ghostery:
---
Per my subject-line above: It's a "fox guarding the henhouse" & you'd have to be a 'CLUCK' to use it after knowing that (no offense intended, you *MAY* not be aware of what's listed below is why), in other words!
(Especially vs. this solution which is FAR superior technically, & in efficiency as well) - evidence of that is below:
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help you avoid DNS request logs (hosts can via hardcoded favorites)
8.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. TRACKERS (hosts can)
9.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. DOWNED or "DNS-poisoned" redirected DNS servers (hosts can by hardcodes)
10.) Hosts are EASIER to manage, they're just a text file (adblock means you had BEST know your javascript, perl, & python (iirc as to what languages are used to make it from source)).
& more... as a tiny 'sampling' & proofs thereof!
---
Same with Ghostery:
---
"Scriptable browsers are what makes most ad-blocking features work" - by sgunhouse (1050564) on Thursday February 14, @01:56AM (#42892973)
Per my subject-line above: Here is that more efficient/less redundant FASTER way to do the job of stopping not only trackers, adbanners, botnet C&C servers, bogus DNS they use, spammers/phishers, known malware serving sites + maliciously scripted sites too, & more!
All of which rob you of your monies via taking speed/bandwidth you paid your ISP for monthly out of pocket since they take up, on average, 40% of the "mass" of what you download from a website to view its pages, & CPU cycles, RAM, & other forms of I/O as well - meaning adbanners also cost you in terms of electricity bills raised as well!
If not taking your monies & time since they infest/infect you with malicious code also (plenty of evidence of that is below as well from reputable sites)...
(The program below operates right from when your IP stack loads @ OS startup, &/or 1st request to the web from webbound clients of ALL kinds (Windows + MacOS X) - AND, in not just webbrowsers, but also for example, email programs, if an external program, like Outlook/Outlook Express, eudora & others too since the 1st thing requested IS the hosts file for IP address resolution from host-domain names).
The application solution below is MORE efficient since it doesn't use redundant and yes, advertiser owned or crippled by default browser addons!
Yes, there's proof of that below too... unbelievable as it seems... read on!
For starters:
---
1.) Addons slowdown browsers even more!
(Fact: stack up a few FF addons & see what happens... it's a KNOWN issue!).
2.) A custom hosts file also operates @ a far, Far, FAR faster & more efficient layer of operations too (ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode vs. browser in ring 3/rpl 3/usermode, being slowed down EVEN MORE by layering in addons - which wouldn't be SO BAD, if they weren't advertiser owned OR crippled by default... see below on that very note!).
3.) It also is TIGHTLY INTEGRATED as part of the IP stack itself, that has over 44++ yrs. of security & speed refinement put into it, written in C & Assembly code (far faster than browser addons like Adblock written in slower javascript, python or perl, & layered in over an already slower usermode app as far as webbound client programs go).
---
This loads it for you, from 10++ reputable & reliable sites for custom hosts file data vs. threats of all kinds online:
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them
No seriously. Thank you, Nadim Kobeissi, for using your media clout to bring the obvious to attention.
The world needs real Captain Obviouses. Chisel-jawed men with flashy capes and booming voices to land out of the sky and say what masses of experts already know but nobody has been listening to.
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
And yet, there is also no legal means of enforcing this same flag. Do you propose that every server must then be programmed to respect the laws of the country of origin for every request it receives? This is realistically completely infeasible, not only due to the sheer number of different jurisdictions it could receive a request from, but also because laws are subject to change.
Further, if you base the legal enforcement of the flag on the request's point of origin, servers will simply be relocated to a country which does not legally cooperate with other countries thus defeating whatever legislation is set up to support DNT. If, on the other hand, you base the legality on the jurisdiction the server is in, servers will be relocated to the country with the most lax enforcement of legal protections for DNT, again defeating the measure.
As such, there should be no surprise that the idea that DNT is a legal issue is a minority view.
