Do you really need a host file

[eyec]

if your machine is fully up to date (patched) with AV, firewall, and spyware blocker, does a host file offer anything?

 

[smah]

I assume that you mean a hosts file that is configured to block known malware sites. In that case, yes, it is still helpful. The hosts file is the first place your computer looks for name resolution. Because this is first and local, it is very quick and adds very little overhead. This method prevents your computer from even requesting the harmful content, so your other malware tools don't even need to process anything listed in this type of hosts file. However, it is rather limited because it only applies to whatever known entries are listed.

 

[BillyRayPreachersSon]

It's also very helpful when developing web sites locally, as you can redirect any machine name & domain back to localhost.

Dan



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[Grenage]

It's very handy for quick resolution, where DNS is not available.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into the area" - Major Mike Shearer

 

[eyec]

thanks
that is what i was thinking but just wanted some others point of view

 

[robmazco]

My experience says yes.
Several users take their lappies home, connect to the office VPN but Outlook wont connect.
I added in the dns of the mail server into the Hosts file and now Outlook connects.
Dont ask me why this is, I just know it works.