Topic 'Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs' in forum 'Security' - dslreports.com

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 13 Mar 2001 00:36:37 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
kingsbrad, if you read the whole thread, you'll realize that your question has been answered a few times in this thread.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Mon, 12 Mar 2001 15:31:03 EDT

anon posted : Try this site for how to use your hosts file and set it up - I posted this site for its host list in another thread, its list is pretty extensive.

The host file should already exist on your computer, it is just a matter of opening it up and adding the entries you want. :)

»www.smartin-designs.com/

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Mon, 12 Mar 2001 14:05:18 EDT

kingsbard posted : I realize this is way outdated but I have to ask, how do I create a hosts file?

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 28 Feb 2001 18:13:21 EDT

Alphawolf220$ posted : MY GOD THAT'S A HHHUUUUUUGGGGGEEEEE THREAD! THAT'S WILD!

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:01:18 EDT

OzarkMan$ posted : If you want to post on a large thread Alphawolf220...check this out

quote:
This is only a 5 page thread Ozarkman. We haven't broken This Record yet

--
Genuine Wisdom is knowing what you are talking about but deciding to keep your mouth shut.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 28 Feb 2001 09:46:41 EDT

EmilioG posted : tnm, Wildcatboy; Thank you both for helping in my education of Hosts. I'v got it going and its working like you know it works! I went to ZDnet and cnet.com and all those ads were stripped. So far so good. thanks.

Next project is the Email security 1 pixel spy.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 28 Feb 2001 01:50:22 EDT

anon posted : Here's a list of sites in my IE 5 Restricted list in the
attachment noads.reg. I call it my "bozo bin". Sites
in here are mostly banner ad sites that try to set cookies.

To use: First get rid of all your cookies (see instructions
someone posted earlier), then double click on the attachment
to add these sites to your restricted list, then set up
your restricted list to disable Java, Javascript, and
Cookies (both temporary and permanent cookies). To do this
click on Tools->Internet Options->Security->Restricted
Sites->Custom Level

Warning: I've heard bad things about things that f--- with
the Registry, and this adds sites to the Registry. I've
had no problems, but ...

If anyone has any suggestions to add to this list, let me know!

Mike

Noads.zip
859 bytes
(Noads.reg)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 19:34:53 EDT

Alphawolf220$ posted : This has to be the largest thread I've ever posted on DSLR.com! Also, I've had some problems with Web Bugs but I'm fine now.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 19:32:04 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
Emilio as you know hosts file does not have an extension so once you click on it you can choose to open it with Notepad. The one that I posted is a large file but it's small enough to be opened in Notepad. I attached it to my post on page one of this thread if you are interested.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 18:29:11 EDT

tnm456 posted : It is huge
You will need wordpad

There was 2 files at the site you inquired about
full_127001.zip and full_0000.zip

these were the same files that wildcatboy recommended
earlier in this thread

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 18:25:28 EDT

CyberStretch posted : EmilioG,

How large can a Notepad text file be and can still be opened? If a Notepad.txt file is too large, doesn't wordpad open it instead?

Yes. If notepad cannot handle a plain text file, it will suggest using word pad instead. I do not know what the actual limit is for notepad, though.
--
The price of admission is submissions...

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 18:22:13 EDT

EmilioG posted : Yes, thank you. I'll do that. What is the name of your Hosts file again? I have a few. I don't want to add a zillion entries all at the same time. I'll do it a bit at a time to see how things go. How large can a Notepad text file be and can still be opened? If a Notepad.txt file is too large, doesn't wordpad open it instead?

But since the Hosts file is no longer a notepad.txt file anymore, I guess it doesn't matter right? Sorry for all the questions, I'm a proffesional artist and not a computer guru like most of you guys, but I'm learning. :)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 18:00:42 EDT

tnm456 posted : Emilio
If you used that zip file from me
It has a ton of double click entries

If you didn't use it. you can use it for reference
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 17:50:26 EDT

CyberStretch posted : FWIW, one issue I had with the hosts.zip file was that it included cgi.netscape.com, which is also the server used for downloading browsers, etc.

All I did was comment (place a # in front of) the line and rebooted to remedy it. You could just as easily remove the # and re-enable the protection, if you so desire.
--
The price of admission is submissions...

