Using+HOSTS+to+Block+Malicious+Web+Sites+*


 * Using HOSTS to Block Malicious Web Sites**

HOSTS files are on every computer. They contain a list of Web sites and the location of those sites. In a nut shell, when you visit a Web site, your computer will look at the HOSTS file to see where it's located. If it can't find it in the HOSTS file, it will then go to the Internet and ask your ISP's DNS server where it is.

Since a HOSTS file is like a quick reference guide on Web sites for your computer, you can tell the HOSTS file which sites the Web browser should not be able to visit. If you have a list of every bad Web site, you could make a HOSTS file that wouldn't allow your computer to visit any of them.

How do you get a list of all the bad Web sites in the whole world? There's an organization that keeps an up to date list of known malicious Web sites called [|MVPS]. [] Not only do they keep the list updated, but they also put it into a custom HOSTS file for everyone to use. All you have to do is download it and replace your current HOSTS file with it. Here's how!

First, download the file Save it to your desktop so that you can easily find it later. It'll be called **hosts.zip**.

Next, right click on the file and choose **Extract All**. That's the easiest way.
 * Note:** If you use a different unzip utility, you're welcome to use that as well.

Finally, install the file. If you're using Windows 98, 2000, ME or XP, just open the folder and double click on **mvps.bat**.

If you're using Windows Vista, right click on **mvps.bat** and choose **Run as Administrator**. You should then see a screen that says the process is complete.

Congratulations. You're done!