your machine has its own host address, known as its “localhost” address.
The IP address for localhost is 127.0.0.1.
Blocking ads and other undesirable webpage elements, can also speed up the loading of websites.
You don’t have to wait for all those items to load.
The default hosts file that comes with Windows does not contain any host name/IP address mappings.
you might add mappings manually, such as the IP address 74.125.224.72 for www.google.com.
NOTE: The hosts file has no extension.
However, an easier way to edit the hosts file is to use a free tool called Host Mechanic.
Host Mechanic does not need to be installed.
If the User Account Control dialog box displays, click Yes to continue.
NOTE: You may not see this dialog box, depending on yourUser Account Control configs.
If you’re entering a site you want to block, poke the 127.0.0.1 check box.
Otherwise, enter the IP address for the site in the IP Address edit box.
Click Add to Host.
The following confirmation dialog box displays.
Click OK to close it.
To revert back to the default hosts file that came with Windows, click Restore Default Host File.
Another confirmation dialog box displays.
The hosts file may get hijacked by malware programs, that insert entries directing your rig to their webpage.
If this happens, you might restore the default hosts file.
NOTE: Remember the hosts file should just be named “hosts” with no extension.
Once you delete the hosts file, the following confirmation dialog box displays.
To close Host Mechanic, smack the X in the upper, right corner of the window.
Download Host Mechanic fromhttp://browse.deviantart.com/?q=host+mechanic#/d4g95l7.
NOTE: When using Host Mechanic, you might see a malware warning message.
The AskVG website, who provides this software, says it’s a false positive.
It modifies a system file, so some security software programs might incorrectly detect it as being suspicious.
However, it seems safe to use.