They tighten privacy standards in one way, but in private, they expose it more in other ways.
http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42895157
* :)
There's a LOT of "FYI" from reputable sources in that link that YOU just *may* not be aware of... especially in regards to GHOSTERY (advertiser owned) & ADBLOCK too (sadly now crippled by default, as well as technically inferior to custom hosts & redundant!
Yes, even also DNS (sadly neglected vs. the Kaminsky flaw for 1/2 a decade++ now in fact, & that is a DANGEROUS one since most dns servers HAVE to be in recursive mode, aren't patched fully, don't use filtering DNSBL's vs. threats (I list those that DO from reputable sources & ARE POINTED TO Icann/verisign DNSSEC secured parent servers & patched as well, especially OpenDNS, they're KNOWN for doing that right away asap))...
---
So, how can I make those statements? See the link above for details but here 'tis in a "nutshell":
Simply since hosts load as soon as your OS & IP stack driver does (tcpip.sys) & do the job already, BEFORE webbound clients can or do!
(Think email programs external to browsers that adblock doesn't cover like outlook, eudora, & others (+ and yes, browsers too)
Custom host are @ work before usermode apps that are webbound even BEGIN to operate!
Thus - making adblock (sadly crippled by default, I used to recommend it before that in fact) redundant and yes, also wasteful too!
---
That, also along with the fact that yes, BROWSER ADDONS slow up browsers!
(TEST - Stack a few in FF, & see for yourself - it's a KNOWN issue)
---
Browser addons also operate in a far, Far, FAR slower mode of operation vs. hosts (ring 0/rpl 0/kernelmode as a filter for the IP stack in an easily edited & controlled simple text file))
Since browser addons are running in ring 3/rpl 3/usermode, layered over already slower usermode webbound apps!
Plus, browser addons (like adblock) are written in SLOW interpreted languages mostly (python, perl, javascript & such)!
Vs.
Whereas the IP stack has 44++ yrs. of security AND SPEED refinement poured into it, & is written in C &/or Assembly, which is far faster by default (vs. interpreted code browser addons are generally created in...)
APK
P.S.=> Above all else? DO enjoy the program I wrote a decade++ ago, & finally released for the "general public"/"the masses" mid 2012, for populating & deduplicating/normalizing a custom hosts file from 10++ reputable & reliable sources for it also, should you elect to try + use it (100% free, no strings attached)...
---
I "held off" on releasing it, & had it LONG before others like it were out (& it's literally 10x smaller & does MORE than a competitor called hostsman, no less, & is BOTH 32 + 64-bit code in its single distro file I put out that malwarebytes' hpHosts hosts for me in fact, as part of the security community, hostsman isn't & neither is any other like it)...
Why?
Well - simple: I didn't WANT to hurt websites' revenue...
Not until I realized THEY & their advertiser paymasters were robbing me of speed/bandwidth I pay for OUT OF POCKET to my ISP monthly for online access by forcing me to download & process up to 40% MORE of what I was after to consume website data (on average, that's the 'mass' of adbanners forced on you)
Additionally, which also, in turn, leads to more CPU usage, RAM usage, & other forms of I/O used needlessly which raises your electricity bill as well, robbing you yet AGAIN... for starters!
AND
Not until the "malware explosion" online started (late 2004 imo) & also adbanners being found to house malicious code (near last link in that link above WILL "enlighten" & perhaps SURPRIS
"Anything that leaves your privacy on the "good will" of the companies is inefficient to protect my privacy." - by stafil (1220982) on Wednesday February 13, @08:09PM (#42890707)
A more efficient, not crippled by default (adblock) & advertiser owned (ghostery) for TRACKING PURPOSES, or riddled with security issues & negligence worldwide (DNS, especially vs. the Kaminsky flaw @ the ISP level remaining unpatched for 1/2 a decade++ currently, details & proof below, to all points noted) method, no less!