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 27 Feb 2001 17:32:10 EDT

EmilioG posted : I've been following the development of this thread with interest and first I want to thank all those that contributed so much information and the follow up solutions.

I just did my first Hosts file and saved it as a text file not All Files like was mentioned above in one of the posts, and it worked. Windows asked me if I wanted to replace the Hosts file that was already there and I said yes. It is now in C:\Windows as Hosts and not Hosts.txt.

I started with only the entries for comet cursor to test it out and will be adding more as I go along. I don't want to add a million entries and then try to figure out what is blocking my web pages. I don't want this to turn into a major disruption. e.g. Akamai to me is not an "evil" server to be completely blocked.

***QUESTION: Where can I find all the entries for DoubleClick, to add to my Hosts file?

And where is the restricted sites entries file, what is it called? Can I just copy and paste it into restricted sites?

All these download files have me a bit confused; Hosts.zip, Full, Hostess, etc...( I just installed Explorer Notes, great little app. I can add notes to any file, folder, program, etc..to tell me what it is, when I installed it, etc, anything I want to add to the note. very nice).

This is a very good thread for the archives and should be explorered to the fullest for future reference. Its a little scattered but the information, or most of it is here.

****QUESTIONs: The Hosts file is a text file without the .txt extension correct? Because i also noticed a Hosts log file in C:\Windows also.

****?: Do the Hosts file entries have to have a "sister" entry in restricted sites? e.g. Doubleclick.

Can someone maybe write a summation of all these posts and put it in a better, broken down format with headings, etc..?
Just to wrap it all up, with all pertinent information, foot notes, caveats, and details. Thank you all again. Good job!

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 15:07:33 EDT

mjf posted : See the "www.confirm.to ...." thread I started: »www.confirm.to returns your IP to email sender

I didn't think of this as a web bug but since it comes in html format, I guess it is.
--
"Give me the benefit of your convictions but keep your doubts to yourself. I have enough of my own." - Goethe

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 09:48:27 EDT

tnm456 posted : The Hosts file must be saved by a user with administrator-level access. Only administrator-level accounts can save the file in the proper Hosts directory under Windows 2000, which is "c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\".
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 09:45:04 EDT

Wxman8 posted : Hey everyone... does this host file work with W2K. I have searched the WINNT directory and cannot file the Hosts file. I have been playing with it with Win98, now I want to check it out in W2K.

Wx

Re: Hosts blocking picture showing- WIERD

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 09:35:15 EDT

kaybertoss posted : :)This helps me as well Wildcatboy.Thanks for all the informative info......thumbs-up!:)

Re: Hosts blocking picture showing- WIERD

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 03:02:38 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
OK Rx, I shouldn't have jumped the gun and dismissed the hosts file and I apologize. The problem is caused by a few entries in the hosts file. You can custom make your Hosts file to fit your needs. Now, one thing you need to know is that you don't have to remove any entries from your hosts file to make them inactive. All you have to do is to put a # sign to the left of your entry and it will be ignored. This way you can make any comments in the file as well so you can remember why you did what you did. Just make sure you put the # at the beginning of each line you want ignored.

There are two sections in that hosts file titled "Not for everyone" and "various". Those are entries that are considered to be tracking sites but without them some sites are not going to be displayed period. So you can choose which one you want to allow in order to go to the sites that you can't live without. :) Check for these entries and put a # before them and you'll be fine at least while visiting CNN. a388.g.akamai.net , cnn.looksmart.com , customad.cnn.com , customcnn.com , victory.cnn.com .

Now don't jump the gun and allow them all. Experiment with them and allow them one by one to see if you can accomplish what you want by allowing as few of those sites as possible. Good luck.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Thu, 22 Feb 2001 01:39:56 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
This is only a 5 page thread Ozarkman. We haven't broken This Record yet. :)
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 20:35:24 EDT

OzarkMan$ posted : Due to the length of this very informative thread, it goes without saying, we could go on and on talking about Hosts....NO pun intended "WCB" :)
--
Genuine Wisdom is knowing what you are talking about but deciding to keep your mouth shut.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 20:12:20 EDT

kaybertoss posted :

said by R2:
Just some followup... I tried to create the Hosts file using Notepad and them naming it "Hosts." with the "All file types *.*" line selected. I ended up with a file entitled "Host..txt"! No big deal! I simply renamed it "Hosts" and stuck it in C:/Windows. I only put www.doubleclick.com and www.doubleclick.net in there with the 127.0.0.1 address.

