The HOSTS file is a local text file those the allocation of host names and IP addresses serves.

The format of the file was taken over by BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) UNIX 4,3. Under Unix well-behaved systems like Linux the file under /etc/hosts, under Windows is stored e.g. in the file %Systemroot% \ System32 \ Drivers \ etc. (to Windows ME only %Systemroot%).

If a hostname must be dissolved into a IP address (or in reverse), then with some operating systems is first tried to accomplish the dissolution locally on the basis the allocations stored in the HOSTS file before other methods (DNS, WINS etc.) are tried. With Unix well-behaved systems the sequence is specified by entries in the file /etc/nsswitch.conf.

Problem

Since the allocations are static in the file and must on each computer be stored individually, maintenance of host name allocations is in (larger) a network only assistance of the HOSTS file extremely difficult.

In addition lately harming programs emerge, which try, to manipulate the HOSTS file under Windows in order for example the user on a wrong Internet side to steer again and again. This can be the preparation to the Phishing (see Pharming).

Treatment

In the file comes as the first the IP of the goal, followed from the address. Between the IP and the name at least one blank or Tab must be, it can also more be.

123.123.123.123 example.net 

This possibility among other things for blocking by advertisement used as address paths by advertising offerers on the own computer (127.0.0.1) are rerouted and in emptiness to run there.

See also: Dissolution of name

Block HOSTS file adapted by advertisement by

By registering servers, on which advertising banners or the like are stored, into the HOSTS file and e.g. with the own IP links as in the following example

127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net 

the connection to these servers is effectively blocked; it cannot take place communication with the goal host. This to settle by hand would be a time-consuming task, since there are thousands of Ad-servers. There are however some sources, which offer such a adapted HOSTS file for the Download, like e.g. There one additionally among other things also a Tool finds for the automatic installation and actualization of the HOSTS Datei.Eine further list of Ad-servers finds one under, which is constantly updated and offered in many different formats (under it also HOST) for the Download.

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