(Per my subject-line & that excellent film it references?? It's just plain SMARTER too & NOT subject to the flaws or being "souled out"/bought out as those above are & have been, obviously - & since it references 10++ reputable & reliable sources for custom hosts file data vs. threats of MANY kinds online? Not neglected either - read on!)...
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL'
I have NO ISSUE with NoScript though (best addon for FireFox there is imo @ least): HOWEVER - I do with the tools noted in my subject-line above, & here is EXACTLY why (& what I did about it for gratis/100% free, no strings attached) vs.:
A.) Adblock (crippled by default now)
B.) Ghostery (advertiser owned & a tracker itself)
C.) Even DNS servers, especially IF/WHEN run locally on a separate system @ home + setup in recursive mode, which it will HAVE to be so to get data from parent servers & if they're NOT ICANN/Verisign DNSSEC pointed at? You are vulnerable as hell!
(Wasteful as a separate system, or even as a separate service, less wasteful & redundant there though, but still wasteful with its daemons/services & front-ends (in usermode especially) vs. the SINGLE FILE SOLUTION noted below that is part of the IP stack itself, especially since running DNS above & beyond hosts wastes CPU cycles, RAM, & other forms of I/O + thus, by derivation, also electricity, costing you more yet again... that, along with NEGLIGENCE in patching it vs. the Kaminsky flaw for 1/2 a decade++ now worldwide MOSTLY, especially @ the ISP level no less (documented from reputable sources below on tha very note no less)):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded li
Two totally different things. No need to track me, to present ads to me.
Not sure if you'll ever read this, and no need to reply, but I just wanted to thank you sincerely for the best (albeit probably the longest) Slashdot post I've ever read in 14 (or so) years. I will study your excellent post and learn and grow in the coming months. Thank you!
As an Opera user for more than 12 years, I don't feel the pain and frustration that so many do. All of these problems would be solved if people would just use Opera, or if all browsers would let you do per-site control, blocking, etc. It just amazes me at how much time and energy people will put into discussing this stuff when a simple solution is available.
Other than this post, I'm the only other person to comment about Opera. Sigh. I know I have a high IQ... maybe governments should be run only by people with high IQs? Please people- just use Opera- problem solved.
TOR & anon. proxies SLOW YOU DOWN all to hell, 1st of all. Secondly, Ghostery = advertiser owned & tracks you by default... Thirdly, AdBlock DOES NOT BLOCK ALL ADS BY DEFAULT ANYMORE (all documented from reputable & reliable sources below):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help you avoid DNS request logs (hosts can via hardcoded favorites)
8.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. TRACKERS (hosts can)
9.) AdBlock can't protect you vs. DOWNED or "DNS-poisoned" redirected DNS servers (hosts can by hardcodes)
10.) Hosts are EASIER to manage, they're just a text file (adblock means you had BEST know your javascript, perl, & python (iirc as to what languages are used to make it from source)).
& more... as a tiny 'sampling' & proofs thereof!
---
Same with Ghostery:
---
FROM ->
"The only real solution is to use adblock" - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 13, @09:05PM (#42891201)
NewsFlash: AdBlock doesn't block ALL ADS ANYMORE by default (they ought to call it "almost all ads blocked" instead nowadays, lol), for starters.
Ghostery (advertiser owned, "foxes guard the henhouse" yet again & thus, knowing that + what I stated above about AdBlock too? You'd have to be a "cluck" to use it OR adblock, since they've both "souled out"...)
DNS is RIDDLED with security issues out of NEGLIGENCE mainly!
(Especially since most DNS servers worldwide are UNPATCHED vs. the Kaminsky flaw (DNS redirection poisoning) for 1/2 a decade++ now... pure negligence!).
So - What's better on a myriad of levels for YOU the end-user? THIS (and why in detail):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help you avoid DNS request logs
"I think the "allow unobtrusive adds" feature in Adblock plus is a valid way to go." - by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 13, @09:05PM (#42891201)
See what John Nagle a contributor to the IP stack itself has to say on that note!
