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➔ HostsMan website
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57 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
If you don't want or can't reinstall an OS right now, you could try:
- Run PC Decrapifier
- Go to Ninite and check some essential programs including an antivirus.
- Download an adblocker extension/plugin for your browser.
- Optionally, you can use HostsMan to block known IPs that serves ads or malware.
Try modifying the hosts file. Here are some links (note: blocking DNS hosts on the hosts file removes all ads from these hosts):
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/27350/beginner-geek-how-to-edit-your-hosts-file/
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostswin8.htm
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
The last link basically modifies your hosts file for you where you can select several sources. It's basically a one-click solution; just make sure not to add too many sources or else your computer will be slowed down considerably.
Normally you ask a dns server for the ip adress of a certein domain name. But you can change the routing via an entry in the host file for example. Now you are pinning a domain name to an ip adress. This adress can be anything. 0.0.0.0 is in windows = 127.0.0.1 = localhost. A request in this case would not be directed to the server, instead it will ask you own pc for that resource. This will not be answered. Yes this will break some sites, but those are the sites that don't deserve my traffic. The list of domain names can be automatically imported from an external source (e.g. http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/hosts ) with a tool like HostsMan (http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman), so it's not much work to keep it updated.
For your Edge Ad-Blcoking needs: HostsMan
It blocks ads through the hosts file. Though you can do it manually, this does it easier and automatically updates.
Sounds great. It's still missing extensions unfortunately. But for ad blocking, I've been using a freeware open source project called Hostsman that really helps with Edge. As a bonus, ads are blocked across the OS, even in Store apps that use Microsoft's embedded browser control (like the native News app). http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
I've been HOSTS blocking ads since Funcom decided to put ads in Anarchy Online. So, 10 years or so? No resource hogging plugins/extensions needed. HostsMan has several sources to update from.
>Seeing 40%+ of ad revenue stolen bothers me.
Yeah, and wasting hours fixing friends' and family members' computers because an ad network got hacked and served up malware really bothers me.
Want me to allow ads on their and my systems? Provide billing addresses for the ad networks to which I can send invoices for tech support because they fucked up with their security.
I don't have time to deal with that shit, so I just go full-scale-nuclear-war on the ads via a custom hosts file that then updates remotely on all their computers.
I just recently started too, but there are two things I have done that have really helped me. :)
One of them, I agree with exercise. I normally hate exercise, and so I was looking for something where I didn't have to think things through and could just do it. Currently, I am doing couch to 25k. The app I use (Simple C25k) is really simple. All you do is select a week, walk, listen for the beep, switch to jogging, then listen to the beep, switch to walking. The system builds you up.
Second, I used to rush to porn when I was bored or something and I needed a way to delay that. I use a hosts file that blocks all the porn sites, so it won't matter how I try to access them.
https://www.reddit.com/r/NoFap/comments/5b56h7/nsfw_massive_porn_list_for_hosts_file/
That list combines all of them that have been released. :) I would caution against adding random host file edits that you don't understand, cause it could cause bad things to happen. But, that one is safe if he doesn't modify it. A hosts file updater you can use is hostsman. You can even create a local text file on your computer and hostsman can read that and update yours hosts file when you update using it when that changes.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Obviously that doesn't work for everyone, and once you understand how to edit hosts files, you can obviously bypass it when you are feeling weak. :/ But, if you simply can pull yourself together when you get hit in the face from a porn site you go to being blocked, I think it is useful. Also, it makes you really have to work harder to mess up your progress.
Download and install HostsMan http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Open the program and select 'manage sources'.
Check 'MVPS Hosts' (you can select more sources, but I have found you are more likely to run into website issues)
Close the sources windows then update the hosts file.
Enjoy blocked ads!
Protip: If you use Hostsman (http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman), it automates the process of updating your hosts file.
I copied the hosts file entries from a post in this thread and uploaded them to Pastebin.
http://pastebin.com/raw.php?i=iGm5LXCg
Add these hosts to a text file somewhere and add the file as a source to your Hostsman configuration. Those entries will be added every time the blacklist is updated.
My favorite: hostsman
Hosts file editor with numerous, update-able, ad-blocking hosts files. Have used it for years... its all anyone really needs and is very simple to set up and maintain.
They're a program called HostsMan from abelhead digital that can update and install your hosts files for you: http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman. I've been using it for a year and a half, no problems.
My suggestion: http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman get this install and import a few premade lists. It basically blocks direct IP to adservers and tracking servers.
always make sure that you disable the DNS client server before importing large lists.
