Why use adblock etc when hosts is better?

[Radiation]

I was just wondering why anyone bothers to use something like adblock when using a simple file with a huge list of sites works so much better, not only is it easy but it covers the whole system and does more than just ads by blocking allsorts of bad sites as well.

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

 

[eXor]

I was just wondering why anyone bothers to use something like adblock when using a simple file with a huge list of sites works so much better, not only is it easy but it covers the whole system and does more than just ads by blocking allsorts of bad sites as well.

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

That method has some disadvantages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

 

[HarryPainful]

Because a host file needs updating manually.

 

[AbsenceJam]

Adblock does so much more than just blocking domains that host adverts.

#*(class^=ad)(class*=kyscraper)
#*(id^=ad)(id*=300x250)
#*(class^=ad)(class*=300x250)
#*(id^=ad)(id*=728x90)
#*(id^=ad)(id$=banner)
#*(class^=ad)(class*=eaderboard)
#*(id^=ad)(id*=kyscraper)

A hosts file doesn't do any of that.

 

[marc2003]

because i can block ads/images on servers i don't want to block. like these forums for example.

 

[Radiation]

Because a host file needs updating manually.

Rarely, i don't even need to update it as it contains so much, i usually only do it when i reinstall the os which is once or twice a year, i very rarely see any new ads over that sort of time period.

Also if by manual you mean adding to the file you already have, no all you do is download a new one, if you have any sites you think you need to add then its easy to submit them which helps everyone.

Adblock can have it's uses but i like covering all outgoing connections, no messenger etc ads this way.

 

[MikeHunt79]

is there an adblock equivalent for safari or something that runs under OSX?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Runs under OS X? Firefox and Camino run under OS X.

 

[MikeHunt79]

kk, I only got OSX a few days ago, I'll give FF a whirl.

 

[Energize]

Adblock is a lot more convienient and versatile

 

[Whiskas]

Because using your hosts file to do this sort of stuff is a big horrible blunt instrument. It's also not what your hosts file is there for.

I await next weeks installment "Why use a hosts file when you can take a pair of bolt cutters to your ethernet cable" with bated breath...

 

[JIM_BOB7813]

because i can block ads/images on servers i don't want to block. like these forums for example.

I do that too, also can adblock peoples sigs I don't like.
The latest version of kaspersky internet security can do adblocking too .

 

[Kainz]

More flexibility with adblock.

 

[Scozzer]

is there an adblock equivalent for safari or something that runs under OSX?

Personal preference for me is safari so Safari Adblock does a good job

 

[MikeHunt79]

Personal preference for me is safari so Safari Adblock does a good job

Ooo, ta very much. Looks ideal.

 

[bledd]

why use the hosts file when you can block things through your router (any router with tomato)

i use the router blocking method, adblock plus, spywareblaster and spybot immunize

 

[metalmackey]

Spybot adds stuff in the hosts file to immunize bledd.

 

[Ratbag]

I tried FF with adblock and was frankly astounded by how many ads and popups crept through despite regular updates. So, back to the mighty Admuncher then - one of the finest little apps about and possibly the best £10 I ever spent!!