Small clarification, the software that is named "Pi-Hole" runs on several Linux distros, and does not exclusively need to run on an Raspberry Pi either (though that is most likely the easiest...
For the technically inclined person there is Pi-Hole which is a network-wide adware/malware blocker. The name comes from the use of a Raspberry Pi to act as a black hole for adware/malware. Currently, supported operating systems include Raspbian, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS.
Small clarification, the software that is named "Pi-Hole" runs on several Linux distros, and does not exclusively need to run on an Raspberry Pi either (though that is most likely the easiest implementation). Any modern OS should be able to take advantage of Pi-Hole, you just need to change your network settings.
A much easier method, which essentially does the same thing, is to modify your computer’s hosts file. For a safe and easy way to do this, I recommend that you use free GUI software to implement this. Windows users can download Hosts File Editor+ and Mac users can download Gas Mask.
I would dispute it's an easier method, as this method requires you to install things on each individual unit. It also will be a headache/impossible on devices that won't let you easily edit your hosts configuration, for instance your android, iOS, PS4, Switch, etc.
Furthermore, at least windows has some host names that are hard coded into the OS and will not be honored by the hosts configuration. This would not be an issue with the Pi-Hole. Though if you truly care about privacy and security, you would not really be using windows anyways.
Microsoft is known to have added backdoors to their software, like Windows and Skype, to foreign intelligence agencies like the NSA. Not the least, Windows itself collects a lot of telemetry which...
Microsoft is known to have added backdoors to their software, like Windows and Skype, to foreign intelligence agencies like the NSA. Not the least, Windows itself collects a lot of telemetry which it sends home.
But ignoring that the software is known to be neither secure nor respectful of your privacy, there is a bigger and more fundamental issue with Windows. There is no good way to check what the software actually does. We can reverse engineer and monitor behavior of course, but in the end we are still operating with a black box of software.
There are several options for hosts blocking on Android devices too, but they all have varying tradeoffs. AdAway (App requires root, which is a huge security risk) DNS66 (App uses the VPN service,...
There are several options for hosts blocking on Android devices too, but they all have varying tradeoffs.
AdAway (App requires root, which is a huge security risk)
DNS66 (App uses the VPN service, so you cannot use another VPN proxy with DNS66 active, which means you have less privacy on an open/guest wifi network)
Building Android yourself with a specified hosts file (build template). This is extremely advanced and requires building new updates to refresh the hosts file.
Both use the same method to block ads, so I'm not sure if there's really any difference. The reason why I recommended DNS66 is that Blokada used to be closed source.
Both use the same method to block ads, so I'm not sure if there's really any difference. The reason why I recommended DNS66 is that Blokada used to be closed source.
I enjoy these posts. Thanks for making them. Unless I'm misunderstanding something, you really shouldn't need a special utility to edit Windows hosts file. It's just a text file and if you're the...
I enjoy these posts. Thanks for making them.
Unless I'm misunderstanding something, you really shouldn't need a special utility to edit Windows hosts file. It's just a text file and if you're the type of person to put together a Pi-Hole you probably have the chops to edit that file :)
I'm not familiar with Apple's OS but in Windows the file is blank except for comments, by default so extremely unlikely to need a backup. But of course, no harm in using a tool if that's one's...
Gas Mask automatically backs up the original hosts file.
I'm not familiar with Apple's OS but in Windows the file is blank except for comments, by default so extremely unlikely to need a backup. But of course, no harm in using a tool if that's one's preference.
For the less technically inclined or those who don't have a Raspberry Pi or spare Linux installation I'd recommend AdGuard Home (pre-compiled binaries), you can install it as a service and run it...
For the less technically inclined or those who don't have a Raspberry Pi or spare Linux installation I'd recommend AdGuard Home (pre-compiled binaries), you can install it as a service and run it on the same computer you want to block ads. It can also optionally connect to upstream servers using DNS over HTTPS or TLS for improved security and privacy.
Small clarification, the software that is named "Pi-Hole" runs on several Linux distros, and does not exclusively need to run on an Raspberry Pi either (though that is most likely the easiest implementation). Any modern OS should be able to take advantage of Pi-Hole, you just need to change your network settings.
I would dispute it's an easier method, as this method requires you to install things on each individual unit. It also will be a headache/impossible on devices that won't let you easily edit your hosts configuration, for instance your android, iOS, PS4, Switch, etc.
Furthermore, at least windows has some host names that are hard coded into the OS and will not be honored by the hosts configuration. This would not be an issue with the Pi-Hole. Though if you truly care about privacy and security, you would not really be using windows anyways.
We're talking within reason here. Assuming you still want to use a computer, you do have options.
Microsoft is known to have added backdoors to their software, like Windows and Skype, to foreign intelligence agencies like the NSA. Not the least, Windows itself collects a lot of telemetry which it sends home.
But ignoring that the software is known to be neither secure nor respectful of your privacy, there is a bigger and more fundamental issue with Windows. There is no good way to check what the software actually does. We can reverse engineer and monitor behavior of course, but in the end we are still operating with a black box of software.
The only way to have privacy with Windows is to never connect to the internet.
There are several options for hosts blocking on Android devices too, but they all have varying tradeoffs.
Both use the same method to block ads, so I'm not sure if there's really any difference. The reason why I recommended DNS66 is that Blokada used to be closed source.
If it`s not to much to ask, would you consider covering Decentraleyes in the next post?
I enjoy these posts. Thanks for making them.
Unless I'm misunderstanding something, you really shouldn't need a special utility to edit Windows hosts file. It's just a text file and if you're the type of person to put together a Pi-Hole you probably have the chops to edit that file :)
I'm not familiar with Apple's OS but in Windows the file is blank except for comments, by default so extremely unlikely to need a backup. But of course, no harm in using a tool if that's one's preference.
I'm always looking for more hosts files. Thanks for the link to the github. Do you know what the "social" category means for the hosts files?
Ah okay I figured it was social websites. Thanks.
For the less technically inclined or those who don't have a Raspberry Pi or spare Linux installation I'd recommend AdGuard Home (pre-compiled binaries), you can install it as a service and run it on the same computer you want to block ads. It can also optionally connect to upstream servers using DNS over HTTPS or TLS for improved security and privacy.