USING THE HOSTS FILE
What is it?
Address: C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc
Usually blank as default i.e. empty “Address book”
Contains IP numbers associated with Internet sites e.g. is 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
Usage re security?
Adjunct to AV, anti-malwear and firewall programs
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, objectionable content, etc.
Where do I find a “Custom Hosts” file?
Instead you configuring it you can use a customized one
If you don't have a custom HOSTS file, you can download a free one. Can use one maintained by Mike Burgess: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
# Download: hosts.zip [right-click - Select: Save Target As] [Updated 10-10-05]
Unzip in a "temp" folder and place in the appropriate installed location
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?
Can not use wild cards
Will not work with URLs that begin with numbers
Will not work with 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
Tx: 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.