BISS Hosts File Guide |
| Monday, 26 January 2009 | |
|
Page 1 of 7 What is a HOSTS File ?A HOSTS file is basically a simple text file that is already present on your computer system and was originally intended for mapping the IP addresses of other host/computers on a network.
Although it wasn't originally designed to be used for blocking ads and spyware etc, it is still extremely effective for this purpose and can be used to prevent any unwanted websites from loading which could damage your computer, display ads, or pose some kind of risk to you or your family. The benefits of using a customised HOSTS file for "FREE" protection?Using a customised HOSTS file, which has been created for the specific purpose of blocking internet threats, can help to prevent spyware / malware from making connections to and from your computer. It can also help prevent your browser from accessing sites which serve advertising or collect marketing data on you. A hosts file can be used to block any site you wish from being accessed from your computer using it's domain name. By making good use of the HOSTS file [ which in most cases would not be actively used on your system ], you will greatly improve your safety on the internet, saving your precious bandwidth and reducing the chances of being hijacked. You can feel more comfortable knowing that you have increased your protection against rampant spyware & adware , while also reducing the amount of personal information that is being gathered about you from websites. As reported in the Flash Mystery thread at BISS forums Flash Mystery, or how you get infected by *.SWF files it is becoming increasingly common for even high profile sites to be used in malicious advertising campaigns. This is usually due to sales / advertising depts responsible for approving the the ads having a deep lack of understanding about any security issues and being largely more interested and driven by the $$ they make not the risks they are putting on their visitors. It's important to keep your HOSTS file updated like most other security tools. Read on for the best Hosts file download sources and Hosts File Management tools..
|
Life Support
