Hostess is a free software that manages your HOSTS file for ad-blocking purposes. With its local database, it allows for easy searching and grouping of host entries.
Hostess is a fantastic utility that helps you maintain your HOSTS file. Unlike other HOSTS file utilities, Hostess has a unique focus on ad-blocking rather than IP address resolution. With Hostess, you can store your host entries in a database that is indexed to eliminate duplicates and make searching fast and easy. This feature also enables you to group hosts, making maintenance much more efficient.
Installation of the program is a breeze – you just have to create a directory, extract the zip file contents, and create a shortcut to Hostess.exe. What's even better is that Hostess doesn't make any registry changes, and all program settings and data are saved in the program directory.
It is important to note that meddling with the HOSTS file can be hazardous for inexperienced users as it can have undesirable, sometimes difficult-to-resolve effects on network connectivity. The Hostess documentation provides a basic overview of how the HOSTS file operates, but better sources of information can be found through a web search for 'HOSTS file'.
Hostess is ideal for experienced HOSTS jockeys seeking fine control over what goes into (and stays out of) their HOSTS file. Give it a try and experience its simplicity and efficiency!
Installation of the program is a breeze – you just have to create a directory, extract the zip file contents, and create a shortcut to Hostess.exe. What's even better is that Hostess doesn't make any registry changes, and all program settings and data are saved in the program directory.
It is important to note that meddling with the HOSTS file can be hazardous for inexperienced users as it can have undesirable, sometimes difficult-to-resolve effects on network connectivity. The Hostess documentation provides a basic overview of how the HOSTS file operates, but better sources of information can be found through a web search for 'HOSTS file'.
Hostess is ideal for experienced HOSTS jockeys seeking fine control over what goes into (and stays out of) their HOSTS file. Give it a try and experience its simplicity and efficiency!
What's New
Version 4.1: Hostess now supports imports and exports in plain text format! The command line options were reworked to allow for the new features, and the menu shortcuts were updated so they don't conflict with common text editing shortcuts like Ctrl-V for Paste.