Hosts+File+Benefits+of

By using a function built into your computer, you will be able to block advertising sites (or any other site you wish) without the need for any extra programs. Most ad-blocking programs will only intercept IP calls going to the HTTP (or web) port on your computer. The Hosts file, however, will block IP calls on any port, whether it is HTTP, FTP, By intercepting the IP calls before they ever leave your computer, the Hosts file can prevent advertising and tracking companies from ever even knowing you are viewing a web page. All sites in the Hosts file entered with a 127.0.0.1 address will never be accessed.
 * Hosts File Benefits of **
 * (1.) Uses less resources:**
 * (2.) Works on connections other than HTTP:**
 * (3.) Eliminate many tracking and privacy concerns:**

Rather than relying on others to decide what sites to block for you, you may edit the Hosts file entirely on your own. This means you can put any site you wish into the Hosts file and that site will not be able to be accessed. You can use this to block advertisers, trackers
 * (4.) The Hosts file is configurable:**

IP numbers are the numerical equivalent of the www.somesitenamehere.com address, and that is what your computer actually uses to find the web page. The names are there so that humans don't have to remember long strings of numbers. You would need to find the www.whatever.com address that the IP number represents, and then block that name instead of using the IP number. For example, Yahoo!'s address is www.yahoo.com, and its IP address is 204.71.200.67 You can block www.yahoo.com but not the IP address. The reason for this is that Hosts is used to determine IP addresses. If you already know the IP address, Hosts will not be consulted and so can not block the site.
 * Some restrictions on the Hosts file:**
 * (1.) It will not work with wildcards, such as *.whateveryouwantgoeshere.com.**
 * (2.) It will not work with URL's that begin with IP numbers.**

The reason for this is that the Hosts file must block an entire site, and can not block subdirectories or pathnames on a site.
 * (3.) It will not work with ads that are served from the same site you are viewing.**