(He posts here on /., as "Animats", as a user here, a RESPECTED one for great reasons noted near the termination of my post below, has to say about THAT... i.e.-> The STRONG will survive regardless of advertising revenue, & the weak will DIE: Law of the jungle, even an economic one of today!).
Additionally, some FACTS you ought be aware of:
NewsFlash: AdBlock doesn't block ALL ADS ANYMORE by default (they ought to call it "almost all ads blocked" instead nowadays, lol), for starters.
Ghostery (advertiser owned, "foxes guard the henhouse" yet again & thus, knowing that + what I stated above about AdBlock too? You'd have to be a "cluck" to use it OR adblock, since they've both "souled out"...)
DNS is RIDDLED with security issues out of NEGLIGENCE mainly!
(Especially since most DNS servers worldwide are UNPATCHED vs. the Kaminsky flaw (DNS redirection poisoning) for 1/2 a decade++ now... pure negligence!).
So - What's better on a myriad of levels for YOU the end-user? THIS (and why in detail):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up m
"There is an "allow unobtrusive adds" feature in ABP which might provide a solution to this dilemma." - by azalin (67640) on Thursday February 14, @03:55AM (#42893501)
See what John Nagle a contributor to the IP stack itself has to say on that note!
(He posts here on /., as "Animats", as a user here, a RESPECTED one for great reasons noted near the termination of my post below, has to say about THAT... i.e.-> The STRONG will survive regardless of advertising revenue, & the weak will DIE: Law of the jungle, even an economic one of today!).
Additionally, some FACTS you ought be aware of:
NewsFlash: AdBlock doesn't block ALL ADS ANYMORE by default (they ought to call it "almost all ads blocked" instead nowadays, lol), for starters.
Ghostery (advertiser owned, "foxes guard the henhouse" yet again & thus, knowing that + what I stated above about AdBlock too? You'd have to be a "cluck" to use it OR adblock, since they've both "souled out"...)
DNS is RIDDLED with security issues out of NEGLIGENCE mainly!
(Especially since most DNS servers worldwide are UNPATCHED vs. the Kaminsky flaw (DNS redirection poisoning) for 1/2 a decade++ now... pure negligence!).
So - What's better on a myriad of levels for YOU the end-user? THIS (and why in detail):
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains t
High tech and software industries are some of the most competitive out there. Yet, I see many claims in the comments that the industry ignore its customers, that customers have much demand for such privacy features, etc. I would like to see such commenters at least trying to address this apparent discrepancy.
That said I agree with the editorial (DNT as implemented in browser does not offer functioning feature until providers support it). In my mind, the browsers jumped the gun and claimed victory where there was none. As implemented, the browser setting did not account for providers taking time to implement their part.
The DNT flag should not just be sent from the browser (and assume that the provider accepts it). The browser should assume that the provider has legacy behavior (ie still doing third party tracking) unless it receives some kind of acknowledgement back from the service.
The browser can display a warning to the user if not such DNT=ACK is returned by the site, so that the user is properly informed and not misled.
These comments are mine; I do not speak for my employer.
"They'll ask me if there's a way to deal with it and I'll point them to Adblock." - by Sycraft-fu (314770) on Wednesday February 13, @08:24PM (#42890843)
1st of all: Adblock does NOT block all ads anymore by default (they ought to call it "almost all ads blocked" nowadays instead, lol)... it's crippled from its former efficacy!
Secondly - Ghostery = ADVERTISER OWNED & tracks you... not good!
Lastly - DNS = riddled with security issues (via the UNPATCHED, mostly WORLDWIDE, Kaminsky bug (redirection dns poisoning) for 1/2 a decade++ now, pure negligence - & WORST OF ALL, @ the ISP LEVEL we all use..).