Without rebooting, I then returned to www.doubleclick.com. I got the "Page Can Not Be Displayed" warning. All sub-links from this page came back with the same page.

Got it. So using the Hosts file with that address complete severs the ability to reach pages. I like that. I got it. Now to install Martin's list!

By the way, IF you do see an AD on a page, Right Click on it and choose Properties. Find out where the offending site is located and quickly add it to your Hosts lists!! This way you can personally keep updating Martin's list.:)

By George I think I finally got it (not that anyone cares by now).:) Anyhow I just replaced my "hosts" file with wildcatboy's "hosts" file after renaming it to "hosts" and dragged it over to c: windows from my unzipped files.

Windows asked me if I wanted to replace the existing "hosts" file with the new larger "hosts" file,and I just clicked "yes". Next, all I did was what R2 did, add the two doubleclick's cleaned out my temp internet files and volia, double will not display!:) Thanks to all who contributed to this thread! My votes to tmn456 for starting this thread, Wildcatboy for his hosts file and R2 for kicking my brain in gear.

Hosts blocking picture showing- WIERD

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 19:47:31 EDT

Rxdoxx posted : WCB, glad you could see the elephant. I can't. And it really seems to be the hosts file. Tried today (there is a new CNN picture of the day- whales this time :) )And I can't see it. Went to hosts file renamed it hosts.txt , saved change, then opened IE and there was the picture!!!
Closed IE, renamed hosts.txt to hosts saved it and reopened IE picture gone only a white box with a red x. Right clicked on the page and viewed source. Saw the source of the picture as a388.g.amakai.net and removed it from hosts, went back to site and still no go. Watched bottom of IE and saw another entry for amakai flash by and removed that one also, Still can't get picture without renaming hosts file to the inactive .txt file.
For others so you don't have to look back for the link, the site is here »www.cnn.com/resources/po ··· dex.html
and left clicking-show picture doesn't work for me either.
There is something I'm not seeing in all of this but I think with what I have done that I have narrowed it down to hosts file. (I have some sites in restricted but the site shows as internet, not restricted so I don't think that is the issue). WinME OS may be one other difference between our systems. Hopefully someone can shed some light for me???thanks, can you see the current picture?

--
Tamiflu (rx) works for the real flu, but $$ your HMO won't tell you and if you don't know about it to ask.... www.tamiflu.com

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 19:17:05 EDT

jaykaykay posted : I found 3 files, 'LMHOSTS.SAM', 'HOSTS.SAM', and 'hosts'. I added my stuff to the hosts file, as that was the one that NAV had added their info, so that was a pretty good give-away that that was the proper one. I just did a simple search in my "Find" option and came up with those 3. When opening LMHOSTS, I found it was a sample as evidenced by "This is a sample LMHOSTS file used by the Microsoft Wins Client (NetBios # over TCP/IP) stack for Windows98)" I am sure you know all of this far better than I, but just in case this helps anyone else, I have included the remainder of what the file says below. This of course is for Win 98.

