So I’ve noticed that my hosts file from Mike’s Ad Blocking Hosts File seems to be kind of outdated, but the old url at everythingisnt.com is no longer live.
I googled, but I didn’t see a new site hosting MABHF on the first couple of pages, and I thought “hey, I bet the other Dopers are already on top of this sitch”, so I came here to see if someone else knows where Mike’s is updated or if someone else has posted a better, more up-to-date version. Anyone know?
Privoxy is a better solution. It does all the host-blocking stuff in addition to more complex filtering, even stuff like de-animating animated GIFs, and it’s easily configured from within any (reasonable) web browser.
If you use Firefox, Adblock Plus is very easy to use, can be turned off if needed on specific sites and can be used with a filter list subscription.
Like a hosts file, it blocks the download and not only the display of ads.
Using a hosts file to block ads is an obsolete strategy.
Us something like Ad-block instead.
Thanks for that link. Based on a couple hours’ tinkering, Privoxy is da bomb.
I would not recommend it for a clueless “I just turn it on; I don’t care how it works” kinda end-user, but for somebody with a bit more savvy it’s awesome.
Hosts file is a tad quicker but a big one will actually slow things down.
Thanks everyone. I guess I should have mentioned that I use a Mac and Safari. Privoxy says it works with Mac OS, but there’s no Mac OS download available on the download page, just Windows.
Adblock seems to be Firefox only.
I can’t even remember how I got the hosts file installed in my Mac now (it’s been a couple of years since I did it).
Here you go: Adblock for Safari. I use it and have never had a problem.
Awesome! Thanks Fifth!