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The MVPS HOSTS file was updated

Subject: The MVPS HOSTS file was updated [Updated 04-08-06]


http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Download: hosts.zip
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.zip

How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts2.htm

HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm

Note: the "text" version also makes a great resource
for determining culprit URLs ...
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt

Update your hosts file with ease, use HostsMan
http://hostsman.abelhadigital.com


The Hosts file is a Windows networking element that is normally not used by most people. It is a text file without any extension (it is it's own grandpa!). HOSTS is normally located in your Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory. It can be opened and edited in Notepad.

Entries in the bottom section resemble this loopback to your own machine address:
127.0.0.1 localhost

If we want to block access to a nasty website that plants spyware or adware on your computer when you visit them, add the domain name to the hosts file, like this:

127.0.0.1 abetterinternet.com
127.0.0.1 stop-popup-ads-now.com

Spyware companies are know for hijacking the HOSTS file and adding their own redirects to their website, for searches and home pages. Viruses and Trojan writers modify HOSTS to keep you from going to Windows Updates or othersecurity websites.

If you run Spybot Search and Destroy (and some other anti malware programs) you can have it lock down your HOST file against hijackers. It can also be made read-only, by right-clicking on the file and choosing Properties, and checking the option - Read Only.

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Wiz FeinbergWiz's Blog is written by Bob "Wiz" Feinberg, an experienced freelance computer consultant, troubleshooter and webmaster. Wiz's specialty is in computer and website security and combating spam. Wizcrafts Computer Services was established in 1996.

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