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Comments on the HOSTS file tutorial

#1 User is offline   CalamityKen 

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Posted 09 April 2004 - 03:51 PM

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/ind...showtutorial=51

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You should also make this file read only so that it can not be modified by a malicious program, which there are known Hijackers that are known to do this.

This is false security. The CoolWebSearch hijackers are masters at altering Read-only HOSTS files. The only way to protect the HOSTS file from hijackers is to be loged on as a low access user on Win2K/XP.

In the Block Spyware/Ad Networks section there should be a hint about browser slowdown when using a large HOSTS file with Win2K/XP. This is because the DNS Client Service must cache the HOSTS file. The DNS Client Service in an un-needed service in Win2K/XP.

Equal space should be offered for the hpHOSTS file and a couple of usefull HOSTS file utilites.

hpHOSTS file

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Hosts has been updated and verified. There is now a total of 24,668 hosts

http://webpages.charter.net/hpguru/hosts/hosts.html

eDexter

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Are you tired of those empty boxes from missing ads? Get eDexter!

http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/eDexter.html

HOSTESS manages multiple HOSTS files and insures no duplicates
http://accs-net.com/hostess/

#2 Guest_MrSnausage_*

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Posted 09 April 2004 - 05:04 PM

CalamityKen, on Apr 9 2004, 03:51 PM, said:

In the Block Spyware/Ad Networks section there should be a hint about browser slowdown when using a large HOSTS file with Win2K/XP.  This is because the DNS Client Service must cache the HOSTS file.  The DNS Client Service in an un-needed service in Win2K/XP.

I was under the impression that the slow down only occurred with Windows 2000.

I will look into the other utilities and see if I want to add them. Thanks

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