Block Uwanted ads / parasites with a Hosts file

Here's a way to block annoying ads, banners, blah, blah, blah, etc. Or you can use this for troubleshooting access issues with websites. It's all in the HOSTS file.

The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems. And what do you know, i found a massive list of possible unwanted sites here. The list contains thousands upon thousands of annoying sites to block, including trackers, ads, banners, etc. Here's a video on the process:




Links and download instructions:

Heres the very detailed explanation

To view the HOSTS file in plain text form. (640 kb) (opens in IE)
Note: The text version also makes a terrific reference for determining possible unwanted sites
Download: hosts.zip [right-click - Select: Save Target As] [Updated 01-03-08]
This download includes a simple batch file (mvps.bat) that will rename the existing HOSTS file to HOSTS.MVP then copy the included updated HOSTS file to the proper location. For more information please see the readme.txt included in the download.

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