Host Handler

While it seems like the Internet or local networks are mere portals through which end users can share files or access various info, behind this massive web of signals and computers connected to each other are strong technical adjustments and commands. One simple mapping resolution is the Windows hosts file which helps your computer identify websites and their corresponding IP address and it can be modified by anyone with applications like Host Handler.

Before rushing to add your custom pages to the file, a little documentation is required. A backup of the file is also recommended. On the other hand, the application is slightly outdated and we could only get it to properly function on Windows XP, which reduces practicability.

At a first look, the application is easy to understand, with a decent preview section which also serves as your editing space, while a side panel puts all available commands and functions at your disposal. The application is capable of automatically identifying the hosts file in order to save you some time.

Even though there isn't a dedicated command to create a backup, there's the possibility to restore all changes to default, after which you can export the file to a known, secure location in case unexpected events occur.

Adding lines is easy enough, with the editing section being blocked by default so you don't accidentally mess up entries. Writing down the target web address in a dedicated field and pressing the corresponding button for submission is all there is to it.

Advanced users or network administrators find additional functions handy, with the possibility to flush DNS in order to remove malicious entries. The preview section can be made editable with the press of a button, and once you're done, the application lets you lock the hosts file so no one else modifies it.

Taking everything into consideration, we reach the conclusion that Host Handler is a practical and easy to use application, but lacks some degree of practicability due to compatibility issues with latest Windows iterations. Implemented options let you clearly view and modify the hosts file, with the possibility to take safety measures, as well as clean the DNS cache. If you're still running XP, you might want to take it out for a spin.