Why to use Host File in Windows

[Abhibhava]

Why is the host file necessary in Windows. The files shows out some network information. The same is used in Linux also. There is another way to resolve domain names without using a DNS server, by using the HOSTS file. Every OS that communicate via TCP / IP standard protocol used on the internet, have a HOSTS file. This file allows you to match a domain IP address. What for more purpose is it used.

[Eric B]

When you own a domain that you host websites. It can be interesting to test the website in real terms or to make sure that the configuration of it and this works until the area is accessible from the internet. In this case, you can add the input field in your HOSTS file with IP Web server to verify that it works well and responds well on the field that you want to use. You can then delete the entry for this domain in your HOSTS file.

[Glenny]

It is also used to increase the speed of page loading - Adding entries for the domain names in your HOSTS file, you can increase the speed of loading sites. Indeed, your browser will need to query a DNS server to resolve the domain name of the site you want consul since IP address will be provided by the HOSTS file. However, if the website changes the IP field, which is automatic in the case of a query on the DNS server, if your HOSTS file is not updated, you can not connect to this site.

[JonathanD]

Adding a large list of networks and Web sites known for spyware in your HOSTS file and using them to map to local host (127.0.0.1) that points to your machine, you can block the consultation of these sites. You can then accelerate the consultation websites, since you will not have the popup ads, and you can secure surfing. Conversely, note that many malware add in the HOSTS file entries antivirus sites or site addresses for updating virus definitions so that your antivirus is out of date or you can not scan your computer for a virus online.

[Macarenas]

It may be advisable to spend the HOSTS file in player only to block the amendment there to by the malware. By adding an extensive list of entry in the HOSTS file, you can slow the system. You can then disable the service "DNS Client" (Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Services / right click to stop). The DNS client enables a cache DNS requests, but he also reads the HOSTS entries also allow for a cache on it, where the HOST file is large, we may note a slowing of the system.