The first paragraph of this post is for anyone who does not know what a HOSTS file is and the second is for anyone who already has one installed and knows what I'm talking about. Jump to the appropriate one.
A HOSTS file is a file that all common internet browsers (such as Mozilla and Internet Explorer) read to figure out specific instructions for going to specific sites--speaking more clearly, if you type in URL address into your browser bar, the browser will consult the HOSTS file to see if there are any special instructions regarding that URL. It was initially created to allow for bypasses of link blocking (some sites will block access if you type in the URL address but not if you connect via an IP address--123.456.789.012 format). However, with a little tweaking, it becomes a selective firewall that blocks out sites that you'd really prefer not to see. First, a quick once over on how it works. Basically, you type in 127.0.0.1 followed by a URL address into the HOSTS file. Trying to go to the selected URL will cause your browser to reroute to 127.0.0.1. For those who are unfamiliar with any sort of networking, this is Localhost--your computer. Obviously, you are not going to find the selected site on your computer, so you will quickly get a Page Cannot Be Displayed 404 error. What to do/how to install. There are a number of HOSTS files out there--one of them comes with Kazaa Lite (it's called the Supertrick), one comes from a site called someonewhocares, and then there are a number of personal HOSTS files...you may obtain mine here if you prefer. My HOSTS file is the best of both worlds, really, since I use the Kazaa Lite supertrick to block out many common adservers and other annoyances like that and also add the disturbing and irritating sites from someonewhocares on it. How to install. This set of directions is for installation of my personal HOSTS file, but the directions are fairly universal with a little modification. Open up a Notepad document and copy/paste the contents of the HOSTS file into it, then select Save As. If you are using a Windows 2K or XP computer, you'll want to go into the folder C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc and save it there. With Windows 9X, it's just C:\Windows. In all likelihood, you already have a placeholder HOSTS file that does not do anything in the appropriate folder, so just overwrite the other HOSTS file. Scrolling down to the bottom under the redundant line #Adservers and other crappy sites will get you the personal additions to my hosts file. Note that it includes all the common internet curses such as goatse.cx, rotten.com, tubgirl.com, dolphinsex.org, and a few others. To test and make sure your HOSTS file works after installation, restart your browser and try to go to www.monstershare.com -- this is one of the spammy sites that are blocked by the Supertrick. If you get a 404 error, all is well and your HOSTS file works perfectly. If not, there is a problem.
Second paragraph: As I am always looking to expand my HOSTS file and block out more annoying cybersquatters and ad sites, any personal additions to HOSTS files could be posted here if you please.
A HOSTS file is a file that all common internet browsers (such as Mozilla and Internet Explorer) read to figure out specific instructions for going to specific sites--speaking more clearly, if you type in URL address into your browser bar, the browser will consult the HOSTS file to see if there are any special instructions regarding that URL. It was initially created to allow for bypasses of link blocking (some sites will block access if you type in the URL address but not if you connect via an IP address--123.456.789.012 format). However, with a little tweaking, it becomes a selective firewall that blocks out sites that you'd really prefer not to see. First, a quick once over on how it works. Basically, you type in 127.0.0.1 followed by a URL address into the HOSTS file. Trying to go to the selected URL will cause your browser to reroute to 127.0.0.1. For those who are unfamiliar with any sort of networking, this is Localhost--your computer. Obviously, you are not going to find the selected site on your computer, so you will quickly get a Page Cannot Be Displayed 404 error. What to do/how to install. There are a number of HOSTS files out there--one of them comes with Kazaa Lite (it's called the Supertrick), one comes from a site called someonewhocares, and then there are a number of personal HOSTS files...you may obtain mine here if you prefer. My HOSTS file is the best of both worlds, really, since I use the Kazaa Lite supertrick to block out many common adservers and other annoyances like that and also add the disturbing and irritating sites from someonewhocares on it. How to install. This set of directions is for installation of my personal HOSTS file, but the directions are fairly universal with a little modification. Open up a Notepad document and copy/paste the contents of the HOSTS file into it, then select Save As. If you are using a Windows 2K or XP computer, you'll want to go into the folder C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc and save it there. With Windows 9X, it's just C:\Windows. In all likelihood, you already have a placeholder HOSTS file that does not do anything in the appropriate folder, so just overwrite the other HOSTS file. Scrolling down to the bottom under the redundant line #Adservers and other crappy sites will get you the personal additions to my hosts file. Note that it includes all the common internet curses such as goatse.cx, rotten.com, tubgirl.com, dolphinsex.org, and a few others. To test and make sure your HOSTS file works after installation, restart your browser and try to go to www.monstershare.com -- this is one of the spammy sites that are blocked by the Supertrick. If you get a 404 error, all is well and your HOSTS file works perfectly. If not, there is a problem.
Second paragraph: As I am always looking to expand my HOSTS file and block out more annoying cybersquatters and ad sites, any personal additions to HOSTS files could be posted here if you please.