HostsCK

HostsCK

HostsCK is an open-source ad blocking program that modifies the hosts file on your computer to block unwanted connections. It aims to provide a simple way to block ads, tracking, malware, and other nuisances without installing more complex software.
ad-blocking hosts-file open-source privacy security

HostsCK: Open-Source Ad Blocking Program

HostsCK is an open-source ad blocking program that modifies the hosts file on your computer to block unwanted connections. It aims to provide a simple way to block ads, tracking, malware, and other nuisances without installing more complex software.

What is HostsCK?

HostsCK is an open-source ad blocking application for Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. It works by editing the hosts file on your computer to block requests to advertising, tracking, and malware domains.

Unlike many ad blockers, HostsCK does not require installing browser extensions or additional software. It simply leverages the built-in hosts file that maps domain names to IP addresses. By adding unwanted domains to the hosts file and mapping them to the localhost IP, HostsCK is able to block those requests before they even leave your computer.

Some key features of HostsCK include:

  • Regularly updated blocklists from reputable sources to maximize coverage of unwanted domains
  • Support for blocking on all major web browsers and applications that access the internet
  • Fast performance since filtering happens locally before requests hit the network
  • Ability to easily add custom domains to block or whitelist domains you don't want to block
  • Works across operating systems including Windows, MacOS, and Linux

Overall, HostsCK provides a simple way to block ads, trackers, and malware without needing to install browser extensions or other more complex software. Its ease of use along with broad device and browser support make it an attractive option for basic ad and content blocking needs.

HostsCK Features

Features

  1. Modifies hosts file to block ads, tracking, malware
  2. Open source software
  3. Simple and easy to use interface
  4. Works across operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux
  5. Regularly updated blocklists
  6. Lightweight and fast

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Blocks ads and tracking without needing extra software

Open source and transparent

Easy to setup and use

Works across different platforms

Regular updates keep blocklists current

Very lightweight resource usage

Cons

Requires some technical knowledge to setup

Modifying hosts file can cause issues if not done properly

Need to manually update blocklists

Not as robust as full adblock extensions

Limited configuration options


The Best HostsCK Alternatives

Top Security & Privacy and Ad Blockers and other similar apps like HostsCK

Here are some alternatives to HostsCK:

Suggest an alternative ❐

HostsMan icon

HostsMan

HostsMan is a free, open-source application for Windows that makes it easy to manage your system's hosts file. The hosts file maps domain names to IP addresses and can be used to block ads, tracking networks, malware sites, and other unwanted content.Key features of HostsMan include:Intuitive graphical user interface for...
HostsMan image
Auto Hosts icon

Auto Hosts

Auto Hosts is a free, open-source ad blocking browser extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It works by using curated crowdsourced host files that contain domains known to serve ads, tracking scripts, malware, and other unwanted content.When enabled, Auto Hosts automatically blocks requests to these domains before they are...
Auto Hosts image