HOSTS File - Post # 1

I have blogged a lot about the need for using a HOSTS file as an integral and important part of your security package protecting you from the bad guys out there. Until now I have not posted any blog entries explaining what a HOSTS file does, how to get one, and how to maintain it so that you get protection that is up-to-date.

The reason for this is that this is a pretty technical topic, and normally I just get to install a HOSTS file on your computers when you are a customer and I have access to your machine. It's probably best that you have a pro install and explain this to you and also to perform a couple of related steps.

However, for those of you out there who are technically competent and who would like to try to install your own HOSTS file, I will post a series of posts on the subject, and hence the title of this post as being # 1.

This is one thing that a HOSTS file can do for you: prevent web sites that are named in the HOSTS file from being accessed.  This is BIG, because many of the viruses and rogue programs out there are downloaded by you through your web browser. So, if there were a central clearing house for identifying those bad sites and if it would also include all of them in a HOSTS file, wouldn't that be great? Well, it turns out there is, and this is really good news for us all! Another piece of good news: it's free!

I will do two things: First, I will make a special offering to my customers to install a HOSTS file for you over a remote connection, meaning I will take control of your PC while you watch and listen (over a phone), and I will install and explain the HOSTS file to you. I will charge a flat fee of $75 for this service.

Second, for those of you who feel pretty good about your level of competency in the technical aspects of Windows XP (yes, it works in Vista too, but I plan to start with XP users), I will post this series of items explaining how to DIY.

If you wish to proceed on a DIY basis, or if you'd just like to follow along, here is your first assignment:

Read everything on this page, http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm,  and read it again!

After reading, take a look at the current HOSTS file provided on this page by displaying it in your browser. You can do this by clicking here: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt

This might be an overstatement, I am just not sure, but I have come to believe that the use of this HOSTS file is the most important factor in preventing my systems from becoming infected with any of the rogue programs currently wreaking havoc on many of your systems.