Transcript by Bill Douglas on July 23, 2005 of Web Ad Blocking with Host files

Use my floppy disk.
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1. copy short cut to desktop.
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2.run NoAdHOSTS.exe
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3. Surf without ad’s.
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4.to reverse everything -edit out all url s you want to return to
normal ad’s viewing.
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5.delete shortcut to hosts
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127.0.0.1 local host
------------------.
[is required do not delete it]---------------
Summary of hosts
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Note: The installer does not back up
your old hosts file.
Remember to delete your browser's
cache (Tools>Internet Options>Delete
Files) to get rid of the ads you've
already downloaded.
Why are you doing this? Is this
legal or ethical?
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I quickly got sick of all the flashing banners and other
junk advertisers like to send my way. Many of the ad
affiliates use web cookies to track users across
websites. This is your computer, you have every right
to render the web how you like it. There is no legal
obligation to view anyone's ads. Hopefully, mass ad
blocking will force marketers to find smarter and less
intrusive ways to advertise, like with text ads.
Also, I have a hard time reading content with flashing
banners and such distracting me. I mainly do this for
usability reasons, it is not an anti-commercial project.
Does this fight
spyware/malware?
Indirectly, yes, by blocking spyware sites. I
*highly* recommend running Ad Aware at
least once a month to fight spyware. I also
recommend Disabling Signed ActiveX controls
in Internet Explorer or switching to Mozilla.
Here's how to block ActiveX go to
Tools>Internet options>Security>Custom
Level
 Download signed ActiveX controls: Disable
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windows will only recognize the hosts file if it
has no extension. Most browsers, unless
otherwise specified will attach an .txt
extension to the hosts file. For those having
problems do not use the .sam extension on
the file. SAM means sample, its not a system
file at all.
Will this cause problems with websites?
Usually not. I try to err on the side of caution
and don't block any ad servers that might
cause any problems with web functionality.
This isn't working. How can I
troubleshoot my hosts file?
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There are a few things that can go wrong. You didn't remove the .txt
extension, put the file in the wrong place, or didn't reboot your system.
Some computers need a reboot. Some 2000/XP computers need their
DNS client service shut down and set to Manual.
When in doubt, just use the installer. When really in doubt you can
uninstall "NoAdHosts" from Add/Remove programs in Control Panel.
You also may need to restart your browser or reboot your computer
after making host changes. You will also have to clear your browser's
cache to delete the ads you've already downloaded. The cache in
Internet Explorer is under Tools>Internet Options>Delete Files. Click
the "delete all offline content" button too.
Does this block pop-ups?
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No, only in-line ads. It does block ads inside
pop-ups. You'll need to enable pop-up
blocking in your browser (Mozilla and Opera
do this) or use a pop-up blocker. Google's
toolbar blocks pop-ups for Internet Explorer
users. You can download it. Make sure to
pick the one without the "advanced features,"
as advanced features means spyware.
[Service Pack 2 for Windows XP] has a built in
pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer
To appease opera
[complains there is no proxy at
that address.]
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Run a small single purpose web server that
responds with a transparent bitmap.
Blackhole Proxy
http://s9136763.onlinehome.us/BlackHolePro
xy
Bitmap @
www.sherylcanter.com/articles/pac-file.zip
Once you have Blackhole loaded
,configure your browser.
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for Internet explorer---Tools-internet options connections settings
Check Use automatic configuration script
File://c:/PacFiles/ad-block.pac
Fill in address 127.0.0.1 and port 3421
Under security select local internet
Uncheck box “include all sites that bypass the proxy”
Turn off auto cachingwww.schooner.com/~loverso/no-ads/E-auto-proxycache.reg
Fix SP2 Upgrade Woes
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Can’t use Microsoft automatic update
site
The ms fire wall won’t let some
applications run
Your anti virus don’t appear to work
after you install SP2.
Microsoft http error 500
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http error 500 -internal server error,
error 0x8ddd0010
As always with the web, the page does
not offer help ,or how to fix it.
“Windows xp hacks page 491”
Ie pop up blocker \SP2
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You need to tell ie to allow a particular
site.
Ie-tools\popup blocker\pop up blocker
settings
Type in [to fix microsoft problem]
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Click add.
Lets see how the computer
really looks.---- almost done!
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Floppy
Normal stuff
demo
Thank you for your interest
[email protected]
Most of this text comes from web pages on the
reference web sites
And is modified for this presentation. Many of the
pages use identical wording.