3rd party Hosts Files?

For years I used SpyBots immunization feature,that added a huge list of sites to the default Windows Host file.
I have since left SpyBot,but still keep SpyWareBlaster,which performs a similar function via the registry.

I still see people using the 3rd party host files such as MVPS.

When I tried installing these,I found a distinct slow down,even with the DNS Client service disabled as recommenced.

Does anyone here use a third party host file?
Is the technology still worthwhile?

And if you do use one,do you experience any slowdown?

noor

I used to use both Spybot's immunization feature together with SpywareBlaster. Once I started using Sandboxie (and NoScript), I couldn't see much point in continuing to use them.

Thanks ssj.
The main reason I keep SpywareBlaster,is it is my understanding that deleting the program,does not remove the registry entries it sets.
It just prevents them from being added to,or updated.
I do not know where they are stored in the registry,or if they can be deleted en masse,or only one at a time.
It sounds like they may be legacy type keys that would require raising the permission for each one.
So I just leave it on the hard disc.
I update it monthly when I come out of Sandboxie and ShadowMode
for patch Thursday.

You can use the MVPS HOSTS file and still leave the DNS Client service running if you optimize the HOSTS file as described here:
http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/optimize-windows-hosts-file/

You can download the HostsOptimizer from Softpedia:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Network-Information/HostsOptimizer.shtml
Let us know if this works for you.

DarthTrader

Thank you very much Darth Trader!
I tried "HostMan",along with MVPS host file,
but not HostsOptimizer.

I will give it a go!!

regards
noor