So - What's better for added speed, security, reliability, & even anonymity to an extent (vs. DNS request logs &/or DNSBLs you may not agree with as well)?
THIS:
---
APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
---
Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
---
Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated into it) which is far, Far, FAR FASTER than ring 3/rpl 3/usermode apps like browsers, & addons slow them down (known issue in FireFox).
To wit, 10++ things AdBlock can't do, hosts can:
---
1.) Blocking rogue DNS servers malware makers use
2.) Blocking known sites/servers that serve up malware... like known sites/servers/hosts-domains that serve up malicious scripts
3.) Speeding up your FAVORITE SITES that hosts can speed up via hardcoded line item entries properly resolved by a reverse DNS ping
4.) AdBlock works on Mozilla products (browser & email), hosts work on ANY webbound app AND are multiplatform.
5.) AdBlock can't protect external to FireFox email programs, hosts can (think OUTLOOK, Eudora, & others)
6.) AdBlock can't help you blow past DNSBL's (DNS block lists)
7.) AdBlock can't help
"Not sure if you'll ever read this, and no need to reply, but I just wanted to thank you sincerely for the best (albeit probably the longest) Slashdot post I've ever read in 14 (or so) years. I will study your excellent post and learn and grow in the coming months. Thank you!" - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday February 14, @01:05PM (#42897779)
See subject-line above, & thank you in return - I only hope you're not some "troll" that's going to accuse ME of being YOU (posting ac) etc./et al (there's TONS of experienced trolls around here that *think* they're clever pulling that shit on myself & others that elect to post AC is why I state this).
I am GLAD you enjoyed it - as I only strive for truth, & to learn more myself (nobody knows it all), & to share good news/facts with others also!
Just to "better myself" - that's what technical forums in computing are REALLY about (not trolling morons who ruin it for everyone)...
---
"As an Opera user for more than 12 years, I don't feel the pain and frustration that so many do. All of these problems would be solved if people would just use Opera, or if all browsers would let you do per-site control, blocking, etc. It just amazes me at how much time and energy people will put into discussing this stuff when a simple solution is available." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday February 14, @01:05PM (#42897779)
Agreed, it is, as I have called it MANY TIMES BEFORE HERE (& was even modded up for a couple times, ala -> OPERA "SUPERIOR WARRIOR":2009 -> http://developers.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1309763&threshold=-1&commentsort=0&mode=thread&pid=28768721
) "THE SUPERIOR WARRIOR" in webbrowsers & was "modded up" for it, IF that says anything here in regard to our feelings/thoughts & experiences using it vs. other webbrowsers as our "weapon-of-choice" online!
The solution I propose, combined custom hosts files (since they're better than Adblock + Ghostery as I noted with backing valid data, & DNS servers alone (especially locally vs. filtering custom remote ones I listed imo)) + OPERA's "By Site Preferences" make most all threats online, a lot less possible, for you to be "bushwhacked" by... just fact!
At least YOU realize it too ('great minds think alike', lol)...
---
"Other than this post, I'm the only other person to comment about Opera. Sigh. I know I have a high IQ... maybe governments should be run only by people with high IQs? Please people- just use Opera- problem solved." - by Anonymous Coward on Thursday February 14, @01:05PM (#42897779)
My "IQ" clocks in typically between 130-135, so not THAT "high", & I've worked alongside many other coders in particular that were 150++ & above... I do KNOW there IS a difference.
I've heard one person here not TOO long ago say that "Opera is for SMART INDEPENDENT PEOPLE" though, so I am inclined to agree (perhaps smart is not the right word - "better informed" might be a BETTER choice!).
APK
P.S.=> Smart = relative. Depends on who's doing the judging after all, reality IS a matter of perception & all that (as well as how HIGH your IQ is vs. your judges, lol, not that it really matters though imo @ least)... anyhow/anyways - glad you liked the post!
... apk
...so saying that it's not implemented is rather a "well, duh!" moment, isn't it?