The entire file reads:
# Copyright (c) 1998 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample LMHOSTS file used by the Microsoft Wins Client (NetBios
# over TCP/IP) stack for Windows98
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to NT computernames
# (NetBIOS) names. Each entry should be kept on an individual line.
# The IP address should be placed in the first column followed by the
# corresponding computername. The address and the comptername
# should be separated by at least one space or tab. The "#" character
# is generally used to denote the start of a comment (see the exceptions
# below).
#
# This file is compatible with Microsoft LAN Manager 2.x TCP/IP lmhosts
# files and offers the following extensions:
#
# #PRE
# #DOM:
# #INCLUDE
# #BEGIN_ALTERNATE
# #END_ALTERNATE
# \0xnn (non-printing character support)
#
# Following any entry in the file with the characters "#PRE" will cause
# the entry to be preloaded into the name cache. By default, entries are
# not preloaded, but are parsed only after dynamic name resolution fails.
#
# Following an entry with the "#DOM:" tag will associate the
# entry with the domain specified by . This affects how the
# browser and logon services behave in TCP/IP environments. To preload
# the host name associated with #DOM entry, it is necessary to also add a
# #PRE to the line. The is always preloaded although it will not
# be shown when the name cache is viewed.
#
# Specifying "#INCLUDE " will force the RFC NetBIOS (NBT)
# software to seek the specified and parse it as if it were
# local. is generally a UNC-based name, allowing a
# centralized lmhosts file to be maintained on a server.
# It is ALWAYS necessary to provide a mapping for the IP address of the
# server prior to the #INCLUDE. This mapping must use the #PRE directive.
# In addtion the share "public" in the example below must be in the
# LanManServer list of "NullSessionShares" in order for client machines to
# be able to read the lmhosts file successfully. This key is under
# \machine\system\currentcontrolset\services\lanmanserver\parameters\nullsessionshares
# in the registry. Simply add "public" to the list found there.
#
# The #BEGIN_ and #END_ALTERNATE keywords allow multiple #INCLUDE
# statements to be grouped together. Any single successful include
# will cause the group to succeed.
#
# Finally, non-printing characters can be embedded in mappings by
# first surrounding the NetBIOS name in quotations, then using the
# \0xnn notation to specify a hex value for a non-printing character.
#
# The following example illustrates all of these extensions:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino #PRE #DOM:networking #net group's DC
# 102.54.94.102 "appname \0x14" #special app server
# 102.54.94.123 popular #PRE #source server
# 102.54.94.117 localsrv #PRE #needed for the include
#
# #BEGIN_ALTERNATE
# #INCLUDE \\localsrv\public\lmhosts
# #INCLUDE \\rhino\public\lmhosts
# #END_ALTERNATE
#
# In the above example, the "appname" server contains a special
# character in its name, the "popular" and "localsrv" server names are
# preloaded, and the "rhino" server name is specified so it can be used
# to later #INCLUDE a centrally maintained lmhosts file if the "localsrv"
# system is unavailable.
#
# Note that the whole file is parsed including comments on each lookup,
# so keeping the number of comments to a minimum will improve performance.
# Therefore it is not advisable to simply add lmhosts file entries onto the
# end of this file.
--
JKK:-)

Age is a very high price to pay for my maturity, so
if I can't stay young, I can at least stay immature!

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 16:38:45 EDT

R2 posted : DUH!!! I get it now. Oh man am I stupid! I did it right in the first place! It goes in the Etc. folder. And it works. I was just going back to www.doubleclick.com and I must have been getting a cached copy of the dang page!! If I tried to click on any link, I got the "Page not found" warning! NEVER MIND!:(
______________________________________________________

Found some more stuff. As best I can tell, LMHosts IS for NetBIOS/NetBT -- and in fact LM is for LAN Manager! (that which came before WinNT!)
[text was edited by author 2001-02-21 18:02:06]

Re: WinNT and Hosts file

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 15:50:27 EDT

R2 posted : I cannot seem to quickly figure out the difference between LMHosts and Hosts. Is LMHosts for NetBIOS/NetBT only??

On this WinNT box (not mine) there is both an LMHosts.sam file and a Hosts.sam file in the C:/WinNT/System32/Drivers/Etc directory. At home, I had both of these in C:/Windows -- and simply removing the ".sam" activated the Hosts file.

However, on this WinNT box, I tried it and NO GO. I can still get to www.doubleclick.net despite having it in the Hosts file. So I copied it to C:/WinNT -- and still it did not work...

I need to search the MSKB some more...

...and here it is:
_______________________________________________________

NOTE: The Hosts file location depends on the operating system:

Windows NT...................%Systemroot%\System32\Drivers\Etc
Windows 95...................\
Windows for Workgroups...\
Windows 3.1 .................\
MS-Client 3.0.................\Net
Lan Manager 2.2c Client....\Net

Where %Systemroot% is the folder in which Windows NT is installed, is the drive on which the OS is installed, and refers to a boot floppy disk or drive C.

