Windows 7: HOSTS File

When you type in a Web address such as www.example.com into a browser, the application contacts a DNS (Domain Name Services) server looks up the DNS name and translates it in to a numeric IP address. When Windows does a DNS lookup it first checks a file called HOSTS which is like a mini-DNS server before it checks the regular DNS server.  This file is a legacy technology from the past, but its left in the OS for backwards compatibility.

This file is a popular target of malware, which tries to use it redirect traffic from real sites to phishing sites to steal your personal information. The file is located in the following directory C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC, and the file name is HOSTS with no file extension.

Note: Lines with pound signs (#) are comments.

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.

#

# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.

#

# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each

# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should

# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.

# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one

# space.

#

# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual

# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.

#

# For example:

#

# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server

# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.

# 127.0.0.1 localhost

# ::1 localhost

Introducing Tracking Protection

Internet Explorer 9's (currently in Beta) includes a new feature called Tracking Protection, that enables visitors to control a third-party web sites ability can track their surfing. The technology uses a combination of consumer opt-in and Tracking Protection Lists (TPLs) to balance between a visitor's privacy rights while still trying to meet the needs of the online industry.

Video: QR Codes

QR Codes seem to be everywhere these days, and each has a unique destination. Ellie gives you a look at some of the most popular QR code reading apps for your mobile device and where to find these elusive codes!

Resources:

• Google URL Shortener
• ScanLife
• QuickMark
• Mirascape
• QR Code Reader and Scanner

Software: Comodo System-Cleaner

Are you running low on disk space, and want a tool that clears your the file history from popular applications.  Check out Comodo System-Cleaner its a free a file, registry and privacy cleaner. 

Some of the feature include:

• Deletes cookies, cache, history, and usage records.
• Removes corrupt or unnecessary registry entries.
• Delete duplicate and needless files.
• And more.