Doesn't change a thing vs. verifiable undeniable facts extolled http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42895851 in that link, per my subject-line above's statement of fact!
* To the downmodder of my post? Well, see above, & YOU KNOW IT, I know it, & anyone with 1/2 a brain does as well!
(Especially since all you have is an effete downmod to *try* to "hide" its points from others, & yet you have NO refutation of my points + you are clearly unable to disprove them with VALID counter-points!)...
LMAO - especially since you blew your modpoints not onlly on the parent post, but also this one already before too here -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42897131
(Showing YOUR "fail" trolls, vs. truths & documented facts that leave you helpless & eating my dust!)
Keep blowing your mod points - you'll "run dry" sooner or later, & when you do? I will STILL post again beneath my original post you downmodded invalidly... & win, as always!
APK
P.S.=> Ah, yes... the downmodder's just MAKING ME just HAVE to say it (and long time /.'ers know what THAT means, lol):
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'" & always is: Especially vs. trolls that have nothing more than bogus unjustifiable downmods vs. points in my posts (backed by reputable sources cited no less)...
... apk
Doesn't change a thing vs. verifiable undeniable fact extolled http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42895943 in that link to my original post you downmodded with NO technicals disproving my points (thus it's invalid downmod troll b.s., nothing more), per my subject-line above's statement of fact!
* To the downmodder of my post? Well, see above, & YOU KNOW IT, I know it, & anyone with 1/2 a brain does as well!
(Especially since all you have is an effete downmod to *try* to "hide" its points from others, & yet you have NO valid refutation of my points either, + you are clearly unable to disprove them with VALID counter-points!)
Funniest of all is the FACT you blew your modpoints 2x already on the post above, & yes, this SAME post -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42897211 I am reposting that shows YOU FAIL trolls!
(You truly can't do anymore than *try* to vainly "hide" this post, but others DO see it since most here post WELL BELOW the b.s. default /. puts on ac posters, and downmodded posts (you can't disprove my points & "best you got" is b.s. invalid downmods, lol!))
So, go on: Keep blowing your mod points - Since you will "run dry" & I'll just post beneath the initial post once more to drag it back into view, & you fail again, lol...
APK
P.S.=> Ah, yes... the downmodder's just MAKING ME just HAVE to say it (and long time /.'ers know what THAT means, lol):
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'" & yes, ESPECIALLY vs. trolls that have nothing more than bogus unjustifiable downmods vs. points in my posts (backed by reputable sources cited no less)...
... apk
Doesn't change a thing vs. verifiable undeniable facts extolled, here -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42894807 in that link to my original post you had NOTHING VALID to disprove its points with (only bogus unjustifiable downmods, nothing more), per my subject-line above's statement of fact!
* To the downmodder of my post? Well, see above, & YOU KNOW IT, I know it, & anyone with 1/2 a brain does as well!
(Especially since all you have is an effete downmod to *try* to "hide" its points from others, & yet you have NO refutation of my points + you are clearly unable to disprove them with VALID counter-points!)
Face facts since that's "the best ya got" trolls - YOU FAILs & can't do anymore than *try* to vainly "hide" this post!
HOWEVER: Others here DO see it since most here post WELL BELOW the b.s. default /. puts on ac posters, and downmodded posts (you can't disprove my points & "best you got" is b.s. invalid downmods, lol!).
Keep blowing your mod points: You'll "run dry" & I'll just post beneath the initial post once more to drag it back into view, & you fail again, lol...
APK
P.S.=> Ah, yes... the downmodder's just MAKING ME just HAVE to say it (and long time /.'ers know what THAT means, lol):
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'" & yes, ESPECIALLY vs. trolls that have nothing more than bogus unjustifiable downmods vs. points in my posts (backed by reputable sources cited no less)...
... apk
Doesn't change a thing vs. verifiable undeniable facts extolled here-> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42895579 in that link to my original post here you bogusly downmoderated with NO valid technical justifications disproving my points therein, ALL per my subject-line above's statement of fact!
