Not an App but, a File: Custom Hosts

[andruoid]

I use adblocker in my browser but this takes things one step further. I've always wanted a conprehensive host list and this is perfect. It gets updated frequently and you can also add sites you don't like at your leisure. Before instaling type: ipconfig -flushdns then installing is as simple as navigating to c:/windows/system32/drivers/etc , rename the exisiting 'hosts' file name to host.bak then copy the custom host file to the same location.

To quote part of the site;

You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems.
Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Why? ... because in certain cases "Ad Servers" like Doubleclick (and many others) will try silently to open a separate connection on the webpage you are viewing, record your movements then yes ... follow you to additional sites you may visit.

More details can be found on this excellent file here; http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

 

[karandpr]

Ironically I came to know about hosts via the app AdFree Blocker . Modifying the /system/etc/hosts file to block ads

 

[mrkennie]

This of course applies to Linux/BSD/OSX too using /etc/hosts (/private/etc/hosts for OSX I believe), Windows uses a very similar format as *nix. Something to do with NT IP stack being based on BSD if I recall?

 

[johnlgalt]

Ironically, I used to use hosts file the (alternate) way they were originally intended to be used - to by pass DNS searches and connect directly to the IP. (technically, the function was for both - blocking unwanted sites *and* saving IPs of sites wanted).

Chris Pirillo, of Lockergnome fame, had a superfast hosts file verifier that allowed you ot put in your base URLs / full URLs and it would check name servers and verify hte IP address needed. This was a godsend back in the day of 14.4K modems (yes, way back then).

Here is a thread your should look at regarding a good way to manage your hosts file (link is to first post directly)

Anyone using HostsMan? - Calendar Of Updates