The Windows hosts file is one of the major files on the system that malicious scripts, trojans and spyware programs use to manipulate the host system to redirect website or IP requests. It could be used for instance to redirect the website of Google, Ebay or Amazon to a different server while the correct url would still be visible in the address bar.
The host file can also be used to block advertisement on websites by changing the IP of the ad servers to localhost (that is your own system). Hosts Man is one of the better host file editors, scanners and protectors. A very nice feature is the ability to update the local host files with hosts files on the Internet that block advertisements and malicious websites.
Four different hosts files can be downloaded in HostsMan by default, amongst them the well respected MVPS Hosts file and Mike’s Ad Blocking Host file. Other options that are included are the possibilities to backup the host file, add additional update sources, scan the host file for errors and possible hijacks.
The host file editor is offering faster and better editing possibilities as well. There is even an option to auto-update the host file with the latest host files from the selected Internet host files.
Update:
I made a quick test and disabled the Firefox extension Adblock Plus. The result was a faster browsing experience. The only difference was that some adblocks, most notably the Google Adsense block was displayed with a “Cannot connect” block while Adblock plus always removed that block completely from the websites.
Still, it feels much faster right now. If you try it out as well let me know about your experience please.
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5 Responses to “A Windows Hosts Manager”
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[...] program is not automatically updating the spyware list over the Internet which alternatives like Hostsman which offers four different block lists and auto updating. Hostsman on the other hand is not a [...]
I tried this out, and you’re right – it does seem faster, even with adblock still switched on. The nice thing is that the ads that still appeared in hotmail regardless of adblock being on or not (something that annoyed me a lot!), have now disappeared too. Wonderful!
Also: this works for I.E. as well – for those times when I have to use it, this will save my eyes :-)
Hello Martin,
The issue with the “Cannot connect” block can be solved with the freeware program eDexter.
Quote:
“eDexter supplements Internet filtering by substituting local images for filtered images in order to prevent browser stalls and other annoyances. You may use your own images or eDexter’s internal transparent image.”
Can be downloaded from: http://www.pyrenean.com/
Nico that one is perfect, thanks so much !