Even better for the HOSTS file: HostsMan (Surface Pro only)
It can source lists for the HOSTS file from multiple sources, including MVPS.
I ran into some issues when I selected all the sources so I would recommend only using: MVPS, hpHosts (ad tracking only), Peter Lowe's and Malware Domain List.
Editing your HOSTS file is another great way to block ads and known shady websites.
Hostsman is a pretty good free program that will update your HOSTS file periodically. http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Just install Hostsman.
Not only does it manage the Hosts file with updated blacklists, but one can easily add their own entries.
Check for forum for blacklists links.
Instructions on how to fix are here.
I'm quite surprised at how good IE9 turned out. I'm going to try it out for a couple days. Loaded up hostsman for an ad blocking solution. I do miss some of my other extensions, but I've been having this strange problem with Opera where it'll crash and wipe out all my settings...extensions, everything. Chrome just has all its tabs crash randomly for me constantly and Firefox, well it just likes to hog the fuck out of memory and then leave its process open instead of actually closing. Chrome worked fine for me until the latest update. The update must have broken some extensions I'm using or something.
This is the first I've really used IE outside of work since Firefox was first released way back when. One thing is for sure, I'm going to miss RES while using IE.
-I do the same, but I use HostMan from http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/ to manage and merge the lists. Never had a problem doing it that way, plus HostsMan works very well and continually downloads the latest updates to the lists that I choose.
Edit: I mean merge the lists into my Hosts file. I have over 37,000 lines in my Hosts file. Turn off DNS cache.
does exactly what it says it do. >HostsMan - HostsMan is a freeware application that lets you manage your Hosts file with ease. No Spyware! No Adware! No Viruses! 100% Freeware! Clean & simple.
I'm using Hostsman (http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman ) for this to automatically update the file. I start it via task scheduler with highest privileges. But be careful a large hostsfile can block your system because it is not indexed.
I've used hostsman since forever ago, it lets you download adlists into the hosts file automatically. Also:
There is no need to restart your device for the settings to take effect.
There is a performance impact, depending on your system and the size of the HOSTS file. On windows 7/8 large HOSTS files (something like >1MB) would cause the DNS client service to consume lots of CPU (but you could disable the service.)
This works on more than just Windows. OSX, android, and linux distros also have HOSTS files.
I block skype ads with a hosts file redirect on "rad.msn.com". I also suggest this app: Hostman. It allows you to block most ads on system level (basically it is adblock for all windows applications). It also keeps you from messing manually with the hosts file.
I use a proxy server from bFilter, it blocks a lot more[1] & I am using it combined with a host tool called Hostsman. The reason for this is that ads are dynamic and Ad Block/Ghostery are not trustable as they have allowed/whitelist ads to whoever pays them the most. I have both tools have to not block ads on the sites I use the most and appreciate through. 1 = Also blocks ads inside applications which was a surprise to see. Tend to move away from browser extensions as they only cause more delay/issues on the browser's overall speed/performance. And introduce a lot of bugs/glitchs along with it. Ever tried Chrome with 15+ extensions? - A nightmare I can tell you.
If your problem is purely the HOSTS file then HOSTSMAN could be a good solution if you're struggling to locate your file.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
With hostsman you have an extra level of ad/malware protection plus also the option of editing the HOSTS file manually through a nice GUI
Ugh. Check your hosts file. Nowadays the hosts file is mainly used for disabling distinct domains. 127.0.0.1 is basically the test address of your own computer, which means Windows looks for minecraft.net on your own computer, which obviously can't work. In the hosts file, look for these entries:
127.0.0.1 www.minecraft.net 127.0.0.1 minecraft.net
and remove them if they exist. Did you maybe do that on purpose a while ago and then forgot?
Use this program for easier hosts file manipulation: http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
In addition to what the other guy said, also look into what a "hosts file" is and add additional microsoft ip's.
Then you can check this tool and add all the malware and adware and scum ip's.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/
(if you go ham on the block lists, disable dns caching or you kill your connection)
As others have said stick to ublock origin by Raymond Hill (gorhill) or adblockplus by adblock plus and you will be good. You can also use hostsman to create a system wide ad blocker so no matter the browser / app, ads will be blocked.
Windows users can also give Hostsman a try. In non-technical terms, it recognizes adservers and fraudster-domains when you or a website tries to connect to those - and sends those requests into the big empty void instead.
There are third-party maintained files that keep track of what to trash. I haven't checked how a pihole is maintained, I assume it is the same way?