* To the downmodder of my post? Well, see above, & YOU KNOW IT, I know it, & anyone with 1/2 a brain does as well!
(Especially since all you have is an effete downmod to *try* to "hide" its points from others, & yet you have NO refutation of my points in the link above, + you are clearly unable to disprove my points there with VALID counter-points!)
So, face facts trolls - YOU, FAIL... lol!
APK
P.S.=> Ah, yes... the downmodder's just MAKING ME just HAVE to say it (and long time /.'ers know what THAT means, lol):
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'" & yes, ESPECIALLY vs. trolls that have nothing more than bogus unjustifiable downmods vs. points in my posts (backed by reputable sources cited no less)...
... apk
Doesn't change a thing vs. verifiable undeniable facts extolled here-> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42896527 in that link to my original post here you bogusly downmoderated with NO valid technical justifications disproving my points therein, per my subject-line above's statement of fact!
* To the downmodder of my post? Well, see above, & YOU KNOW IT, I know it, & anyone with 1/2 a brain does as well!
(Especially since all you have is an effete downmod to *try* to "hide" its points from others, & yet you have NO refutation of my points in the link above, + you are clearly unable to disprove my points there with VALID counter-points!)
APK
P.S.=> Ah, yes... the downmodder's just MAKING ME just HAVE to say it (and long time /.'ers know what THAT means, lol):
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'" & yes, ESPECIALLY vs. trolls that have nothing more than bogus unjustifiable downmods vs. points in my posts (backed by reputable sources cited no less)...
... apk
"Adblock also greatly improves the performance of browsing the web, especially if you're on a slow network or dialup." -
Not as well as custom hosts files do, 1 of 2 ways:
---
A.) By doing what adblock does, but better (since adblock no longer blocks ALL ads by default, they "souled out" imo) - in blocking adbanners (also due to them infesting folks with malicious code, not just for speed gains - See links below for numerous "proofs thereof)
AND
B.) By using "hardcoded favorites entries" which is FASTER than calling out to remote DNS servers since it is locally done by FAR (& the 1st thing your OS loads for online access IS the tcpip.sys file/IP stack & hosts are a simple textfile filter for it, cached into RAM either by the local DNS clientside cache service in Windows, or as I do it, since that service IS 'buggy' with larger hosts files, the local kernelmode diskcaching subsystem - as well as any webbound client programs (browsers, email programs external to browsers like Outlook, Eudora & others adblock does NOT protect there vs. spam/phishing/maliciously scripted HTML mail etc. either) since the 1st thing queried is the hosts file itself, before ANYTHING else, & browser addons + browsers CANNOT determine the IP address resolution by themselves, first).
That's just a sampling - there are also 10++ things custom hosts files do for better speed, security, reliability, & even added anonymity to an extent (vs. DNS request logs + vs. DNSBL's you may NOT agree with as well), that adblock just PLAIN CANNOT DO, that is to YOUR ADVANTAGE as a user of the web!
See below for that list... read on:
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What do I use to populate mine? This (I designed it):
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APK Hosts File Engine 5.0++ 32/64-bit:
http://start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5851:apk-hosts-file-engine-64bit-version&catid=26:64bit-security-software&Itemid=74
Which, if you read the list of what it can do for you as an end user of the resulting output it produces listed in the link above, you'll understand how/why...
"It's as strong as steel, & a 3rd of the weight" - Howard Stark from the film "Captain America"
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Especially vs. competing alternate 'solutions', noted below in AdBlock/Ghostery & yes even DNS servers, next, as 'examples thereof'...
Solutions that used to be good & I even recommended them in security guides I wrote up over the decades now -> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbo=d&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22HOW+TO+SECURE+Windows+2000/XP%22&btnG=Submit&gbv=1&sei=ka3yUKzxB-6_0QHLroCQCA
That did extremely well for myself (and users of them), for Windows users, for "layered-security"/"defense-in-depth" purposes - the BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. threats of all kinds, currently!
