Bluetack's Host Manager

I know i have a good security setup.

But i have been recommended to a full security i should get a host manager right?

Is this a good free one?

http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/?autocom=faq&CODE=02&qid=16

Btw wat is this like a pop up blocker?

is there a better one thats free as well? and constantly updated?

 

Hi Chaos16,

IMHO Bluetack is not reputable outfit, they use other peoples host lists, to compile there list, without first getting permission. The author of MVPS Hosts, has stated this. See:

https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=87769&highlight=bluetack post #9 for Mr. Burgesses comments.

I would suggest Hosters (free) from www.funkytoad.com.

Hosters & Bluetack's host manager will allow you to edit the host file, so as to add or delete items/domains from the list. Plus they will make the host file 'Read Only' or 'Writeable' with a click of the mouse. Read only offers a degree of security to the hosts file.

For some great information see: http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts2.htm

Take Care
Rico

 

Hello chaos16 and Rico

@Rico:
For starters I agree with your recommendation re

Good tool.

I went back and read the older thread

afaik HDMoore and his cohorts are an invaluable and vastly respected resource in the www security game and are on the side of good.
http://www.google.com/search?&q=hd moore
He does have a slightly rakish rep but does good work.
I see HDM actually responded directly to any implied skullduggery.


This site is a deadly serious set-up
http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php
Plenty to keep up with there.

Likewise Burgess's site is packed with goodies and advice
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
and he is linked to from all over the web
http://www.google.com/search?&q=mike burgess mvps
His hosts file is a tremendous resource and I am very grateful to him for his efforts on our behalf.

I have no way of offering any insight into any issues btwn Burgess and Moore.

Is that still a reasonable attitude to be pushing from 2005. ?

I have hosts from spybot, I have IE-Spyad, I have Spyware blaster, And I use a hosts manger ( a really Simple one) from here http://dundats.mvps.org/Software/Index.htm

Are you suggesting I should not use whatever resource is around. ??

In point of truth I was not able to get the Bluetack utilities to work and abandoned them for "easier" options

Heh, do you really need a hosts file: from Kevin McAleavey:

and

https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=108368&highlight=hosts file clean
You need to be a bit careful with the config of BOClean if you want to protect your host file.

Back to original Q
as suggested:
http://www.funkytoad.com/
http://dundats.mvps.org/Software/Index.htm
and at the bottom of this page: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

I dont know the latest state of play but SPySweeper (if you have It) was not able to cope with large hosts files which by now they all are. !!

HTH
Regards.

 

So this is like a pop up blocker and ad blocker?

Is HostsXperts v3.8 good to use?

 

hosts expert is a great little tool
lodore

 

Hi Longboard,

Regarding the Burgess Moore thing, people generally don't change (change is the hardest thing in life) therefore, I would still tend to believe (till prov-en otherwise) that BlueTack is still (most likely) using without permission Burgess's information, for there own, in 2007. I choose to support, use, & applaud Mr. Burgesses EXCELLENT work!

Chaos16 - Should you have MVPS Host file installed (other host files as well) & try to visit a site, that's listed in the host file. Your browser won't allow you to visit that site. It's very easy to download someone else's 'host file', then add the bad sites to your own list. I use 'hosters v3.5' & therefore cannot comment one the one you mentioned. Also host files can be attacked, so you can get to the bad site, so hosters adds some protection (makes the file read only) and allows for easy editing. Perhaps you've run across a bad site, that the authors of the host file missed. With hosters you can easily add your bad site to the list. Some FW's & AS's give extra protection to the host file, ZA & Spysweeper come to mind. Also Spyblaster makes a backup of the host file. Also (just remembered) WinPatrol protects or notifies if something is up to no good, with your hosts file.

Take Care
Rico