Anyone using a customised HOSTS file?

In my continuing battle, I have just checked out my HOSTS file in c:\windows\I386 folder.

Sample is :-
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
127.0.0.1 localhost

I used to have a much more comprehensive HOSTS file back in the W98SE days.
Can anyone point me towards a much more effective,expanded HOSTS file.

Does a bigger HOSTS file really speed up connecting to URL sites?
Like MG forums, for example.

Would mere mortals notice the difference?

How can I transfer DNS cache info into my HOSTS file to save effort.
Or alternatively, what program converts URL's to HOSTS info like
rhino.acme.com translates to 102.54.94.97 , for example

Apparently, from what I have read, the DNScache is wiped each time you shut down your PC. Where is on kept on a PC, a quick search does not show it.

Bazza

 

Informative link I have just found, using google and DNScache.

http://www.techiwarehouse.com/cms/engine.php?page_id=163e0b14

Research continues, but I am still interested in how you use your HOSTS file, if at all. Bazza

 

Hey bazza heres some help, let me know if i get over your head.

To convert hostnames to ips use this command in the command prompt
nslookup
then type the hostname and it should give you the ip address.

Now as far as host files goes read this, really quick. http://accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html now the reason I would highly suggest not to go overboard blockign stuff in the hosts files, or assigning your favorites sites is first its not gonna be a huge speed up unless your isp is having major issues with there dns servers and the fact that sites are always possible they may change ips and you may have some trouble in the future accessing a site if you setup many in the hosts file, and may forget that you went in and site that in the hosts. Not sure how to pull up the dns cached info. Hope this helps

 

thanks Colemanguy.
It's easy to get over my head, although I'm 6' 6"

Looks like another good idea in theory, down the tubes.
Check out that link I just posted.

You can apparently delay the clearing of the DNS cache by a Registry edit from the usual 24 hours to whatever you want. (say 48 hours).

A bit like Prefetch but for URL's I guess.

That would probably be the way to go instead of fiddling with the HOSTS file.
Research, and reading continues. Bazza

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Yea good in theory, but can cause some odd trouble shooting and problems. Most of the idea behind using a host file is more geared towards preventing/block spyware by not allowing known spyware sites to be reached.

 

I was always under the impression that, back in the day, fleshing out your own HOSTS file with favorite URLS was a means to eliminate the extra sometimes seconds a DNS request would take on relatively slow (9600 to 14.4Kbps) dial-up. In the modern day of nearly ubiquitous broadband and reasonably reliable DNS servers, is it still really necessary?

 

Think I'll try the Registry edit instead.
On page 2 of the article a second Registry edit is recommended to stop b*st*rds from abusing your DNScache. It never stops. Bazza

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Missed your reply while I was typing a reply to Colemanguy.
You are probably correct and it is probably why no one bothers nowadays. Thanks. Bazza

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I agree...the hosts file is more for blocking than allowing. You should see the list of sites AdFree adds...here's MINE:
#

 

Thanks to the auto link parser, you've inadvertently supplied lots of nice links to bad sites.

 

Sorry...I sure DIDN'T do it intentionally and I was trying to edit my post and 'erase' the list, but it was already too late. Feel free to delete the whole post, if you like.