Hosts File to block URLs

[anthomson]

How do you edit your hosts file to block links to unwanted URL. Tried using IE content advisor but it puts up a msg box everytime it finds a 'blocked' site which is more annoying than the ads your trying to block

[lisaj]

really, why does nobody ever check past answers before posting? I've answered this a good few times, let alone anybody else!! Failing all else, look in your hosts file which has commented instructions!!

[anthomson]

I had heard Lisa mention the hosts file which is why I asked the question. I could find nothing which actually described what the hosts file is for nor how to use it to block sites. (Maybe I didn't look hard enough ). Anyway found a good description at: http://www.marlansystems.com/adv_adverts.htm Wh
ether we should be blocking ads is another question. I guess sites like AB depend upon advertising revenue to exist.

[lisaj]

anthomson. They depend on advertising revenue, but the advertiser's choice to pay AB based upon their hits count is entirely independent from our choice to close our 'digital' eyes so to speak. When the advertisers and site designers can advertise without putting pop-up windows that block our use, pop-up layers that block our use or annoying sounds that force us to be unable to use a site and listen to our mp3 collection at the same time, then I'll not cut them out of the loop. Till then, live by the sword, die by the sword - and so far all the adverts are dying miserably :-)

[lisaj]

And I also had a great idea just now. By installing a freeware proxy (like ProxyPlus) on your own machine, setting keyword filters for the URLs you don't want (like 'adviva'), and then pointing your browser at the proxy on your own machine, you can replicate all the stateful filtering performed by an expensive firewall without spending a single penny.

[anthomson]

Cheers Lisa, the Hosts file works fine and I am now popup-free on AB( and a few other sites). I agree with you that popups are obtrusive, and I think AB will suffer if it continues to allow advertisers to use the site in this way. The proxy idea also sounds interesting. Thanks.