Alanon Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 After searching the internet for some time, I've concluded that one of the best ways to block adds, assorted malware, etc... unobtrusively is to edit a HOSTS file. That being said, I've found that Hostsman is the best one for the job, and I've noticed that there's only one manager front-paged, so I've decided to try and arouse awareness about this little gem. It is freeware, and can be acquired at albehadigital.comFeaturesAutomatic update of hosts fileEnable/Disable hosts fileBuilt-in hosts editorScan hosts for errors, duplicates and possible hijacksHosts file backup managerExclusion listLocal HTTP server...Requirements Windows 98SE, Me, NT4 SP6, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, Windows 7What I would add as additional information to the original features sheet is that you have a choice of five update servers (and more can be added): MVPS, hpHosts, hpHosts (partial), hpHosts (Ad servers only), and Peter Lowe's AdServers list. Upon updating, you can choose to overwrite or merge the file. The exclusion list automatically deletes the entries upon hosts file update, and it can be exported for easier use.I've noticed that there are people who use this app on nsane, and perhaps they could throw in their votes as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anuraag Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 Thanks for the suggestion. I've passed it forward to other staff for discussion. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirri Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 I find it a very interesting adition to FP, if approved... so... I vote for 'yes'. BTW... NOW I'm using it and it works fine !!!Thank you 'Alanon' for this suggestion.Best regards... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanon Posted December 26, 2011 Author Share Posted December 26, 2011 Thank you, anuraag. :rolleyes:Hopefully, people will benefit from this app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirri Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 I report:When using 'HostMan' and I updated my host file...-1st: Someone think 'nsanedown' must be avoided because it's in this update.2nd: My startup noticeabily increased so much.So... I uninstalled it and the problems mentioned above where solved.FYI...Best regards... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garry Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 Making your host file too big, really slows down your browser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmith Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 I find it a very interesting adition to FP, if approved... so... I vote for 'yes'. BTW... NOW I'm using it and it works fine !!!Thank you 'Alanon' for this suggestion.Best regards...I report:When using 'HostMan' and I updated my host file...-1st: Someone think 'nsanedown' must be avoided because it's in this update.2nd: My startup noticeabily increased so much.So... I uninstalled it and the problems mentioned above where solved.FYI...Best regards...Funny stuff. Thank you for making me laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myidisbb Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 Making your host file too big, really slows down your browser.yes either you have slow browser because of a large hosts file or slowed because of worms and such nasties hmmm which one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clubhouse Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 I just use the MVPS host and turn the DNS service off, no browsing slowdowns for me...Been using Hostmans for a few years now, prolly saved me from dozens of drive by's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Win7nerd Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 ive been using it for a little over a year now and ive had not issues at all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanon Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share Posted December 27, 2011 Yeah, me too, it's an integral part of my security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Lite Posted December 27, 2011 Administrator Share Posted December 27, 2011 I'm sorry this tool won't be listed, as one of the pre-set "blocklists" includes our domain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirri Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 I find it a very interesting adition to FP, if approved... so... I vote for 'yes'. BTW... NOW I'm using it and it works fine !!!Thank you 'Alanon' for this suggestion.Best regards...I report:When using 'HostMan' and I updated my host file...-1st: Someone think 'nsanedown' must be avoided because it's in this update.2nd: My startup noticeabily increased so much.So... I uninstalled it and the problems mentioned above where solved.FYI...Best regards...Funny stuff. Thank you for making me laugh.Well... I'm happy for making you laugh :) . The only thing I want to mention is what it seems I change my reasons... If do you notice it... there're 2 hours between the two post and when I noticed this troubles i want to warn to others nsaners because they can't access nsanedown.com because it's 'blocked' (really it's so dangerous!!! :lol: :lol: ) and i make shought come to help me so i don't want others have this troubles.Best regards... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanon Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share Posted December 27, 2011 Well, um... An exclusion could be added? :rolleyes:Or the blocklist avoided? It's most likely hpHosts, it blocks other legit sites as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clubhouse Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 The Hosts files I use don't block nsane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmith Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 I'm sorry this tool won't be listed, as one of the pre-set "blocklists" includes our domain.What did you expect!?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshall39 Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 I'm sorry this tool won't be listed, as one of the pre-set "blocklists" includes our domain.What did you expect!?!If Nsane was full of malwares that would be ok but....and they should thanks Nsane to talk about thei app <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanon Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share Posted December 27, 2011 It's not the fault of the app itself, but the lists. It's still the best HOSTS Manager I've seen. All one has to do is either exclude it (which is a one-time action only, as an exclusion list is automatically processed upon every update) or not download the list in question at all.The hpHOSTS list is paranoid, blocks many ad servers, but also many file-sharing websites, or anything that can remotely resemble the possibility of potentially ever having true or falsely detected malware on it. As such, it even blocks websites like zshare, filesonic, hotfiles... and nsane, which aren't evil by themselves. And still a bunch of people use that particular list. :(But even that doesn't mean the app should be scrutinised for it, they don't make the lists, and even so, you don't have to use any of the already offered lists, and list you own preferences. And for anyone looking to modify their HOSTS file, and then just leave it alone, and never touch it again, and expect never to be in the situation to make an exclusion, then the type of security of the HOSTS file is not for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garry Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Play safe. What about opendns (free)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanon Posted December 31, 2011 Author Share Posted December 31, 2011 Never been one for DNS. XD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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