Use a Hosts File to Stop Adware, Malware, Visuses, and Most Importantly Internet Ads

November 25th, 2009

Before you get too excited this type of thing isn’t exactly an easy process. Well…it is, but it is also pretty confusing. While many of us are happy just to use Firefox Add-Ons such as AdBlock Plus to stop from showing internet ads, there is a more in depth approach you can use for other browsers that don’t offer such a solution. (ie. Internet Explorer, Opera, and Google Chrome) There are benefits for using this method even if you do use Adblock Plus.

Using a host file will tell your computer to not connect to certain internet hosts. With a good list of these you can stop many ads from showing up in your browser, but more importantly it can help stop some devious spyware, and other problems you tend to run a crossed if you like to dig a little deeper into the internet than other people looking for nothing more than such things as pond supplies . On top of that it will likely help the performance of your computer while browsing.

Here is the description from the site I have used with a good list of places you don’t want to connect to:

# Use this file to prevent your computer from connecting to selected
# internet hosts. This is an easy and effective way to protect you from
# many types of spyware, reduces bandwidth use, blocks certain pop-up
# traps, prevents user tracking by way of “web bugs” embedded in spam,
# provides partial protection to IE from certain web-based exploits and
# blocks most advertising you would otherwise be subjected to on the
# internet.

What are you going to need?

1. Patience-This isn’t exactly straight forward for most people.
2. Some sort of Notepad program such as the one you get with Windows.
3. The file to copy. You can find this, and the instructions on how to attempt this exploit here. You can also find one here. Both are updated regularly when more information is submitted.

Another good article I read on this explains the benefits and restrictions of using a “Hosts file”. Take a look. You can also find more link there that will give you more in depth conversation on the issue as well as a file to copy too. It is a VERY good idea to read the resources on these sites before just jumping into it.