(Not anymore though, & certainly NOT far as AdBlock's concerned especially, not after this):
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Adblock Plus To Offer 'Acceptable Ads' Option:
http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/12/12/2213233/adblock-plus-to-offer-acceptable-ads-option
(Meaning by default, which MOST USERS WON'T CHANGE, it doesn't block ALL ads - they "souled-out"... talk about "foxes guarding the henhouse")!
---
Plus, Adblock CAN'T DO AS MUCH & not from a single file solution that runs in Ring 0/RPL 0/kernelmode via tcpip.sys, a driver (since it's part of the IP stack & tightly integrated
NoScript's excellent (one of the best, if not THE best addon for Mozilla FireFox variants there is): I noted that in another post in this article's thread, here -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42896911 .
It's "good stuff" since javascript's OFTEN misused quite a lot!
(It's right up there with Adobe Flash, & JAVA itself being misused, albeit they get misused for diff. reasons, in that they have "inbuilt" vulnerabilities that get taken advantage of by the "bad guys", whereas javascript's a programming tool with a faulty DOM imo).
IMPORTANT - on the browser sending an id string: I use Opera, & it offers options to "mask" itself, or "identify as" OPERA, IE, or FIREFOX... is THAT what you meant? I don't have any other options other than those though... in other words, no option here for changing to "mobile" IF this is what you meant!
APK
P.S.=> That idea sounds clever actually - can you tell me more? Thanks... & my apologies for such a belated reply to you, I was busy with other posts & "domestic duties" (fixing a door here and hanging venetian blinds in all of the windows, lol!
... apk
You're more than welcome to disprove my points in favor of hosts here -> http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3459251&cid=42894545 instead - that'd be FAR MORE EFFECTIVE, don't you agree?
1 problem though - you can't: YOU know it, I KNOW IT, & so does anyone else reading here with 1/2 a brain also!
* :)
So, see my subject-line above, & realize this: YOU FAIL!
APK
P.S.=> Ah, it's always the SAME b.s. over & over, seeing my 'detractors' being unable to validly disprove my points on the benefits of custom hosts files for speed, security, reliability, & even anonymity to an extent (vs. DNS request logs + DNSBL's they may not like also it allows them to get past) - & thus?
Well... lol, you just KNOW you're MAKING ME just HAVE to say it, as-is-per my own "inimitable style":
THIS? This was just "too, Too, TOO EASY - just '2ez'"
Always is!
Just in seeing whoever downmodded my post I just replied to, unjustifiably (by lacking the ability to disprove my points on hosts that benefit end users of them via valid computing technical critique on THEIR part to do so), have to resort to the "last resort of trolls" (lol) in unjusitifiable downmods to *try* to vainly & effetely "hide" my post so others won't see it!
New NEWS/NewsFlash/Clue: Most folks here browse WELL BELOW the bogus slashdot default pageview (in order to see all points posted) & will + DO see it, + I just post beneath the post you do it to, & it drags it right back into view... so, so much for that on YOUR parts, trolls!
Folks see it, & many times, start using them (anyone want proofs of that too? "Ask & YE SHALL RECEIVE" since I have, oh, roughly 100 of them here or so as proof thereof).
No, lmao, instead, what do I get??
Bogus downmods to try hide my posts, & a "Run, Forrest - RUN!!! when I make that challenge I did above to these worms who do these "hit & run" bogus downmods of my posts, every single time - which not a SINGLE ONE here has managed to disprove in my posts' points listed in favor of custom hosts files & what they can do that is of benefit to end users of them!
(Man - It is UTTERLY hilarious... & consistently so in fact - but, it also allows me to know I am doing the RIGHT thing by others, perhaps that is the most important fact of all here... unlike the trolls downmodding my posts unjustifiably)
... apk