1 - Are you talk about just backing up the existing Host file and encrypting it? If so I can do that. or not what your thinking? 2 - I can do that but what other providers do you or other recommend? 3 - that might be tricky. at each update the Hosts Block really just rewrites the host file. what would I check the host file against? thank you for your input. Brock
Update: you can now Edit the host file directly from the GUI and just click "Save" on the menu at the top when you are done adding or editing. Download http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup
Likewise...my comments were meant to be informative no pejorative...apologies if they came across in an unintended manner.
Yes. Those who have put time & research into their HOSTS file might appreciate a local encrypted backup. If you allow for future growth by giving the user the ability to add, delete and modify their own sources, you have it covered. I realize this is a lofty goal. Instances have been noted where users report rogue entries in the HOSTS file of infected systems. An encrypted hash value generated at the conclusion of a legitimate edit, later to be validated on a scheduled and/or on-demand basis would be great. Your work is appreciated Brocke, Thank you!
@1PW The next version I'm planning on having the fallowing added into it - Exclusions - Host file Encrypting the backup - Host file Decrypting for host file restore - Added in a auto update that is silent and works in the back ground. - EDIT: Also going to add Limited account support - under limit accounts Auto update, Manual update, and Options will all be disabled. After that - - Adding the possibility to added your own sources. I hope to have the update done by the end of the week. The main difference between Hosts Block and Hostman is really the fact I have everything setup so at first run everything will be done, Loading of the MVPS host file, Backup of current Host file, and adding a scheduled task for auto update. I see in hostman more of that isn't done for you and have to setup a little which is not a bad thing by all means. I like hostman and what they did I'm just looking to make a even simpler program that a setup and forget from the start with no interaction. thank you all. Brock
Status update: What have I have completed so far and tested - Exclusions Done - Host file Encrypting the backup Done - Host file Decrypting for host file restore Done - Added in a auto update that is silent and works in the back ground. Done - EDIT: Also going to add Limited account support - under limit accounts Auto update, Manual update, and Options will all be disabled. thank you Brock
Here is an update to Hosts Block http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup please uninstall current version first. from here on out the program will check for updates at load. and by right clicking the tray icon. I plan on adding interface usability options for the program also. thank you Brock
New update: Hosts Block 1.15 Added - Exclusions Added - New option "Close button minimizes to system tray" Added - Commands menu "includes Flush DNS" The exclusions for now is really basic. you enter exclusion like 0.0.0.0 +domain each to their own line. At each update it will search for the exact text you typed in the exclusions and will remove them at each update. example: 127.0.0.1 facebook.com 0.0.0.0 google.com there also is a scan and remove options also. let me know what you guys think. http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup Thank you Brock
I'm working on my next update by adding in optional hosts files. But I have a question do you guys like the UI? Do you find it functional or how would it need to improve?
Program update: Hosts Block 1.22 Added - option to Automatically Flush DNS at update Added - Update frequencies of 24 Hours, 8 Hours, 4 Hours Added - Under "File" Support options for Forum (wilderssecurity.com) and Facebook to post a question. Added - At update check of new hosts file Hosts Block will now check for program updates also and alert. Bug Fix - When right clicking tray icon and select "open" sometimes main GUI wouldn't open. Bug Fix - When double click the tray icon sometime the main GUI wouldn't open. Download: http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup or right click tray icon and select "Program Update" thank you Brock
Hello Brock: Have you had a chance to check on the cheapest/reliable price of digitally signing all your relevant files? I realize this is a personal expense for your freeware contribution. Thank you Brock.
Major Update: Hosts Block 1.1.4 I've done some recoding. This is mainly a speed update meaning I've added multi threading to speed things up and this will make it easy on a system. I've also improved the updating of Hosts Block. I've added but not yet active the ability to add more sources but I'm still testing. the code is there but not active. Everyone that uses Hosts Block I need you to uninstall and reinstall please. This should be the only time you'll have to do this. Thank you Brock
Update: Hosts Block 1.1.6 Added - Commands menu: open Hosts file location in Windows. Bug fix - Sometime when the main GUI would popup at end of time to check for updates. Download: http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup thank you Brock
Program Update: Hosts Block 1.2.3 Added - Silent program updates (now Default) Added - Disable Facebook button Added - Disable Donate button Hosts Block will silent update and restart like nothing ever happened. thank you Brock
Hi Brocke, I'm having a problem with V1.2.3 it installs but when I try to execute it I get a program stopped working message. I found this in the maintenance log (Win 8 x32) Faulting application name: Hosts Block.exe, version: 1.2.3.0, time stamp: 0x55ecceea Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 6.2.9200.17366, time stamp: 0x554d1772 Exception code: 0xe0434352 Fault offset: 0x0001209d Faulting process id: 0x1588 Faulting application start time: 0x01d0e921e41f26fa Faulting application path: C:\Program Files\Hosts Block\Hosts Block\Hosts Block.exe Faulting module path: C:\Windows\system32\KERNELBASE.dll Report Id: 24e24aa5-5515-11e5-afc8-002219d91dce Faulting package full name: Faulting package-relative application ID:
do you have .NET 4.0 installed? Have you uninstalled any other version and reinstalled ? Are you running as Administrator? What version of OS? This error really is veg and hard to trace. there are tool to help on this. thank you Brock
@clubhouse1 when that error comes up again PM the full log like last time so I can see all the text in it. Show more details should help me. thank you
Thanks Brocke, I'm at work right now. Its just occurred to me it may be a system fault on my laptop..I'll run sfc /scannow when I get home and see if it finds anything. I'll let you know if it cures it
Program Update: Hosts Block 1.2.5 Added - Restore default windows hosts file. In "Backup" menu Added - Open hosts file location in windows. In "Commands" menu Added - System tray "Updates" menu for (Program updates and Hosts file updates) thank you Brock
Program Update: Hosts Block 1.2.7 Added - Now able to add 5 custom sources (In Options>Hosts File>Advanced) Bug fix - Program updating at windows startup, Hosts Block would sometimes crash and not update. If you find any bugs lets me know Thank you Brock
Program Update: Hosts Block 1.2.9 Mainly GUI Improvements Added - In "Other Sources" window you now can clear the "Name" and "URL" fields by clicking "clear" Added - Text in Other Sources help field letting users know closing the windows saves changes. Added - Text to "Options" window by letting users know closing the Options windows does save changes. Bug fix - Hosts Block wouldn't start if no internet connection available at windows startup. This is now fixed. thank you Brock
Next version will include Provide automated protection and integrity checks of the user's system HOSTS file from malicious attacks. as suggested by @1PW thank you Brock