Hosts file can help with ads

[Neudiin]

Do you hate ads on web pages? How about annoying ads at the start of videos? Hosts file is the place to block them.

This page explains it and has a file you can download that has a executable file that will install it for you. Little bit down on the left you will see a folder with a piece of paper entering it. Just above it is the word Download, beside it is host.zip link. Click it and Save it somewhere you'll know where it is. Extract it, look for the mvps.bat file, double click it and follow the windows that pop up.

Below are the steps to open this file in XP, Vista and Win 7 and manually change the file.

1. Open Notepad
2. Click File | Open in Notepad and browse to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
3. Make sure the etc folder is highlighted (selected). Now change the file type so it reads "All files". You should now see the HOSTS file appear in the directory list.
4. Double-click the HOSTS file and it will open in Notepad for editing.

Once it is open, highlight everything in it and Delete it. Click this link highlight everything on the page, the easiest way is click in the page, hold Ctrl and type A.Then keep holding Ctrl and type C, click in Notepad hold Ctrl and type V. Then close Notepad and when asked if you want to save the file click Yes. Close all browser windows and next time you surf you'll notice no more ads.

I have used this file for years now on windows and linux machines. My friend has used it on his Mac for a year or more, never had an issue. This is like the 4th or 5th thing I do on all machines I build or install an OS. I know this looks complicated but its nothing more than opening a text file and editing it. Feel free to ask any questions. And if you think you messed up, just don't save when asked =)

 

[crappuccino]

wow, that's one nasty way to block ads. i'd rather keep my browser plugin :/

 

[Kradek]

This rang a lot of warning bells when I started reading, but I gave it a chance considering the source, and this should work. My main thought is that you would have to add new sites to the list yourself, or at least remember to pick up the latest list periodically, where using a curated list and AdBlock or something similar would do it automatically. If you're paranoid about relying on a curated list though, this would give you more control.

Personally I use AdBlock combined with Ghostery in Chrome currently. When I want to be really secure, I use AdBlock, Ghostery, and NoScript in Firefox.

Hadn't thought about using DNS though, thanks for the tip!

 

[Neudiin]

The main reason I do it this way, it doesn't matter what browser I go use the ads are blocked. And yes I am sure there is an ad blocker for all browsers, I still like this way. Its all about choices =)

 

[Zoomer]

wow, that's one nasty way to block ads. i'd rather keep my browser plugin :/

This. On Firefox I don't get any Youtube adverts, they never appear. I don't get pop up pages - even the ones that do pop up get closed (advert pages, not pop ups triggered by myself clicking them!). I also don't see nearly any adverts on web pages either - and haven't done for years. I'm using a plugin (Adblock plus 2.1.2).

Chrome, I haven't installed the plugin. On Youtube I see advert videos. On websites i get popups, i get adverts, i get all sorts of shit.

Plugins - someone already did what you advocate way before

 

[Neudiin]

As I said, its all about choices. I choose Linux and doing hosts file blocking. You choose whatever works for you.

 

[crappuccino]

i suppose it doesn't make a noticeable difference, but every time your machine (not just the browser) sends a dns request, it will have to check that 580kb hosts file (which is like 20k lines) first. every time you do encounter a blocked host, it will send (and deny) a http request to itself. and if you happen to have a http daemon running, it will have to send out a 404. probably doesn't matter, but it just feels unclean to a computer guy.