HOSTS File Internet Protection Guide

HOSTS File Internet Protection Guide


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Use a HOSTS file to protect yourself from internet "Parasites"

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What is a HOSTS file?

The HOSTS file is a file which holds a list of domain names and ip addresses to resolve them to.

You computer will search the Hosts file for a domain name before it requests it from a DNS server.

When you type a URL into your browser or any communication software (FTP, etc), first it checks the HOSTS file for the relevant IP/Hostname.

If its not there, it calls up your ISP DNS server for it, if the hostname IS in the HOSTS file, it redirects the connection to the specified IP address.

In the case of this hosts file, that would be 127.0.0.1, which is YOUR LOCAL machine IP address, also known as "Local Loopback".

For example, if you goto doubleclick.net you should instantly get a "Page Not Found" error. And thats how you know its working.


Why should I use a custom HOSTS file?


The HOSTS file will prevent your browser from accessing sites which serve advertising or collect marketing data (spyware) on you.

By installing this file, you will greatly improve your internet experience (unless you actually like the ads) and you can feel more comfortable knowing that you have reduced the amount of information that is being gathered about you.

In combination with IP Blocking , a good HOSTS file can protect you from many known internet parasites and unwanted ads / dodgy sites etc ..


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HOSTS FILE TUTORIALS / INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS :

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ICEBLUE'S HOSTS File Tutorial -

CODE
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=410




Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a HOSTS File -
CODE
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm



HP GURUS HOSTS -
CODE
http://webpages.charter.net/hpguru/hosts/hosts.html



Great HOSTS file and information site -
CODE
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/index.html



HOSTS File / ADSERVERS Lists -
CODE
http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/




BLUETACK HOSTS FILE -
CODE
http://www.bluetack.co.uk/hosts.html




Xero Grids - Supertrick XG -
CODE
http://www.filesharingplace.com/supertrickxg/index.htm




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The ULTIMATE ADBLOCKING / HOSTS File Resource Page -
CODE
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/soft8a.htm



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- HOSTS file editing and management tools -
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- Toadbees Hosts manager [@Gladiator Anti-virus]
CODE
http://members.aol.com/toadbee/hoster.zip




- Hostess -
CODE
http://accs-net.com/hostess/



- Aldos Hosts Manager -
CODE
http://www.aldostools.com/hosts.html




- Host File Reader -

WARNING:
The popular HOSTS file reader should be avoided as it will destroy custom hosts file entries , and reduce large HOSTS file to 64k in size.