Hosts File is a very important administrative tool of Windows. With it you can do two basic jobs: Map an IP Address with a Domain name and Block Unwanted Networks. I won't be going deeper into the usage and importance of Hosts File since there are loads of references throughout the Net. A better reference is in Bleeping Computers. Microsoft is careful enough to hide Hosts File from basic users access. You are needed to browse appropriate location and open the file with a text editor like Notepad to edit it. Hosts Tray from Minimalite is an excellent tiny application to quickly open Hosts File with Administrative Privileges in notepad and allows its modification.
Features & Specifications
- The software installer is tiny [730 Kb] and do not have any digital signature. The installation is fast and clean and needs 1.2 Mb of free disk space. The software can be launched after agreeing license terms.
- As the name indicates, this software adds a system tray entry that runs every time Windows boots.
- To open Hosts File just right click on the Tray Icon and select Open Hosts File. The Hosts File will be opened in the default text editor Notepad with Administrative Privileges.
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| Tray Icon |
- You can change the text editor which is used by Hosts Tray to open Hosts File. Double click on the Tray Icon to bring the customization dialogue in front and add the part of your desired text editor [like WordPad]. DO NOT use the path of a Word Processor [like Microsoft Office Word].
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| Change Default File Editor |
- The software runs in all Windows version, both 32 and 64 bit.
- It uses minimal system resources
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| System Resource Usage |
My Verdict
It is a very useful software without doubt but few things I would prefer to have.
- An Option to Backup Hosts File.
- An Option to Restore a fresh Copy of Hosts File.
- A portable version would be nice to have.
Download
Download the software from its Homepage
http://minimalite.com/download/HostsTray_Setup.exe
MD5 :F39BA5F4CA9D477E593B68D5BD8F6E95
SHA1 :1EDFE1E15E5C9EE33804176F409E981B4A29E526
CRC32 :85CC0616
Cheers !!
I have a suggestion for you that will satisfy your wishlist: HostMan
ReplyDeletePortable version,
Backups and Restores Hosts file
Auto-update of Hosts file from selectable sources: MVPS Hosts, hpHosts,
Exclusion list
Optimization of Hosts file
Hosts file editor
and more -- plus
HostsServer HTTP Server designed to speed up surfing when
a custom hosts file is in use.
I'm really, really pleased with HostsMan. check it out
Hi Jelson,
ReplyDeleteYup, HostMan is a versatile software. It has many features that I rarely use. Hosts Tray is a nice little app and offers only quick manual control on Host file. Those features are expected to make the software complete.