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Currently I'm using HostsXpert to manage my HOSTS file (I'm using MVPS HOSTS).
Started wondering about perhaps trying hpHosts and ended up looking at HostsMan since it has features that might be helpful when using a large HOSTS file (MVPS = ~ 600 KB while hpHosts = ~ 3.8 MB)
Anyone have some experience with this stuff?
And if so, what are the negative side-effects of disabling the DNS Client service?
I have read about this program at Gizmo's, but haven't actually used it.
I use SpyBot's immunization feature, which adds tons of sites to the blacklist in my Hosts file.
I have heard that a large Hosts file causes your internet to be slow, but Im not sure :noidea:
Btw mine is 442 KB (Win XP), you say yours is 600, does it have a negative impact on your browser or the speed?
Just a request, if you have some time to spare, could you shed some light on HostsXpert ? since you are using that :biggrin1:
Now coming to hpHosts, I see their warning posts on the WOT pages of many good websites. They are mostly False positives, so I can't really recommend them.
I wonder if they list harmless tracking cookies/ads as trojans/malware. And do they re-scan websites that they have termed "Malicious" ?
P.S: (not exactly relevant, but may still help newbies)
I also use Spywareblaster to prevent bad websites from loading, although it does not modify the Hosts file.
WinPatrol also detects changes in Hosts file, and prompts you if a change is found, well thats just an added protection.
Hadn't looked there, but did find this article which is a nice intro on HOSTS file and how you use to eliminate some Google ads.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashwin
Additionally, it's a good way to clamp a lid on OpenCandy (advertising program included in some apps like mIRC & MediaInfo that scans your machine for installed apps and then offers installation of others). There's a Gizmo article about it.
I found quite a few comments to articles that mention HostsMan in highly positive, if not glowing, terms -- but couldn't find a Gizmo article that talks about it. :Cry:
I didn't notice any impact on my browser after installing the MVPS HOSTS file. (I have DNS Client still set at Automatic.) But I didn't test it either. However, it's another story about using hpHosts: it's HUGE!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashwin
Actually I haven't really explored HostsXpert very much. I got because I was going to update my HOSTS file and started looking around for a tool to handle instead of having to do it manually.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashwin
The big draw is that HostsXpert is portable!!! Just made a folder for it in "MyApps" directory (I put all my portables there) and made a desktop shortcut for it.
Main features of HostsXpert:
- Restore MS HOSTS file
- Backup / Restore your HOSTS file
- Download either MVPS HOSTS and/or hpHosts (even tells you when you the date of the current release and when you updated yours last)
- Edit window of your current HOSTS file as well various Edit features
- Check DNS Client service
In short, it greatly simplifies using a customized HOSTS file
Now, back to hpHosts. Yes, I agree. I've noticed that hpHosts is very stringent. But that does have its safety advantages.
There are a number of reasons a domain might be listed in hpHosts (detailed explanation with links HERE)
NOTE: the color codes are found on the search results page.Quote:
- ATS - Ad/tracking servers
- EMD - sites engaged in malware distribution
- EXP - sites engaged in or alleged to be engaged in the exploitation of browser and OS vulnerabilities as well as the exploitation of gray-matter
- FSA - sites engaged in the selling or distribution of bogus or fraudulent applications
- GRM - sites engaged in astroturfing otherwise known as grass roots marketing
- HFS - Special classification for persons caught spamming the hpHosts forums
- HJK - sites engaged in browser hijacking or other forms of hijacking (OS services, bandwidth, DNS, etc.)
- MMT - Sites engaged in the use of misleading marketing tactics
- PSH - sites engaged in Phishing
- WRZ - sites engaged in the selling, distribution or provision of warez (including but not limited to keygens, serials etc), where such provisions do not contain malware
They range from Benign to Low Risk to Medium Risk to HIGH RISK.
(I changed the Medium Risk from lighter red to pink since I find almost impossible to discern the difference clearly -- used PicPick's ColorPicker tool to discern which was which.)
As to your question about re-evaluating a websites status, I found the 2 following tidbits:
- This is a procedure for removing a website from hpHosts but "Removal requests will only be accepted by site owners, individuals or trusted sources." Details HERE
- Also see this post in their forum:
Nonetheless, there's the possibility I might want to visit a site blocked by hpHosts.Quote:
Do you ever check malicious URL's still offer malicious files at a later date?
Yes. Though this is not a part of the regular validation procedure, this is done periodically when I have free time, and is done by others in the security community (one of the great things about the community is that everyone works together).
If so, I can do a search for it (HERE) to see its classification and then decide if I really want to go there.
If so... my understanding is that HostsMan makes it easy to do this.
In addition, it allows you to merge various HOSTS files (like those from MVPS and hpHosts), sort the combined file, remove duplicates and then optimize it for speed.
A further bonus (at least from reading about it) is has a built-in mini HTTP server that speeds up the use of the HOSTS file.
HOWEVER, I've only read about it and haven't tried it yet.
It comes in both an installed and portable edition ... but I've found nothing :noidea: about what, if any, are the functional differences between the editions. :mad:
I have WinPatrol Plus and when I updated my HOSTS file, it detected the change it asked if I wanted to allow it or not (after about a 1 min lag.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashwin
Yes I am familiar with that too, had to remove Orbit Downloader and YoWindow because of OpenCandy :hurt:Quote:
Originally Posted by jelson
They have mentioned HostsMan in this articleQuote:
I found quite a few comments to articles that mention HostsMan in highly positive, if not glowing, terms -- but couldn't find a Gizmo article that talks about it. :Cry:
I think you would find this list helpful: Probably the Best Free Security List in the World
LOL. I have Winpatrol Plus too and yes, it is rather slow. more like "Delayed protection" rather than "Realtime protection"Quote:
I have WinPatrol Plus and when I updated my HOSTS file, it detected the change it asked if I wanted to allow it or not (after about a 1 min lag.)
And Jelson, I would like to thank you for taking time to explain about HostsXpert, hpHosts and HostsMan. very informative :clap2: :thumb:
I hope Avinash posts it on the blog, could be very useful for advanced users.
Ah, I missed that article! Thanks Ashwin!!
You are welcome Jelson :oQuote:
Originally Posted by jelson