how to I use the Host file to block myspace?

Question

I want to block Myspace from my kids but they are always getting around it. Is there a way using the host file to bock myspace? I have blocked www.myspace.com but since the domain can me mail.myspace or blog.myspace exct there are so many other addresses. is there a way to use a wild card? (example *.myspace.com) Thanks!

Answer 1

First I would use other partental controls - there are many many programs to get that give you much better control.
That being said Hosts files will work and you can block using it but that wasn't what it was designed to do. (It will work though)

If you make an entry like the following in your hosts file the site will be looked for ONLY on the local machine thus effectively BLOCKING it.

127.0.0.1 www.myspace.com (will block www.myspace)
127.0.0.1 myspace.com (will block myspace.com)
127.0.0.1 *.myspace.com (should block anyname.myspace.com)

The reason this works is the computer will look to the local machine to find them and when they aren't there it will return a "page not found" error.

DO NOT REMOVE
127.0.0.1 localhost ------- you need that entry

Here is microsofts OWN statement about the hosts files
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/technol/tcpipfund/tcpipfund_ch07.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/105997
or just search for "using hosts file" on Microsoft of Google

Hope that helps and good luck..
I really would get parental control software however!.
TL

Answer 2

Okay .... you have been around hacks and geeks that preach "Ultimate Paranoid Settings" and Hosts Files is something you DoNot mess with. You can mess up your entire ISP Homepage connection doing this. These are idiots and doomsday profits and you would be surprised to find that several are even "supposed to be Microsft MVP's" .... at least that is the title a lot of times you see around the web with people hacking the system. Hacking is NOT approved by Microsoft the makers of Windows which is one of the only Unix Certified operating systems in the world which is the measure of all operating systems - whereas Apple/Mac and Linux are called "Unix-Like" operating systems. This means it is certified as secure and stable and all others are not.

It is from these other areas that this "hackers lounge" arises and why they are NOT approved. Take a look at what you asked:

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File
(Thanks to Randy Knobloch (aka: Siljaline) Microsoft MVP for providing the update
notices for the HOSTS file.)
This article provides details on blocking Ads, Banners, Parasites, and Hijackers,
web bugs, etc. with a custom HOSTS file.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

So what is your point Guy - Mr MVP????? Webroot Spysweeper and Trend Micro Antispyware protect the Host Files automatically against all malwares in the spyware catagory that includes adware, spyware, scumware, parasites, web beacons, web bugs, data n\miners, and on and on. Take a look:

Webroot Spysweeper shields screenshot:
http://bluecollarpc.net/coppermine-photos/albums/userpics/10001/WebrootShields_SnapshotCopy.jpg

So you want to stay with experts in the security industry who have created professional softwares for Windows and the average user - not hacks and geeks and any Mic MVP telling you otherwise. Just because they are a MVP it does not make them an Expert on Hosts Files protection.... think about it in a Court Room testifying - who do you think the Jury and Judge will believe ??? The geek or Security Industry Software experts ??? There's your common sense arguement to STAY away from these people - they are self destructive and want to take others down the same path.

I presume you meant you added the domains like www.myspace.com to Restriced Sites ??? Why not just forbid them to use the computer for violating rules ? Set a password and lock them out. Sit with them for hour sessions so they can not visit. I mean if it is going to be that much of a discipline problem - well you violate rules and that's the price - suspended privileges. I bet they'll soon forget. But as well it is in security what they call one of the major "social engineering' web locations for a lot of trouble against minors and also with malware infestation itself. It is dangerous. Ask/tell them to forget it - it's burnt out. They can accept that - or in other words it is the local schoolyard that is filled with young thugs that mess with all kids and no one goes there anymore because of them.

Answer 3

1.) Open I.E. and click on tools

2.) Click on Internet options

3.) Click on the content tab

4.) Click on enable

5.) Click on the approved sites tab

6.) In the allow this web site box type in; www.myspace.com

7) Click never (This will block myspace)

8.) Click on ok

cyz ! ^_^ sorry kids ;)