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/ (ironically, no https ...)
While both (PiHole and Windows Hosts file) basicly do the same thing. The Pi Hole does it network wide for all network devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, etc.) where as the Hosts file is limited to just one Windows PC. If one has multiple Windows PC's they'd have to update the Host file on each PC any time one wants to add/remove blocked domains. With Pi Hole its one location to manage rather than each PC/device. Plus you get statistics and other information with Pi Hole that you do not get with a Hosts file.
Prior using Pi Hole I was running Hostsman (www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/) on multiple Windows PC's to manage the Windows Host file. While the that software worked it was a bit cumbersome to blacklist or whitelist sites. And I found with very large lists in the Hosts file my Windows PC web browsing would be a bit slow. Transitioned to using Pi Hole instead to make things easier to monitor and control.
If you have only one Windows PC and no other devices then it might make sense to use a Hosts file rather than run a Pi Hole if one doesn't care about the extra features a Pi Hole brings to the table. But if one has multiple computers/mobile devices/IoT devices/etc. then a Pi Hole makes much more sense to setup since it will (when properly configured) apply white list/black list to all network devices in addition to providing extra monitoring details.
For Windows users, something that still kills off a bit of junk but is simpler than buying a dedicated device: http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/
What it does: when your browser or other application wants to contact a blacklisted domain, it is redirected to "nowhere". (The OS has a list of redirects - the so-called hosts file - so there is nothing fancy going on.)
I posted in another reply, but to anyone reading this who wants a host file manager for your windows PC should try Hostsman
It works like adblock. You set up a few sources and it automatically combines them for you. You can easily disable it or make exceptions too
I recommend HostsMan, which is a windows application that manages your hosts file through combining source lists (just like adblock).
Word to the wise: Dont add over 500k hosts to your hosts file or your computer is gonna be in a 'situation'... kinda hard to explain but one of the networking services starts shitting a brick when your hosts file is too big
Does that mean that a pihole simply "maintains a hosts file"? Like Hostsman for Windows, except that people might not want to try to ~~jailbreak~~root their TVs?
Hostsman to the rescue.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
It will do these for you. More tips here:
https://jdrch.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/which-sources-to-use-in-hostsman/
And buy a Pi and install Pi-Hole, then the whole network is being filtered instead of just one machine.
Hostsman to the rescue.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
It will do these for you. More tips here:
https://jdrch.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/which-sources-to-use-in-hostsman/
And buy a Pi and install Pi-Hole.
Because there are so many router / firewalls it's unlikely I would be able to (as chances are I won't have come across yours).
My suggestion would be to a) Google your router for geo-blocking (ie. blocking based on geographic area), b) Look into using OpenDNS service - I say look into it as it's been sometime since I used it and I'm not sure if it does Geo-blocking.
There are two other options to look into and I will explain why I didn't put them above:
Look at HostsMan. This amends your local computer hosts file and if there is a geo-blocking list you could add that in. The reason I didn't put it above as when I used it it always caused the DNS service to spike to 100% for a long time (it's an known issue). I ended up having to remove it after a few weeks of use. Your mileage may vary so try it. If it works and there is a geo-blocking list I'd use this over everything else as it's easier. But you need to install it on each computer you want to use geo-blocking on.
Use a firewall between your computer and your router. This is complete overkill for what you need but it will work. An option is [pfSense](pfsense.org) (which is what I use) but the are others. Again this is overkill but will work so it's an option. I use it for much more than geo-blocking.
Hopefully that gives you somewhere to start.
You might want to check out this little nugget.
If you choose to install it, it can automatically update from several certified providers.
Basically, in Windows there is a file called "HOSTS" in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ which you can fill with IP's and hostnames which assures you that certain hostnames directs to the correct IP address - or the incorrect which is the advantage when dealing with ads.
> are already virtualization I'm sure they can spare the processing power and required to run it
Well, that wasn't the scenario I described. Pi Hole itself isn't the problem. It's virtualizing for the sake of pi hole.
> And I definitely wouldn't call editing your hosts file faster or easier.
All that pi-hole does differently from a run-of-the-mill dns server is that it syncs with public hosts files. You could write a script that will fetch the latest hosts file from one of those public sources in 5 minutes, too. Pi Hole does synchronize with several sources though and combine. That is a bit more work for a script. There are native windows programs that will regularly sync your hosts file, too, of course. You can select whichever public source you want and installation also takes less than five minutes. http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
If someone has the spare resources for virtualization, then that's fine of course but it would be my last choice probably.
well those are the ones that have more content so what do you want me to do? also if your ad blocker can't protect you from everything try installing it for make up and simply stopping bad websites from entering your pc.
