HOSTS FILE

HARDWARE & TECHNOLOGY SIG

January 17, 2006

John Polich

 

What is the Host file?

·                    A file involved in directing Internet addresses to specific sites on the Web

·                    Loaded in memory at startup and is checked prior to asking any DNS

·                    Looks up the Internet Protocol address of a device connected to a computer network.

·                    Address: C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc (C:\Windows in Win98/Me)

·                    (Windows 95/Windows 98/Windows Me - %windir%\

Windows NT - C:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\

Mac OS - System Folder:Preferences or System folder (format of the file may vary from Windows and Linux counterparts)

Mac OS X - /etc (uses BSD-style hosts file)

·                    Usually blank as default i.e. empty “Address book”

·                    Contains IP numbers associated with Internet sites e.g. www.yahoo.com, while

·                    its IP address is 204.71.200.67; www.kimkomando.com is 66.210.246.140

·                    When URL name used, converted to IP number; if IP no. not present, the ISP

 provides it

·                    Enabled to override addresses in the DNS; prevents access to listed sites by

·                    redirecting any connection to local machine

·                    Can block other applications from connecting to the Internet.

 

Why change (configure) it?

·                    Using the original compromises your PC

·                    Making it a “read only” does not work to prevent malware

·                    You can configure it yourself or use a customized one

·                    A custom HOSTS file is an excellent weapon if something malicious gets

·                    on your computer

·                    Adjunct to AV, anti-malware, firewall programs, updates etc

·                    List the name of “bad” Web site with no. of your PC i.e.127.0.0.1; “short-circuits” the request so it “dies”; no ads will be loaded; no tracking take place.

·                    May block ads, banners, objectionable content, 3rd party cookies, hijackers, etc.

 

How do you change the HOSTS file?

·                    Instead of configuring it yourself, use a customized one

·                    Use a custom HOSTS file; can use one maintained by Mike Burgess: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

·                    To view the HOSTS file in plain text form.

·                    # Download: hosts.zip, right-click - Select: Save Target As in IE and Save Link As in Firefox (Updated q 2 wks.)

·                    Create shortcut on Desktop: right click Desktop; click New; click Shortcut: use address (C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc)

·                    Unzip in a "temp" folder and place in the appropriate installed location i.e. replace the one in the Etc folder

·                    Should be updated every two weeks or so

 

Other Benefits?

·                    Faster PC because Web pages open without the ads 

·                    Requests to Internet computers are blocked with good Hosts file.

·                    Less resources i.e. decreased memory and CPU usage

·                    Works on other than HTTP vs. ad blocking programs

·                    Eliminates many tracking and privacy concerns

·                    Can increase browsing speed (add name plus number of desired site)

·                    Configurable

 

 

Any restrictions?

·                    Some feel configuring is a “myth” i.e. false security vs. modern malware

·                    Can not use wild cards

·                    Will not work with URLs that begin with numbers

·                    Will not work with ads that are served from same site being viewed (subdirectories)

·                    May cause some sites to quit working properly i.e. putting wrong server in the Hosts file

 

Can large file slow surfing?

·                    Yes, in WinXP and 2000 but not in earlier versions.

·                    This can be remedied by turning off your DNS Client (a cache of IP numbers visited) which is searched prior to contacting the DNS server

·                    Treatment: Start; Run; type services.msc; right click DNS Client; click Properties; click down arrow beside Startup type and select Manual; click Apply; click OK and reboot PC.

 

Other Internet sites (copied):

Abelhadigital's HostsMan 2.1 is a freeware application that lets you manage your Hosts file with ease.

 Aldo's HOSTS Manager 1.4 is another HOSTS file manager alternative, though very slim in options.

Andrew Clover Another Bluetack HOSTS file source, dealing with spyware/adware. Blocking ads on the Internet with a list of ad server hostnames and IP addresses Bluetack HOSTS File and Manager A massive HOSTS file based on four other sources.

Dan Pollock's HOSTS File Pretty thorough website, lots of comments, lot of work went into this as shown in his credits.

DataDragon's HOSTS file Another HOSTS file site, not updated anymore though. Eric L. Howes contains many good links for security and HOSTS file related stuff. Gorilla Design Studios HOSTS Outdated (since 2003) HOSTS file

HOSTS File Myth The author explains his opinion on why using the HOSTS file to stop Malware is false security.

Hosts file project Comprehensive Hosts file by Andrew Short

HPguru's HOSTS file his download and research site.

Mikes Ad-Blocking HOSTS file available as a direct download to merge in, or as an Installer.

MVPS HOSTS another Bluetack HOSTS source, excellent HOSTS file.

SCoooBY's fav free apps SCoooBY's huge AD Blocking Hosts File.

SSMedia HOSTS file and Utilities HOSTS file here, available in a weird upload, and then download what isn't there type format. Neat site.

The Webhelper One of the Bluetack HOSTS file sources.