On Dec 9, 12:13*pm, Bit Twister <BitTwis...@mouse-potato.com> wrote:
> On Tue, 9 Dec 2008 08:19:44 -0800 (PST), JediSp...@gmail.com wrote:
> > I would think you can benefit more from just using a
> > good hosts file because it could block bad sites/ads/ and cookies. Do
> > I have the right idea or am I missing something?
>
> Well, your hosts file could get pretty big, knocking your web performance
> in the head. I quit using a hosts file after it crossed 700 lines.
> Then you have the problem where they hard code the ip address.
> Or maybe, ads are buried in some subdirectory of a site you want to
> read.
>
> Look through here to see some possible combinations.http://www.neilvandyke.org/privoxy-r...vandyke.action
>
> Ad servers can have all sorts of node/domain names. I use privoxy which lets
> you have wild cards in the rule/action set. * * * *http://www.privoxy.org/

Looks like a nice program. I also have been messing around with no
script. I think someone would really have to enjoy tinkering with
these programs.

I have adblock plus in firefox and subscribe to the easy list. It is
really easy because it updates without me having to mess with it.
After looking around some more I discovered there is also a filter
from Malware Domains. I think its a newer filter and not very well
known but from the little I have read users give it a thumbs up. I
haven't seen it mentioned here and was wondering if anyone else has
tried it yet?

My Dad just called me and AntiVirus2008 showed up on his pc. Not sure
what he was doing but I'm going over to see if SaS removed it
properly. I have been reading up on it and this program is very
sneaky. It looks completely legit and directs you to a site that you
can wire money to buy the full version after it informs you that your
pc is infected with spyware and viruses. I was reading older topics
and the thing would re-create itself after a spyware program deleted
it but hopefully SaS was updated to deal with that.

I found references to these rogue antivirus programs in Malware
Domains so I guess they are keeping tabs on them.
I wonder if the mvps hosts file uses the same entries? So a hosts
file slows down your browser and the only cure is to disable dns
hosting? I see some people saying this starts even more problems and
other say its harmless. If a hosts file could stop even 25% of the
crap out there I would think a slow down is more than worth it.

I'm heading over to my parents again to see if SaS pro did its job.
I'm also going to put adblock plus on firefox for them and do Malware
Domains.

Almost everyone I know at work that has a computer has mentioned they
get weird pop ups or they think they have some kind of virus. I bet
something like 75% of home computers are infected with crap. Banks and
credit card companies should be investing money into improving anti
malware technology. Its just so ridiculous and getting to the point
where if you dont know how to reformat and tinker with your system you
are better off without one.