So you don't have any other extensions installed? Then download this:
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Start it as admin. As sources select "Cameleon", "MVPS" and those that say "ad". Then run an "update". It will download some files and afterwards you might need to restart your computer. Then hopefully you won't get any ads anymore. If you still get ads you might want to try another browser (Firefox instead of Chrome or vice versa). Otherwise I don't know either.
http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable
You could also try to follow these instructions: https://superuser.com/a/262817
There's also HostsMan but it requires admin access so probably not a solution for you.
Admittedly, you will have to kill your DNS catching service due to a bug with large hosts files in Windows. You will block all ads with this.
Hey man,
I found this:
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
It's free and so far seems great. I found it here:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2720555/blocker-program-microsoft-edge-browser.html
Description by someone there:
this adblocks using your host file its very effective and system wide works just fine with windows 10. nice part no plugins needed. i just use the first option mvs the same list i used to use with windows 7 no problems.
If you need to block ads and malware, use this utility, it blocks them at the system level so it affects everything instead of just the browser, which is great for things like Steam browser, and blocks ads in Skype and other apps.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Only extension I still need is Lastpass for long/complicated passwords, so I just fire up Internet Explorer for the times I need that. There is a Lastpass app in the store, but I'm too lazy to copy paste from it :)
last time I had to use something like that I used "hostsman" http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman, I don't know if it's any good still though
but there should be public lists you can download and use
e: keep in mind some appls might depend on adds and might have problems loading data to be functional, it's usually not an issue, just remember it if you are having issues with yout application not being able to connect to their servers
Easier, but not more comprehensive. There are tools which will allow you to download the lists you mentioned into your hosts file, for example HostsMan. Editing a hosts file will block ads across all browsers as well as ads in things like windows 8 start-screen apps.
Yeah AdBlock Plus for IE doesn't even include EasyPrivacy much less any other useful lists. Though with the Easylist/EasyPrivacy TPLs and a decent hosts file IE is a decent backup browser.
I have seen that problem with HuffPo. Way too many ads and scripts. Turning off Active Scripting, or adding www.huffingtonpost.com to the Restricted Sites list (Internet Options --> Security) can help. Other browsers make it easier. Running Firefox with the No-Script add-on is one of the best options.
Running an ad blocker add-on also helps. Or, if you are familiar with hosts files, using a host file from MVPHosts or hpHosts works well. If you do that you'll want to use a program like HostsMan so you can create an exclusion file. hpHosts especially includes blocking for many things people may want to access, and you can easily remove such sites from the hosts file by excluding them.
HostsMan from Manage Update Sources, Select MVPS Hosts, hpHosts and Peter Lowes Adserver list
Like /u/jmnugent said check for any shady Chrome extensions that might be installed.
There's a little freeware program called hostsman, that's especially good for people that are confused by or get nervous fooling with their hosts file. You can get it at http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
Lastpass is glorious. Use it everywhere and for everything. It has a very good password generator built in.
Use multiple email accounts, avoid using the same account name for one service or another. Different passwords for both - some email providers allow you to create aliases - that you can't login with, but can receive mail. (I use Mail.com for shenanigans.)
Look into Adblock+NoScript (Malware domain lists, Easylist+Easyprivacy) and something like http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman for easy hosts file management. (Blocking ad servers, malware domains can save you some trouble.)
Most antivirus programs are horrible. But Comodo has a nice firewall and it's application "Defense" is decent. (Sandbox, live monitoring, blocks keyloggers and the like.)
If you want a little bit of software to update your hosts file for you, there is one I use called HostsMan, it has that Hosts file that you linked as one of the ones to check by default.
I'm suprised nobody has mentioned this little utility > <strong>HostsMan</strong> is very easy to use for those who might not want to fiddle with their system folders on windows. Altough it's not a malware scanner it will help you out with editing the hosts and to check for possible hijacks, also it can automatically update the hosts file to block harmful websites. You can get it here > abelhadigital.com/hostsman ... and it's freeware :)
I think Hostsman can do what your program does. It can grab the MVPS hosts file along with the hpHosts file. It can be set to run at startup and automatically update.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman
*It's like AdBlock but it works outside of a browser. Good for blocking software that likes to phone home. I'll shut off my modem and run Wireshark before I install something. Check the logs and blacklist anything that I don't like.