Using a HOSTS file to block ads/pop ups etc?

[EdwardTeach]

I saw someone reccomend using a HOSTS file to block ads/ po-ops etc. Do any of you do this? Are there any disadvantages?

This site is the first hit on google, do you use their file?

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

 

[esK`]

I find it easier to use adblock addon for firefox / chrome / ie9 does most of the work for you.

 

[Deception]

If you want to block popups via hosts, then use the immunize function in Spybot S&D. Atleast then you know there wont be any weird entries, like from a random host file on the internet (not saying it will, but just incase).

 

[iviv]

It may be a myth, but doesn't having a huge HOSTS file slow things down?

Either way, I'd much rather use a plugin for blocking ads. I'm pretty sure some malware uses HOSTS file editing to redirect you to malicious pages, etc. You'd never know if your HOSTS was already filled with a ton of stuff, but if its normally got no entries in then you can just delete them.

 

[bledd]

Using adblock plus for Chrome or Firefox is a far more elegant solution

 

[LizardKing]

I use it for IE, its quite a nice way of blocking ads/sites without the need for any installation but in no way as good as ad+ if you use Firefox

 

[Deception]

Using adblock plus for Chrome or Firefox is a far more elegant solution

I use the same for firefox. Although id rather use a hosts file from a well known piece of software then a random file on the internet

 

[anything I don't mind]

I use a host file from the same location for several years. I actually go a bit over board with blocking.

I use the host file in OP.
Then I use peerblock with many lists on client machine.
Then I use pfsense to block lists as well, only outbound.
Then I use opendns with filtering.
Then I don't even use any of that cause i browse the net through a tunnel.
So i use adblock in firefox and I am trying to setup similar blocklists on my remote machine.

I have not seen an AD for years. some times i even forget that the internet has them, until i am using some one elses pc.

If you do use the host file, do a find and replace for the 127.0.0.1 to 0.0.0.0. I find this causes less problems.

I also block several countries ip blocks completely and something like a 3 trillion or billion ips.

 

[KIA]

The hosts file approach is rather old fashioned. Use Adblock Plus.

 

[marc2003]

using hosts doesn't do anything for your browser layout. you're just left with big gaps where the ads were. i'd rather use something more elegant like adblock plus which will hide these and let content fill these spaces instead.