A sample hosts file, Hosts.sam, is installed with the TCP/IP protocol showing the proper format.
__________________________________________________

So I have no idea why it did not work... I'll try again.:(
[text was edited by author 2001-02-21 16:32:31]

Re: WinNT and Hosts file

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 15:41:31 EDT

OzarkMan$ posted : Hey R2,

If I read this explanation from MS knowledgebase correctly....it appears MS uses a file called "LMHOSTS"....found in C:\Winnt\system32\drivers....guess we will find out from other NT users. Until then, if you go back from this response about four "Wildcatboy" responses(speaking of HOSTS):)....he gave some instructions.

[text was edited by author 2001-02-21 15:47:12]

WinNT and Hosts file

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 13:49:37 EDT

R2 posted : Does anyone know where the Hosts file goes in WinNT? I tried C:/WinNT and C:/WinNT/System32/Drivers/Etc (I chose the latter one because THAT was where the Hosts.sam file was kept...

Thanks.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 08:48:27 EDT

R2 posted : Just some followup... I tried to create the Hosts file using Notepad and them naming it "Hosts." with the "All file types *.*" line selected. I ended up with a file entitled "Host..txt"! No big deal! I simply renamed it "Hosts" and stuck it in C:/Windows. I only put www.doubleclick.com and www.doubleclick.net in there with the 127.0.0.1 address.

Without rebooting, I then returned to www.doubleclick.com. I got the "Page Can Not Be Displayed" warning. All sub-links from this page came back with the same page.

Got it. So using the Hosts file with that address complete severs the ability to reach pages. I like that. I got it. Now to install Martin's list!

By the way, IF you do see an AD on a page, Right Click on it and choose Properties. Find out where the offending site is located and quickly add it to your Hosts lists!! This way you can personally keep updating Martin's list.:)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 02:15:44 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
Neither of my browsers (IE or Netscape) were showing the full list. I didn't make any changes to either one but they appear to show the whole thing now. Well, as long as it's fixed. Thanks.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 02:03:55 EDT

tnm456 posted : Definatly something strange with only seeing to "D"
It is all there. something didn't work out too well,
Either my host or your browser failed to load it all.
very strange
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 01:44:53 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
If you are talking about "An elephantine wedding" Picture. I can see it ok. It has nothing to do with your hosts file. something else must be wrong.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 01:33:05 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
Glad that it worked out for you Rx.

tnm456. I'm afraid I haven't seen the file you mentioned. What I was referring to was the link you provided in your post www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare/myhost . When you go there, there's no header mentioning that this is indeed Martin's file and it doesn't mention any date either. Also it ends in the middle of entries for Demos online. I simply mentioned that there were more entries in the file than the letter D. It goes all the way to W for Webtrend and then the Adult sites. All entries after D are missing in your link. You may want to check the link location and perhaps fix it.

By the way folks as it says on top of the file that I posted it belongs to S. Martin and there is a link on top of the file that you should visit often to get the updated version. Of course as I probably mentioned before he accepted a job outside the U.S. and he'll be away for a year or two and he may not be able to provide updates as often as he used to. Here's the link again if you are interested. Make sure you visit the Gorilla Page as well to get more info about hosts files. I think it has already been mentioned by others in this thread but it is a long thread and a memory refresh might be in order.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 01:09:20 EDT

Rxdoxx posted : Hosts.sam is the sample file. Keeping it wouldn't have interfered with anything (except maybe a tutorial that may need it) You can run fine with or without it.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 01:05:53 EDT

Rxdoxx posted : Problem solved! I had made a folder called Hosts in the windows directory and put the hosts file in it. The search you suggested showed me that Hosts.sam and others were in C:\windows. The host file I had created was in C:\hosts\hosts.
Tried powerdesk to move hosts out of hosts folder and into C:\windows, got error message that file already exists and nothing I could do to replace it. Drug the Host to desktop and tried again, same message. Looked all over and couldn't find any host file in windows :( Finally deleted the Folder called HOSTS, then it let me do it. Then went to the test site and got your results :) The confusion for me came from martin's site. I had made a folder for the file (like I saw work with cookies and Temp Internet) and that was the glitch.
When I took the extension off the file, windows would not let me replace a Folder with a file of the same name.
__________
Edit:: Ok now another question. I had set my home page to here »www.cnn.com/resources/po ··· dex.html yesterday just for chuckles to try something different. Now I can't see the picture and right click-show picture doesn't work. Any ideas on what happened? I figured I would see it, does this mean there is a web bug in it or something? Man, the thread is long, but the information is great and we will end up with a classic novel by the end of this. DSLR publishes new book, title "Web Bugs For Dummies" ;)
[text was edited by author 2001-02-21 01:32:26]

