I have been wondering about this since I started using K-Meleon last year. Does the Hosts file (Windows Folder) and SpywareBlaster also work with K-Meleon? I'm thinking they probably don't ... but don't know for sure. If not, would there be something similar that would be like a Hosts file or the program SpywareBlaster for added protection with K-Meleon?

Hosts File:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm


SpywareBlaster:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

I have both these programs on my computer since I still keep Internet Explorer on my machine ... in case I would need it for some reason.

thanks ...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2010 03:19AM by duffy2009.

Spyware Blaster works with K-Meleon but I don't know about Hostman

There is a file "hostperm.1" in your profile, which is created as soon as you block the first cookies or popups or images from certain domains.
They can be blocked via Tools > Privacy > Permissions, or via the Preferences (F2> Content Filters or Privacy or PageDisplay-Images).

More detailed info is here:
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Hostperm.1
Looks like there is more stuff possible to block and more options if you edit the file manually.

Not quite sure, but I guess Policy manager also uses hostperm.1, but disrupted can tell more...

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html#Browsers

your hosts file overrides all net applications whether they are browsers or any other like download managers etc blocking domains through hosts will affect all browsers unless the browser is configured to connect through a proxy address or a proxy pac then hosts will not affect the browser address queries except when the proxy config is coded to access the hosts files first.

connecting directly will naturally adhere to the hosts file

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

Thanks guys ... chrismt, siria and disrupted.

siria ... I will investigate hostperm.1 and how it works. I did not know anything about it.

disrupted ... thanks for the heads up on SpywareBlaster : I should have explored the Javacool site more. I have used it for years with only IE 6, never thought it worked with other browsers. I always liked the fact that it doesn't have to be running, therefore not using any resources. Maybe this will be of some interest to others. I copied the "browser list" that SpywareBlaster works with, K-Meleon is right there in the list. I also use Proxomitron with the Sidki Filter set. I will have to see if I am actually using the Hosts File through Proxomitron.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Secure Your Browser: SpywareBlaster provides protection for your favorite web browser(s):

Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Netscape
Seamonkey
Flock
K-Meleon
and browsers that use the IE engine, including:
AOL web browser
Avant Browser
Slim Browser
Maxthon (formerly MyIE2)
Crazy Browser
GreenBrowser


Guarding the Door: Many other programs use Internet Explorer as a default browser, or use the Internet Explorer engine to display their interface or content. So even if your browser is not listed above (e.g. Opera), SpywareBlaster will protect you in many other cases.

----------------------------------------------------------

thanks again ...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2010 11:17AM by duffy2009.

I have used HostsMan http://www.abelhadigital.com/ for years. It comes bundled with HostsServer. ( From the help section: HostsServer is a freeware local HTTP Server designed to speed up surfing when a custom hosts file is in use.)

The most recent release also features Optimize which essentially (I believe) organises the hosts file entries into strings.

The kicker with a Hosts file, is that a large file will take longer to process with each access. The Optimize tool is a solution to that problem.

Another point with a hosts file, is that it block whole domains only, which helps with security issues, not individual ads (blocking) included within a domain/wesite. But I find that 90% of the ads out there originate from separate ad servers which can be blocked.

The reason I use a hosts file solution to blocking, is precisely because it acts on all network accesses no matter which browser I use. That way, I do not have to keep multiple ad blockers updated for each browser. (Although I use K-Meleon for 99% of my browsing, occassionally I have to resort to I.E. for some sites, and sometimes I play with QTWeb.)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2010 03:42PM by Davep.

Davep ... thanks for the info on HostsMan. I downloaded the latest version and will check it out. Not familiar with it. I have since learned for sure that the MVPS Hosts File does work with K-Meleon through Proxomitron. There may be a lag time since the Hosts File is very large but I don't seem to notice it much. I guess there has to be some small wait using the Hosts File.

The Host file overrides everything else. Doesn't matter which browser you are using. I'm using the mvps one, I installed it with a BAT file.
This is what the readme file says about NT system:

Quote

[Important Notice - 2K/XP/Vista Users]
In most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine. This only occurs
in 2K/XP/Vista. Windows 98 and Windows ME are not affected.

To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"

Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and select: Properties
Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
Select: Manual, click Apply/Ok and restart.

For more details please see:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

slayer ... I'm using Windows 98SE (modernized 2010 style) so there is no slow down from using the Hosts File, as MVPS states, unless it's a fraction of a second. Very glad the Hosts File works with K-Meleon.