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For those who want to use a HOSTS file with FireFox,
in which directory/folder should the HOSTS file be placed?
For example, when using Windows XP without portable apps,
the HOSTS file is normally placed
into "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc",
but when using portable apps, there's normally no such directory.
What is the directory on the portable apps drive that is
equivalent to "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc"?
HOSTS file has nothing to do with Firefox Portable. It's an operating system level thing that only works for Windows... i.e. it's a local thing. It's not portable.
If the use of the HOSTS file is not implemented in portable apps,
then what is the equivalent arrangement that one can use to block
access to certain annoying/undesirable websites that might be
automatically accessed otherwise?
It's not that it's not implemented... the hosts file is an oddball hack that works on Windows. It doesn't work with a browser or a mail client or anything. It works at the operating system level by routing all connections to specific domain names back to the local PC. And it's never really been the best way to protect yourself from anything.
By using a better browser like Firefox and keeping it updated, you don't need things like hosts files. And, if you want to block ads and tracking urls/cookies, you can use an extension like adblock.
Wylbur,
You could try the BlockSite AddOn.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3145
Tim
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Using a beefed up hosts file, and keeping it updated, you would be able to block unwanted parasites and websites. However, be aware that a lot of web content can become inaccessible when you use one of these: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
you could do what I did, create a launcher to copy your "portable" hosts file to the appropriate directory then copy it back when your done.
I had to do this for dreamweaver/WOS so when I go to SmithTechPortable in firefox it goes to my local development website.
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