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 00:54:38 EDT

tnm456 posted : R2 I had same files on my PC.
This is what I did....Works great

I simply deleted hosts.sam
after deletion I placed a new file called;
hosts ..no file extension

I haven't had to mess with LMHosts
I don't even know if I have one
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 00:50:49 EDT

R2 posted : RX and WCB- On my home computer, there is no Hosts file -- only the "Hosts.sam" (Sample hosts file) that is described above. It is in the C:/Windows folder. There is also a LMHosts.sam that appears to be for LAN use????

Further info:

With the use of the *.sitename.com or -.net format in Restricted Sites, I plugged around at doubleclick and I found that EVERY link I clicked on was RESTRICTED. So I am fairly confident that it works. However, none of the pages I went to had anything BEFORE doubleclick... So I don't know if something like *.*.sitename.com is EVER necessary -- or if it is a complete waste of time...

I'll try to spend some time tomorrow with the Hosts files. No time today.:( I hate when real life interferes with my computing.:)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 00:47:24 EDT

tnm456 posted : Sir wildcat
I must disagree with you, It should be identical file..
the header was created on same date, it is same version number.

for those interested, I have zip files of these hosts
uploaded to my site. They are set up so all you have to do is unzip to the right directory.
no cut/paste or renaming
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 00:33:46 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
Rx, Just do a search for hosts and Lmhosts, they should be in the same directory and I think that would be C:\Windows. In NT they are located in C:\Winnt\system32\drivers\etc but if you find them doing a search and you have not moved them, they are in the right place. Double check your extension and make sure there is no extension or dots at the end of the file name.

As for the ads, I have included www.angelfire.com in my own hosts file and it is not included in the original file I posted. It may not be a great idea for some people to add it because then you won't be able to visit any web site that's served by Angelfire. It's up to you to add it or not.

As for the rest I do get two pop up ads using Netscape and non using IE but they are blank (one of them being angelfire that should show for you). From the rest of the ads only one shows ( the German one belonging to http;//www.t-online.de . I am not aware if they are a tracking company. I doubt it though and their address is not included in the hosts file and I'm not planning to add it until I know for sure who they are. The hosts file blocked all the known tracking companies. By the way I checked the source and those ads are not clickable anyway so it is not what the hosts file did when I said I couldn't click on them.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Wed, 21 Feb 2001 00:23:31 EDT

kaybertoss posted : I'm glad I'm not the only one having a hard time with this. I ran ( windows c:\windows\hosts. ) after trying to add Wildcatboy's zip file, and this is what came up in notepad:

127.0.0.1 javascript-of-unknown-origin.netscape.com # due to Navigator 4 issue

I only run Netscape the odd time but use IE 5.5 most of the time. Where am I going wrong? After all the info posted here I feel a little foolish not being able to get this right.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 23:45:11 EDT

Rxdoxx posted : Ok, now my setup. I've got your zip in HOSTS as a file with no extention. (also 14 entries in restricted sites) I go to the test page and get 2 popups and 4 ads. Obviously, I've got something wrong. The HOSTS folder is in windows yes? or should it be in programs? WCB- you said you don't get the junk and I am using your file and I do so what am I missing?? thanks
--
Tamiflu (rx) works for the real flu, but $$ your HMO won't tell you and if you don't know about it to ask.... www.tamiflu.com

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 23:29:45 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
tnm456, It seems that the host file you posted is an incomplete version of Martin's file that I posted in this thread. You may want to check that out and update it.

Emilio, Windows has a sample hosts file and it usually has a .sam extension (as in sample) except for NT that I think doesn't have the extension. In order to make sure your Hosts file works you need to find it using Windows explorer or perhaps in DOS and get rid of the extension. Once you do that it becomes active. You can also leave that unchanged and simply save the file I attached to one of my previous posts and get rid of the .txt extension and you'll have yourself a host file.

What hosts file really does is it saves the system some time and bandwidth because your machine looks in to hosts file before it asks your DNS server to resolve a domain name. So if you have a domain name (such as Microsoft's Windows update site ) and its IP address in your hosts file you basically bypass the DNS look up and that's about it. It does not affect the way a web site is loaded.

My guess is that your update hangs because your firewall blocks either Ident or NetBios or some other information. Sites like that try to check and verify your identity before they let you in and before they proceed with the upgrade. You be the judge as what they are looking for and how legitimate their query is.

--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 22:11:52 EDT

tnm456 posted : Just thought I would share my host file (too large to post here)

It is very extensive, not much gets through

»www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare/myhost

My hosts point to 0.0.0.0
this is faster for me, but can cause problems for others

I have the host files zipped on my site
both 0.0.0.0 and 127.0.0.1 format

[text was edited by author 2001-02-20 22:13:59]

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 21:29:09 EDT

R2 posted : Jeez, a compulsive computer geeks job is never done!:)

JKK- so far, in my experience, entering the site names as *.sitename.com APPEARS to work as good as Microsoft's recommended method.

If I enter *.doubleclick.com and I go to www.doubleclick.com I get the (-)Restricted Site label in the bottom right corner of my IE window -- to me implying that what I did worked. I didn't even have to reboot.

However, in my experience, this is NOT enough to prevent the ads from appearing on web pages. As WCB says, that requires entering the site names in a Host List -- as many of us have documented quite nicely above.

Once the site is correctly entered on your Host List, I see no reason for it to be on your Restricted Site -- HOWEVER, it certainly could not hurt! And when it comes to security, a safety net is a good idea.

Emilio- welcome. You sound about as up on this as I am!! Yes, you need to add entries to the Host file that you found in C:/Windows (NOT LMHosts -- that is different). This will eliminate several adds and web bugs from running on you computer. There's a lot here -- start reading and good luck. I have no idea about McAfee.

tnm- Thanks! Now I have MORE to read!!:):)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 20:33:37 EDT

EmilioG posted : I use McAfee Virus scans' Internet Filter and I added Doubleclick and a few others and it seems to block those ads from showing up in the web page. Has anyone else tried this and how effective is it?

Also; I did a search for Hosts files and I got two hits;
Hosts and LMHosts, both in C:\Windows and they were both examples. Does this mean I do not have a Hosts file and do I need to create one, How?

Will including Microsofts Windows Update site to the Hosts file list help in reaching that site without any hang?
I have tried ALL the other fixes for WinUP and I can't get past the WAIT dialog box. Only when I disable my Firewall can I get Updates. I've configured NIS 2001 for Winup site and it doesn't help. Any Ideas? Could it be a Hosts file problem? Please advise. Thanks.

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 20:26:24 EDT

Rocktagon posted : Nice set of links and your webpage is very well done.
Thanks :)

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 19:32:19 EDT

tnm456 posted : Was just trying to find out a little more information about
these Web Bugs. I found quite a few more links.
I will post them here for anyone interested in the reading.

•Cnet

•ComputerWorld

•MiningCo

•Fox News

•Privacy Center

•Online Privacy according to MacWorld

•365Java

•Computer User

•InfoWorld

•ITWorld

•Langa
--
Many links for Broadband security issues: »www.cvzoom.net/~nitemare ··· ndex.htm

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 18:46:25 EDT

jaykaykay posted :

said by R2:
Interestingly, the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
»support.microsoft.com/su ··· 4/56.ASP
states that wildcards should be used like this:
•http://*.sitename.com --or--•*://.sitename.com

The full entry as MS has in their data base is what I was talking about in a prior response...the full entry as I have done it; http: //* .blahblah etc. I would also like to know if your shortened way is alright. I don't have Webwasher, so I am curious about whether the way I add things to my restricted sites is OK done in your shortened method. So far, I see no response to that question.
--
JKK:-)

Age is a very high price to pay for my maturity, so
if I can't stay young, I can at least stay immature!

Re: Another Privacy Issue, Web Bugs

Tue, 20 Feb 2001 16:54:27 EDT

Wildcatboy posted :
I saw no pop ups at all with IE. Two pop up ads with Netscape but empty. All the ads on the page are invisible and they have broken links and they are not clickable which means I couldn't go there even if I wanted to. I have nothing in my restricted zone and only use a hosts file.
--
You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.